PhD Scholarship Reimagining Architectural Practice through AI - An Industry-Embedded Research Opportunity
PhD Scholarship Reimagining Architectural Practice through AI - An Industry-Embedded Research Opportunity
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Job Description
PhD Scholarship: Reimagining Architectural Practice through AI An IndustryEmbedded Research Opportunity
Job No.:679177
Location: Shared between JCB Architects studio in Richmond and Monash Caulfield campus
Employment Type: Fulltime
Duration:3.5year fixedterm appointment
Remuneration: The successful applicant will receive a taxfree stipend of $36063 per annum fulltime rate
- Be inspired every day
- Take your career in exciting and rewarding directions at one of the worlds top 40 universities
The Opportunity
This is an unprecedented opportunity for an outstanding PhD candidate to help shape the future of architectural practice through an industryembedded research position. Working at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) architectural design and professional practice the successful candidate will be uniquely positioned between one of Australias leading architectural firms Jackson Clements Burrows (JCB) and Monash Universitys Future Building Initiative a research group that explores the development and impacts of technology on design for the built environment.
As AI/ML technologies emerge as transformative forces across industries architectural practice stands at a crucial junction. This research will tackle both immediate challenges how to integrate AI tools into current workflows and broader strategic questions about the future of architectural practice in an AIaugmented world. The successful candidate will help shape how architects work with AI ensuring these powerful tools enhance rather than diminish creative control and professional expertise.
The PhD candidate will leverage their knowledge of the local architecture context to work embedded within JCBs Melbourne studio collaborating with practicing architects while conducting research into how emerging AI/ML technologies can transform architectural workflows and creative processes. This distinctive arrangement offers both immediate practical insights and the opportunity to envision longerterm transformations in architectural practice.
Working at the Future Building Initiative the successful PhD candidate will be immersed in the Art Design and Architecture facultys broader community engaged with issues of technology and AI notably through collaborative research events and workshops with aligned research groups such as SensiLab.
Everyone needs a platform to launch a satisfying and meaningful career. At MADA you will find the space to take your career in all kinds of new and exciting directions with access to quality infrastructure and learning facilities to support the development of research into design and the built environment. We are a faculty full of energetic and enthusiastic minds driven to challenge whats expected expand what we know and learn from other inspiring thinkers which coupled with our access to the broader Monash community with its great breadth and depth of talent creates an ideal environment for exploration and innovation for a better future.
Monash University strongly advocates diversity equality fairness and openness. We fully support the gender equity principles of the Athena SWAN Charter.
Research Environment
Future Building Initiative / Faculty of Art Design and Architecture
The Future Building Initiative one of the research labs in the Faculty of Art Design and Architecture and directed by Associate Professor Duncan Maxwell is an interdisciplinary research group that explores how buildings are designed developed and made. The group conducts research exploration and testing to understand how new building design and construction technologies can improve process and product to benefit society and the environment. The groups Digitalisation and Computation Stream is led by Dr Camilo Cruz Gambardella who is developing new understandings of AI and Machine Learning tools for design generation. The streams research utilises digital data and works with partners to codevelop tools and systems that improve the design of buildings and associated workflows for procurement production and assembly.
JCB Architects
JCB Architects is a leading Melbournebased architecture practice renowned for their innovative approach to design and commitment to research and development. Their diverse portfolio spans residential commercial and public projects with particular expertise in multiresidential design. The firms forwardthinking approach to technology and design processes makes them an ideal partner for exploring the future of architectural practice.
The Opportunity
Working under the supervision of Dr Camilo Cruz Gambardella and Associate Professor Duncan Maxwell in collaboration with JCB Architects you will:
- Map current architectural design practices within a professional setting
- Identify opportunities for AI/ML integration that enhance rather than replace creative decisionmaking
- Prototype and test digital tools in a realworld practice environment
- Contribute to both immediate practical improvements and longerterm strategic visions for architectural practice
- Collaborate with designers researchers and technology experts
- Participate in the FBI and SensiLab research communities
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will:
- Have a background in architectural design computational design or a related discipline.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in applied research emerging technologies and the future of the architectural profession.
- Show enthusiasm for contributing to sustainable and efficient design workflows.
- Be capable of practicebased research including interviews workshops and digital prototyping.
- Be interested in translating practicebased research into written outcomes for conferences and journals.
Selection Process
This position has a twostage selection process:
Stage 1: Expression of Interest
Submit an Expression of Interest via the Faculty of Art Design and Architecture at Monash: proposal should demonstrate:
- Enthusiasm for exploring AI/ML applications in architectural design
- Understanding of both practical and theoretical implications of AI in design
- Interest in developing innovative approaches to architectural practice
- Strong computational skills combined with design sensitivity
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a professional environment
Candidates must also supply a portfolio showcasing relevant work including:
- Technical projects demonstrating computational/AI expertise
- Design work showing creative and analytical abilities
- Process documentation demonstrating systematic thinking
- Any relevant research or professional experience
Stage 2: Full Proposal
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to discuss their ideas with the supervisory team and JCB representatives before developing a full proposal.
This opportunity is available for domestic applicants only (Australian Citizen/Permanent Resident) and the duration of the scholarship is maximum 3 years 6 months.
Enquiries:Dr Camilo Cruz Gambardella
Applications Close: Thursday15 May 2025 11:55pm AEST
Supporting a diverse workforce
Monash University recognises that its Australian campuses are located on the unceded lands of the people of the Kulin nations and pays its respects to their elders past and present.
Employment Type
Student
