Architects already communicate through references: moodboards, material palettes, light studies, facade details, landscape examples, and atmospheric photos. AI workflows can build on that same language.
References reduce ambiguity
Words are not always visual enough. A reference can say soft morning light, matte mineral facade, winter city mood, or restrained landscape in a way a prompt alone may not.
Use references without losing authorship
A reference should guide atmosphere, not replace the project. The architecture remains yours; the reference narrows the visual interpretation.
References plus segments
References can guide one part of the image: greenery, facade, interior, sky, or ground plane. Used with segments, they become precise visual direction.
Main claim: References help architects communicate visual intent before AI starts guessing.