Phd Scholarship: Reimagining Architectural Practice Through Ai

**The Opportunity**

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 what's 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 group's 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 stream's research utilises digital data and works with partners to co-develop tools and systems that improve the design of buildings and associated workflows for procurement, production, and assembly.

**JCB Architects**

JCB Architects is a leading Melbourne-based 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 multi-residential design. The firm's forward-thinking 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 decision-making
- Prototype and test digital tools in a real-world practice environment
- Contribute to both immediate practical improvements and longer-term strategic visions for architectural practice
- Collaborate with designers, researchers, and technology experts
- Participate in the FBI and SensiLab research communities
- 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 practice-based research, including interviews, workshops, and digital prototyping.
- Be interested in translating practice-based research into written outcomes for conferences and journals.

**Selection Process**

This position has a two-stage selection process:
**Stage 1: Expression of Interest**

Your proposal should demonstrate:

- 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
- 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**

This opportunity is available for domestic applicants only (Australian Citizen/Permanent Resident) and the duration of the scholarship is maximum 3 years 6 months.

**Applications Close**:Thursday 15 May 2025, 11:55pm AEST

**Supporting a diverse workforce