RDG in the Media: How Firms are Weighing the Risks and Rewards of AI
Kene Okigbo speaks with Landscape Architecture Magazine to discuss how firms are using AI in their day-to-day workflows.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the design profession, Landscape Architecture Magazine explores how firms are integrating these tools into practice. A feature article in its April 2026 issue highlights a range of perspectives from across the industry, including that of RDG Landscape Architect and Partner Kene Okigbo, ASLA, who shares how the firm is thoughtfully adopting AI to support research, planning and design workflows.
Okigbo notes that RDG began actively exploring AI in 2025, taking a proactive approach to understanding where the technology can add value. Today, teams are using tools like large language models to aggregate and analyze large volumes of information, helping streamline internal studies, surveys and early-stage planning efforts. This allows designers to spend more time interpreting insights and advancing ideas, rather than organizing raw data.
He also highlights AI’s ability to navigate complex technical documents. By quickly surfacing relevant standards and requirements, these tools support more efficient decision-making and allow teams to respond to project needs with greater clarity and speed. At the same time, RDG is deliberate about how AI is implemented, providing guidance on approved platforms and emphasizing responsible use. This balanced approach reflects a broader industry shift, as clients increasingly expect firms to clearly articulate how AI is being used in their work.