In this blog, I explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to transform courtroom design and operations—enhancing technology integration, spatial planning, and creative processes—to create more efficient, accessible, and future-ready spaces for justice.
In March 2025, a New York courtroom became the center of a revealing moment for artificial intelligence in the legal world. Jerome Dewald, a 74-year-old plaintiff representing himself, tried to present his oral argument using an AI-generated avatar. Although Dewald was physically present, he hadn’t informed the judges in advance about his digital stand-in. The court promptly halted the presentation and admonished Dewald for the lack of transparency. He was allowed to argue in person and later apologized, explaining he hoped AI would help him present more smoothly due to nerves and lack of legal counsel.
First Department Live Stream’ showing Jerome Dewald, bottom left, and the AI generated avatar, bottom right.
This incident, along with the now-famous 2023 case where attorneys were fined for submitting fake legal citations generated by ChatGPT, highlights an important tension: AI is advancing quickly, but the legal profession’s standards and ethics are still catching up. These stories reinforce a crucial lesson—AI tools are powerful, but they must always be guided, reviewed, and transparently disclosed by humans. Trust and authenticity are essential in courtrooms, and unchecked AI can undermine both.
Yet, AI is already being used constructively in the justice system. The Arizona Supreme Court, for example, now uses AI-generated avatars—Victoria and Daniel—to deliver news of every ruling issued by the justices. This marks the first known instance in the U.S. of a state court system using AI avatars to connect with the public and explain rulings, making court communications more accessible and efficient.
As a courthouse planner and designer, I see these developments not as disruptions, but as opportunities. The Dewald case is a reminder that AI must be implemented thoughtfully, but it’s already reshaping how courts function. My job is to ensure that courthouse environments support these changes—through flexible, intuitive design that accommodates both human and digital interaction.
Today’s courthouse is no longer just a venue for in-person trials—it’s becoming a dynamic, multi-modal hub for justice. Looking ahead, I believe AI will help planners and designers create better-functioning spaces for the public and court staff. Here’s what’s possible now, what’s emerging, and how these advancements are shaping our field:
1. Technology Enhancements and IntegrationThe pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tools in courthouses, and now, most facilities are equipped to handle remote and hybrid hearings. AI is taking this a step further by helping designers and planners make smarter decisions about technology integration. For example, AI-powered design software can analyze spatial layouts and suggest optimal placements for AV equipment, cameras, microphones, and screens. This ensures that technology is accessible, does not obstruct sightlines, and can be easily adapted as needs change.
Trial courtroom layout with AV equipment placement: Monitors, cameras, and evidence presentation system highlighted
Furthermore, AI can help anticipate future technology requirements by analyzing usage patterns and predicting where upgrades may be needed. This means that we can design spaces that are not only equipped for today’s needs but are also flexible enough to accommodate tomorrow’s innovations. The result is a courthouse that supports seamless digital evidence presentation, virtual appearances, and evolving modes of communication—making justice more accessible and efficient for everyone.
2. Spatial Analysis and Enhancement
One of the most exciting applications of AI in courthouse design is its ability to simulate and optimize the built environment. Using AI-driven tools, architects can model how light, sound, and temperature will behave in a space before construction even begins. For example, AI can analyze acoustic data to recommend the best materials and configurations for clear sound transmission, ensuring that every participant in a courtroom can hear and be heard.
AI can also simulate different environmental scenarios, helping designers understand how natural light will move through a space at various times of day, or how HVAC systems will maintain comfort during busy court sessions. This allows for more precise planning and the ability to make data-driven decisions about everything from window placement to material selection. The result is a more comfortable, efficient, and user-friendly environment for everyone who uses the courthouse.
3. Conceptual Design & Inspiration
AI is revolutionizing the creative process in architecture by accelerating the generation of design concepts and visualizations. Today’s AI-powered tools can quickly generate mood boards, color palettes, and even 3D renderings from simple text prompts, allowing designers to explore a wide range of ideas in a fraction of the time it used to take. This rapid prototyping means that architects and clients can collaborate more effectively, reviewing multiple options and refining designs early in the process.
Beyond visualization, AI can suggest multiple spatial and furniture configurations, helping designers create flexible courtroom layouts that can adapt to different uses and future needs. AI can also apply various architectural styles or material palettes to early sketches, making it easier to communicate ideas and secure stakeholder buy-in. By streamlining these early stages, AI frees up designers to focus on creativity and problem-solving, ultimately leading to more innovative and responsive courthouse designs.
While AI avatars are not yet permitted to represent litigants in court, and AI is not making legal decisions without human oversight, its impact on courthouse design and operations is already significant. The key is that AI serves as a powerful assistant—enhancing, not replacing, human expertise.
As we look to the future, the integration of AI and automation in courthouse design is about creating spaces that are adaptable, resilient, and ready for new technologies. By leveraging AI for technology integration, spatial analysis, and conceptual design, we can build courthouses that are not only efficient and accessible but also inspiring and future-proof.
Ultimately, the thoughtful use of AI in our field ensures that justice environments continue to evolve—serving the needs of the public, legal professionals, and communities for generations to come.