Samuvel Benhursha is an architectural designer, AI artist, and curator of Sambenhur Designs, a digital gallery where architecture meets imagination. With a background in architecture and a passion for sustainability, Samuvel brings a unique perspective to the intersection of technology, heritage, and design. At its core is a deep belief that design should serve both the senses and the soul.

His work uses artificial intelligence as a creative partner; helping to envision buildings and environments that challenge traditional boundaries and suggest new ways of living. Inspired by the elegance of form and the complexity of nature, Samuvel’s creations often bring together futuristic elements with echoes of forgotten cultures, inviting viewers to consider what might have been — and what could still be.

Samuvel has been featured in Digital Journal, LA Weekly, Film Daily, Flaunt, and other publications for his thoughtful exploration of how technology and art can revive cultural memory and expand architectural possibility.

We asked Samuvel about his art, creative process, and inspirations.

How does your background in architecture influence your approach to AI-generated designs?

My background in architecture profoundly shapes my approach to AI-generated designs by anchoring creativity within a structured yet dynamic framework. Art, fundamentally, is a dialogue between creation and logic—an inherent paradox that mirrors the complexities of our reality. In architecture, every innovation emerges from an understanding and reinterpretation of historical precedents and structural constraints. Similarly, when leveraging AI, I begin by extracting logical patterns and insights from existing architectural conditions, forming a robust foundation for innovation.

This process captures the delicate tension between abstract imagination and tangible reality, a duality central to both architecture and artificial intelligence. By consciously navigating between logic and philosophy, my work finds a critical midpoint—where analytical rigor meets imaginative exploration. Architecture teaches the importance of balance, precision, and spatial sensibility, guiding my AI-driven designs toward solutions that are as functional and grounded as they are inventive and thought-provoking.

Your work often explores the intersection of chaos and order — how do you achieve this balance in your designs?

In my designs, order symbolizes structure, stability, and the careful logic that ensures a space functions effectively. It's about precision, clarity, and the rigor necessary to withstand practical constraints—gravity, materials, and time itself. Chaos, on the other hand, represents spontaneity, unpredictability, and the creative freedom needed to produce genuinely innovative outcomes. It embodies uncertainty, potential, and the infinite possibilities that emerge when conventional boundaries are thoughtfully challenged.

Achieving a meaningful balance between these forces involves deliberately placing architecture—structured, intentional, and disciplined—within contexts that invite creative tension and surprise. The restaurant within the red rock formations exemplifies this interplay: the meticulously designed structure (order) exists within a landscape defined by geological unpredictability and vast natural complexity (chaos). By embracing both simultaneously, my designs amplify the human experience, inviting people to reflect on their transient existence within the permanence of nature’s ancient, unpredictable canvas.

In this careful negotiation between order and chaos, my work reveals how creativity thrives precisely at the intersection of these opposing yet complementary elements, allowing architecture to reach new expressive and experiential depths.

Can you share a project where AI helped you reimagine an extinct culture or historical style?

Blending India's vibrant peacock aesthetics with Neoclassical architecture, using a contemporary palette of black and gold, symbolizes a fusion of tradition and modernity. This design philosophy reflects Louis Kahn's view: "Design is not making beauty; beauty emerges from selection, affinities, integration, love.

I see San Francisco's Indigenous Cultural Theme as an essential narrative interwoven into the city's fabric. It compels us to recognize and integrate the wisdom of its original inhabitants, calling for a restoration of balance and respect within our communal spaces, reflecting the profound, often unspoken truths of history.

Are there any artists or creative influences that have had a significant impact on your work? How have they shaped your artistic style or approach?

Several influences have profoundly shaped my creative perspective, but notably, my design sense is deeply rooted not just in visual aesthetics but in philosophical inquiry. Philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche and Carl Jung have significantly impacted how I approach architecture and creativity. Nietzsche's exploration of existential authenticity and Jung’s profound insights into the collective unconscious and archetypal symbolism helped me understand the deeper fundamentals of reality, transcending purely visual considerations.

Rather than simply admiring the stylistic output of celebrated architects, I find myself more drawn to the philosophical intentions underlying their work. The motivations, ideas, and principles behind any creation often reveal far more about its lasting significance than aesthetics alone. This philosophical dimension continually informs my practice, guiding me toward designs that not only serve functional needs but also invite thoughtful contemplation on human existence, identity, and our relationship with the spaces we inhabit.

How do you handle the criticism against AI art? Do you think your work was influenced by these debates in any way?

I see AI as nothing more than a modern-day paintbrush—a tool that extends human creativity rather than replaces it. Technology will always evolve, and resistance to that evolution is futile. What truly matters is not the survival of the fittest, but the adaptability of those who learn to work with change rather than against it.

That said, the use of AI—or any powerful tool—must be grounded in clear standards, ethical responsibility, and a strong moral compass. While everyone has the freedom to create, that freedom comes with the responsibility to use such tools thoughtfully and with integrity.

In many ways, AI has reshaped traditional creative hierarchies. It empowers individuals to be more self-sufficient, offering access to tools and processes that once required large teams or resources. Yet, even in this self-sufficiency, we remain interconnected—creativity still thrives in dialogue, influence, and shared ideas. The debates around AI art have certainly made me more reflective and intentional about how I use these tools, always striving to maintain authenticity and ethical awareness in my work.

Have there been any surprising or memorable responses to your work?

Yes, I’ve received some truly surprising and memorable responses to my work—especially through insights from my Instagram account. It’s fascinating to observe how different cultures respond to various aspects of my designs. For instance, visually rich and culturally embedded content tends to resonate more in countries like India, Brazil, Egypt, and across the Arab world. On the other hand, more symbolic, thought-provoking concepts often gain deeper appreciation in Western countries.

One moment that stood out was when I shared a design of workstation pods placed along a riverbank. An IT professional commented that the concept brought him a sense of relief—it offered a solution to his everyday work stress through spatial imagination. That kind of feedback means a lot to me. It reaffirms that my designs are not just artistic expressions, but projections of reality that address real human problems. When a design becomes a bridge between imagination and resolution, it transforms into something more meaningful than just visual appeal—it becomes purposeful.

What else fills your time when you’re not creating art?

When I’m not creating art, I spend most of my time traveling—and more importantly, observing. I believe observation is a powerful, often underrated act. Environments shape us, just as we shape them. This mutual relationship unfolds both consciously and unconsciously, but I choose to be a conscious participant in it.

Imagine walking through a mundane neighborhood and suddenly encountering a serene lake. That shift in scenery awakens the senses—it triggers awareness, reflection, and often, inspiration. These moments are reminders that exposure to varied environments isn’t just refreshing; it’s essential for staying attuned to the world’s nuances.

Whether I’m on a flight to a new city or taking a quiet walk in an unfamiliar alley, I carry the journey as if every second has meaning. Savoring a fine meal, sipping local tea, or simply watching how flora and fauna interact with the built environment—all these experiences fuel my creativity. Ultimately, it's this practice of deep observation that shapes me as a conscious designer.