One of the most prominent conversations in the interior design industry today is AI. AI is developing fast, and industry insiders are quick to explore its potential as a design partner, admin assistant, and communication tool.
This article delves into:
- AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: AI can enhance the interior design process by handling administrative tasks, generating initial design concepts, and predicting trends. However, it cannot replace the creativity, empathy, and personal touch of a human designer.
- Collaboration with AI: Designers can use AI for tasks like rendering models and trend analysis. AI can complement a designer's skills by providing logistical support and innovative ideas while the designer adds creativity and personal insights.
- Embracing AI for Efficiency and Sustainability: AI can streamline workflows by reducing administrative burdens and improving material efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable interior design industry.
While it's easy to think about the latest AI developments and their potential in the industry, we at Visualist decided the best way to answer this question was to ask those in the industry. So, in collaboration with NYC Design Week, we invited experts with a keen interest in AI in the interior design industry to join us for a panel discussion. Meet our panel...
Sally Booth
Trend forecaster and PhD student exploring what the limits of AI are in design and creativity.
"I am currently in my first year of a PhD looking into the use of machine learning in the process of predicting colour for trend predictions. I am the founder of my own trend consultancy and worked for an international colour agency predicting and writing about trends. I find AI absolutely fascinating but my research revolves around how AI is going to augment and enhance the creative process, as opposed to replacing the creative themselves."
Maya Mystery
Founder of 3D Guru, an AI-enabled design tool for architects and interior designers.
"I did a bachelor's in civil engineering and then went on to do a master's in architecture. During my master's study, I realised there are a lot of use cases of technology in architecture and design which can be leveraged, which inspired the creation of 3D Guru—a co-pilot for 3D design."
Artem Kropavinsky
Interior designer based in New York.
"I'm an interior designer and founder of Interior Design Studio based in New York. I have always been curious about technological innovations and how they can be implemented in the interior design process, especially now that they are developing so rapidly. We are very proud to use innovations that enhance the client's experience and streamline our working process—for example, using AI and virtual reality in our renderings."
Alongside our panel of experts, we wanted to hear from our audience—mainly working interior designers interested in AI's impact on their industry. Before the talk started, we surveyed them to gauge their general feelings about AI. Of those surveyed...
- 14% are wary about copyright issues with AI.
- 27% think AI devalues their work.
- 27% think AI makes their process faster and more efficient.
- 36% think AI could reduce their time spent on admin.
- 36% think AI sparks new creative ideas.
- 64% are curious about AI but don't know how to incorporate it into their workflow.
The overall sentiment: we're not completely against AI; we just don't know how to use it yet. Thankfully, our panel discussion provided some answers. As a working interior designer, what do you need to know about AI right now? Where will you see it in the future? Watch the full talk here or keep reading for a summary of the biggest takeaways for interior designers.
It is okay to be unsure about AI
The media is constantly buzzing about AI developments—but as a designer, it's okay to have reservations. Interior design is a highly skilled discipline, and the personal aspect makes it special. It's hard to accept technology entering that creative process.
Even if you're positive about AI and curious about its use, you might not know where to start. That's okay too—64% of the interior design industry feels the same, according to our survey!
AI's role in the future of interior design is almost certain, but you, the interior designers, define that role. It's okay to take your time figuring out how AI fits into your process. It's okay to get the balance wrong at first, and it's okay to reject AI altogether. You're still in control of your creative process.
AI can be trusted
If we can learn to trust AI, we can explore the ways that AI might positively impact the workflow of interior design professionals and the interior design industry at large.
There are two sides to running your own interior design firm: admin work and creative work. Odds are, you didn't become an interior designer because you love admin tasks. But, like it or not, admin is a huge part of being a creative professional. AI could work to a designer's advantage by handling the admin side, saving time and costs. With this perspective, we can see AI as a hero—tackling mundane tasks to protect the time you need to connect with clients and tap into your creativity.
You are not competing with AI
A beautiful room means nothing if it doesn't meet the emotional and functional needs of its occupants. AI might craft beautiful things, but it can't interpret a client's wants and needs. Often, clients don't even know what they want—interior designers guide them through that process, something AI can't do yet.
The best partnerships involve partners with different but complementary skills. This is true for AI and interior designers. AI can handle the groundwork—the calculations, logistics, and even conceptualization. Interior designers bring the flair—the eye for detail, client considerations, and nuance.
You can work collaboratively with AI
Most designers agree that using AI as an administrative assistant is a good idea, but what about working collaboratively with AI?
A good application of AI in the interior design process is in render modelling. For example, 3D Guru helps designers quickly create concepts they can explore with clients or personalize based on trends, design, and customer preferences.
"There are a few things which AI can do very well right now: generating pixels, render models, marketing content etc. But there are a few things which it can't do very well, namely creativity and common sense reasoning." - Maya Mystery
AI-rendered designs can help interior designers see things differently and think outside their usual constraints. But AI has no concept of reality. It might produce a design with a sofa that's not available locally or a floor plan that's not structurally viable. An interior designer then interprets that vision to make it feasible. AI lacks the creativity, compassion, and rationality of an interior designer, and likely always will. However, we can embrace AI's skills in a way that complements our own.
Predicting the future is possible with AI
To predict the future, AI looks to the past. AI can analyze historical information to understand what’s coming next. For example, colors and materials trending at any time can be linked to the attitudes and events of that era. When similar circumstances arise, we can expect similar aesthetic trends to reappear.
Narrative, storytelling and communication are all incredibly important in design. Trends should be interpreted in line with your ethos and your identity." - Sally Booth
Although trends follow a cyclical process, each interpretation is different. This interpretation is the role of the interior designer. AI can inform you of a rising trend, but applying that to your client's needs and the ever-changing cultural landscape requires skill and adaptability.
AI is a sustainable solution
AI could drive the interior design industry towards a more sustainable future.
One positive impact is waste prevention. AI technology allows designers to predict how much material they need for each element of the room, such as curtains, flooring, and upholstery. This prevents overordering and excess waste. AI can also help manufacturers adopt a supply-and-demand production method, reducing overproduction and deadstock.
If we can predict more accurately, we will prevent manufacturers from making for making's sake which will ultimately have a beneficial impact on the planet. - Sally Booth
AI technology is continually improving, so we can expect further developments to positively impact the carbon footprint of the interior design industry.
x
If you're an interior designer with opinions or questions on the future of AI in the interior design industry, get in touch! Join in the conversation on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Visualist is a software supporting creative professionals to grow, earn, and scale. Want to learn more? Head to our website.
