More increasingly, the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) in any field has become a popular and controversial issue. Tools boast the ability to improve efficiency and rapidly create content, while critics question the ethics of using such tools. In the fields of architecture and interior design, conversations around AI typically refer to generative design tools meant to enhance or quickly create visualization content in order to improve decision-making. Recently, our team was introduced to a different kind of AI tool in the field, Deltek DelaTM through Specpoint.
In September of 2021, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in partnership with Deltek released Specpoint – the new home of AIA MasterSpec. MasterSpec was previously a content-based specification-writing software through tools like Microsoft Word. Through Specpoint it has transitioned specification writing into an all-in-one online platform and is the tool Architecture Advantage uses today to help create project manuals.
The AI-powered companion Dela is now available in Specpoint to help architects and specifiers answer questions regarding the software itself as well as specification content. Dela is programed to use only AIA intellectual property as its data source. This data includes the MasterSpec Library, supporting documentation found in Specpoint, and Specpoint-created help documentation such as recorded trainings and tutorials. The AI companion updates automatically with software and content updates to the source information. By not including any web information within Dela’s data sources, there is a guarantee when using the tool that information provided to any question will be more accurate and up-to-date than a tool more commonplace like a Google search.
Upon the introduction of the Dela companion tool, Deltek provided Zoom-based training sessions to address any questions of use and ethics. Dela does not have access to any project-specific information input into the software during the course of a project, ensuring security and safety of project information. Furthermore, Dela does not have the power to create content. A qualified design professional is still doing the work to create individual project specification sections. Rather, professionals can use Dela to rapidly search the MasterSpec database of information and make comparisons between products and sections.
Like many other AI companion tools, Dela through Deltek Specpoint is most powerful when design professionals are asking the right questions. AI automates time-consuming tasks like searching library content so architects and specifiers can focus on more creative or strategic aspects of their work like product selection and outlining project goals.
