My Workday: Where AI Comes In, and Where It's Just Personal Experience

In my work, which today focuses on the development of formspace.design, decades of practical experience in landscape design are wonderfully intertwined with the latest capabilities of artificial intelligence. I believe that the future lies in the synergy of these two elements, where AI does not replace humans but greatly enhances their capabilities, allowing them to focus on creativity and a deep understanding of client needs.

Morning: Planning, Analysis, and Inspiration

My workday begins with a cup of coffee and an analysis of current tasks. Previously, this involved delving into stacks of blueprints, plant catalogs, and agronomy books. Today, AI helps me process vast amounts of information much faster. For instance, when seeking inspiration for a new project, I can analyze thousands of images and articles in minutes to identify current trends or, conversely, discover rare historical styles. My experience, accumulated over years of working at "Dom i Sad" (House and Garden), allows me to instantly filter out irrelevant or impractical ideas generated by AI and focus on truly valuable ones. I always keep in mind that AI is a tool, not the ultimate judge. It is my "artist's eye," developed since my youth in a folk painting studio, that helps me see potential in seemingly random combinations suggested by the algorithm.

Concept Development: Where Experience Meets AI Capabilities

The main part of my work is creating concepts. Here, AI becomes an indispensable assistant. When a client comes to me with a plot, say, 10–12 ares (or 1000-1200 sq meters), and general wishes, I start with a manual sketch to define the main functional zones. But then AI comes into play. I use it to generate numerous layout options. This used to take days, but now it takes hours. AI can suggest unexpected but very interesting solutions for zoning or arranging elements that I might not have thought of initially. For example, it can propose the optimal location for a gazebo, considering solar insolation and wind loads, or design a system of paths that harmoniously connects all parts of the plot, while also accounting for the necessary width for comfortable passage, say, 1.2–1.5 meters. My task is to evaluate these options in terms of practicality, aesthetics, and budget, and then refine them, incorporating my personal experience and understanding of the specific site conditions. This is precisely where the essence of why I decided that AI should assist the designer, not draw for them becomes apparent.

Detailing and Technical Solutions: Where Experience is Indispensable

While AI excels at conceptual design, detailed elaboration and technical aspects still require deep expertise. For instance, when designing a drainage system, it's essential to consider the plot's slope, soil type, and rainfall volume. AI can suggest general principles, but calculating the precise 2% slope for effective water runoff or selecting appropriate materials for storm drainage is a specialist's task. The same applies to plant selection. AI can propose a list of species, but only I, based on years of experience working with local nurseries and understanding the climate specifics of the Dnipropetrovsk region, can choose plants that are guaranteed to thrive and delight for decades. Selecting an automatic irrigation system, calculating system pressure (typically 2–3 atmospheres for optimal operation), and choosing specific nozzles are also areas where my knowledge, gained since my time with "Dom i Sad," plays a crucial role.

Project Management and Communication: AI as an Assistant, Not a Replacement

In the process of creating formspace.design, I faced the need to manage numerous tasks, resources, and communications. Here, AI helps me automate routine processes: planning, task assignment, and deadline tracking. I use it to generate reports, analyze data, and even draft emails. However, no algorithm can replace direct communication with a client, the ability to read between the lines, understand their unspoken desires, and resolve conflict situations. My experience managing companies, starting with "Alkar" in the 90s and ending with "Dom i Sad," taught me that the human factor will always be decisive. AI can help me be more efficient, but it cannot be me. This is precisely why the difference between CRM for retail and CRM for a project-based business like ours is so important.

Learning and Development: AI as Teacher and Student

Despite my age (I started coding at 61!), I am constantly learning. AI has become not just a tool for me, but a kind of mentor. It helps me master new programming languages, understand complex algorithms, and find solutions to technical problems that once seemed insurmountable. I can ask it questions like an experienced colleague and receive instant, structured answers. But this is a two-way process: I also "teach" AI by correcting its conclusions, refining queries, and providing feedback. This continuous dialogue with technology allows me not only to create formspace.design but also to develop myself, staying at the forefront of modern trends. I also share this experience by teaching young architects and landscape designers how to use AI in their work.

