If someone asked you to design your dream house, where would you start? Assuming you aren’t an architect, it’s nearly impossible to approach such a huge project without professional help. Maket, a Mila partner organization, is on a mission to democratize architecture, allowing anyone to design and plan their new construction or renovation project without the need for expensive, specialized knowledge or tools.
From a floorplan to an action plan
Years ago, working as an emergency architectural technologist for construction and architecture companies, co-founder Stéphane Turbide had an idea to make the process of architectural design and 3D modeling more interactive and automated for clients.
While developing and marketing the platform, Stéphane and his co-founder Patrick realized that for their startup to be successful, they needed a strong technological foundation. They chose to focus on creating their own technology for generative design in architecture and on developing a platform that could generate plans that met architectural standards.
It quickly became clear that artificial intelligence (AI) was the answer — yet neither Patrick nor Stéphane were AI experts. They needed access to advisors, researchers, technologies, and connections. In 2021, Maket partnered with Mila to help the startup navigate the world of AI, identify the talent they needed, and clarify their technological direction.
The power of world-class AI expertise
As the partnership evolved, Maket and Mila scientists collaborated on numerous proof-of-concept projects, exploring the capabilities of AI in the architecture space. Maket began working with Mila professors and students on more intricate projects, such as their Floor Plan Generator, a collaborative effort with renowned professors Chris Pal and Marc G. Bellemare. The team spent around six months exploring different models to incorporate AI into floorplan generation, and finally implemented the most effective one into Maket's platform.
Beyond specific projects, the partnership also gave Maket access to Mila's broader ecosystem, integrating them into an unparalleled network of other experts, companies and institutions. This access proved particularly beneficial in the early stages of the company's development as they developed and refined their AI technology.
An adaptive, evolving partnership
Today, as Maket transitions from a startup to a more mature company with a solid business model and commercialized product, the partnership with Mila is entering a new phase. The partners are now in a position to undertake larger, more targeted, long-term, strategic projects, potentially spanning several years.
Maket and Mila's partnership provides a glimpse into the future of architectural design, and highlights the power of combining startup innovation with world-class research. By pairing Maket's innovative idea with Mila's AI minds, they're changing the game for generative design and breaking down accessibility barriers for those who want to turn their big plans into real-life blueprints.
