ChatGPT Prompts for Architects (Design + Practice)

[Paste client meeting notes]. Build programming brief: spaces required + sf, adjacency requirements, performance criteria, aesthetic direction, budget, schedule, sustainability targets, accessibility. Flag where client said opposing things — needs reconciliation.

Site analysis narrative for [project]. Output: location context, climate considerations, sun/wind/views, vehicular + pedestrian access, neighbors, zoning constraints, opportunities + constraints. Inform design moves; not just observation.

Schematic design narrative for [project]. Output: design intent, organizational concept, site response, materiality direction, sustainability strategy, key design moves, departures from program with rationale. Client-readable + permit-suitable.

Sustainability narrative for [project]. Output: targeted certification (LEED / WELL / Living Building), strategies (passive design, energy, water, materials, IEQ), specific design moves, projected outcomes vs baseline, what we WILL pursue vs what was considered. Honest.

[Project type + jurisdiction]. Research applicable codes: occupancy classification, fire/egress, accessibility, zoning, energy codes. Output: applicable code sections, design constraints, where I might conflict, expert review recommended. Verify against current code; AI hallucinates citations.

[Paste plan + occupancy]. Verify egress: occupant load by space, egress paths, travel distance, common path, dead ends, exit width, exit signs. Flag potential code violations. Verify against current jurisdiction code.

CSI MasterFormat spec section for [system]. Output: Part 1 (general), Part 2 (products), Part 3 (execution). Manufacturer references where appropriate. Performance criteria specified. Standard CSI structure.

[Paste design]. Audit for accessibility: ADAAG common-fail areas (clearances, hardware, mounting, slope, parking, restrooms), state-specific amendments, risk areas. Always cross-check with current ADAAG + state amendments.

Client meeting agenda for [phase]. Output: pre-read materials, agenda items in order (decisions first, info-share later, action items), decision rights per item, time allocation, expected outcomes, follow-up commitments.

Decision document. Decision: [describe]. Output: decision being made, options considered, pros/cons, recommendation with rationale, deadline, consequences of delay, sign-off line. Verbal decisions get re-litigated; written ones don't.

[Paste site visit notes]. Convert to formal site visit report: date + attendees, observations by trade, deviations from drawings, clarifications needed, action items + owners, photographs reference, next visit. Documents what + when + who said.

RFI from contractor: [paste]. Help draft response: clarification of intent, design decision if needed, drawing/spec reference, who else needs notification, schedule + fee impact assessment. Defer to engineer of record on structural/MEP.

Fee proposal for [project type, scope, schedule]. Output: scope of services per phase (SD/DD/CD/CA), fee per phase, additional services framework, reimbursables, schedule milestones, payment terms, exclusions. Legal-precise + readable.

[Paste contract section]. Help me identify what to negotiate: standard AIA terms vs unusual ones, owner-favorable vs neutral vs A/E-favorable, key risks, suggested edits. Architect-licensed attorney essential for final markup.

Project profitability check. Hours invested vs fee earned. Output: realization rate, scope creep cost, profitability comparison to baseline, recovery options, lessons for next project. Architecture firms famously bad at profitability tracking.