How to Plan a Plot in formspace.design

Imagine you own a 15-are plot (or 1500 sq meters) and want to create a harmonious space for relaxation and gardening. In formspace.design, this process becomes intuitive and engaging. First, you enter module 1.x "Plan/Zones/Objects." Here, you can upload a satellite image of your plot or draw its contours manually, indicating the location of your house, garage, and other existing structures. Then, you define functional zones: for example, a barbecue area, a children's corner, an orchard, a decorative garden. You can place main objects such as paths, a pond, or a gazebo to establish the general framework of the future landscape.

The next step is module 2.1 "AI Concept." Here, based on your defined zones and objects, as well as your chosen style (e.g., "modern minimalism" or "natural garden"), AI generates several unique design concepts. You will see various options for plant arrangements, decorative elements, and small architectural forms. This allows you to quickly evaluate different approaches and choose the one you like best. Next, using module 3.1 "Design by Photo," you can upload photos of specific corners of your plot or images from the internet that you like, and AI will suggest concrete solutions for landscaping or material selection that best match your preferences. formspace.design significantly speeds up the visualization and iteration process, allowing you to experiment with ideas before any real investments are made.

FAQ

• Can AI completely replace a landscape designer? No, AI cannot completely replace a landscape designer. It is a powerful tool that automates routine tasks and generates ideas, but it lacks creative thinking, empathy, and a deep understanding of individual client needs. Only a human can account for all nuances, such as local traditions, a client's personal memories, or even informal wishes that cannot be algorithmized.

• How to check the quality of AI suggestions? The quality of AI suggestions should be checked based on your experience and common sense. Compare them with best practices in landscape design, consider climatic conditions, soil characteristics, and functional requirements. Always ask yourself: Is this practical? Is it beautiful? Does it align with the budget and my goals? AI can make mistakes, so critical evaluation of its outputs is absolutely necessary.

• Is formspace.design suitable for large plots (20+ ares)? Yes, formspace.design is suitable for plots of any size, including 20+ ares (or 2000+ sq meters). The larger the plot, the more advantages AI offers in terms of rapid zoning and general concept generation. It allows for efficient work with large scales where manual design can be particularly labor-intensive, but remember that detailed elaboration will still require your attention and expertise.

• What typical mistakes can be avoided using AI in design? Using AI can help avoid mistakes such as inefficient use of space, violation of composition principles, ignoring solar insolation, or suboptimal placement of functional zones. AI quickly identifies such problems in the early stages, offering alternative solutions, which saves time and resources on subsequent rework.

• How difficult is it to master formspace.design if I'm not a designer? I have tried to make formspace.design as intuitive and accessible as possible, even for those without professional design education. The interface is designed so that any plot owner can easily upload their data, define zones, and get initial concepts. Of course, achieving a professional level will require practice, but basic functions are available to everyone.

• How does AI account for local specifics (climate, soil)? AI in formspace.design can account for local specifics if you provide it with the relevant data. For example, when selecting plants, you can specify the climatic zone or soil type, and AI will suggest the most suitable species. The more accurate and complete your initial parameters, the more relevant the algorithm's suggestions will be, but the final decision always rests with you.

• What if I don't like any of the AI-generated concepts? If none of the AI-generated concepts meet your expectations, don't be discouraged. This is a normal stage of the creative process. You can change the initial parameters, such as style, functional zones, or key objects, and regenerate options. You can also select several elements from different concepts and combine them manually, using AI as a source of inspiration, not a dogma.

• Can formspace.design be used for commercial projects? Yes, formspace.design can and should be used for commercial projects. It significantly accelerates the pre-design preparation phase, allows for quick generation and presentation of various ideas to clients, and efficiently manages project resources. It is a powerful tool for increasing the productivity and competitiveness of landscape design firms and independent designers.

My workday is a constant search for balance between the wisdom accumulated over years of practice and the courage to explore new horizons opened by artificial intelligence. I believe that everyone can find something unique in this synthesis to realize their dreams of an ideal plot. Try it yourself and see how formspace.design can assist you on this exciting journey.

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