The pre-design (pre-preliminary design) phase of architectural projects is crucial for establishing well-balanced and feasible requirements that align user needs with technical and legal standards. This paper examines how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance this foundational stage, drawing on the author’s experience as an architect and project manager for German air navigation service provider (DFS). Traditional methods, such as interviews and surveys, often fail to anticipate future needs or reconcile conflicting requirements. AI, through machine learning, natural language processing, predictive analytics, and generative design, offers a transformative approach by analysing historical data, assessing user behaviour, and facilitating iterative due diligence. By integrating AI into pre-design workflows, architects and project managers can improve transparency, optimise resource allocation, and enhance user-centricity while promoting sustainability. Despite challenges like data security, AI presents a powerful tool for developing adaptable, needs-driven architectural solutions, fundamentally redefining the planning process.