In the dynamic world of interior design, technology is taking the spotlight in new and exciting ways. AI, with its ability to generate stunning visuals and even guide design decisions, has become a game changer for designers. One on hand, it offers tools designers are just beginning to understand. On the other hand, it has raised ethical questions about the designs it creates. However, as we explore the potential of AI in interior design, we must ask, what is the downside?
Above image: In this AI-generated image – created with prompts from designer Sharon Sherman – the shower controls are awkwardly located under the shelving unit. Photo credit: Sharon Sherman
Is AI redefining what it means to be an interior designer or simply providing another tool in the designer’s arsenal? Let’s explore the critical role that humans play, especially in a world increasingly guided by algorithms and automation.
The Heartbeat of Design: The Human Connection
At the core of every interior design project is the personal connection between the designer and the client. This relationship extends beyond just understanding the client’s functional needs. A good designer can tap into the emotional and psychological aspects of living spaces, creating an environment that resonates on a deeply personal level. AI, while powerful in its ability to process information and predict trends, lacks the capacity for emotional understanding and intuition that humans bring to a project.
Designers work with empathy, listening to stories and memories that help shape a home’s personality. They understand how a cherished family heirloom can be the focal point of a room or how certain colors can evoke childhood memories. In this way, designers don’t just create spaces; they craft environments that tell the client’s story. AI, for all its capabilities, cannot replicate the nuanced understanding of human experiences that a designer cultivates.
I decided to ask Chat GPT this question: “Can computers relate to humans on a human level”?
“That’s a fascinating question! Computers, particularly those powered by artificial intelligence like myself, are designed to simulate human-like interactions by processing vast amounts of information and recognizing patterns in language. While I can respond conversationally, understand context, and even pick up on emotional cues from language, the truth is, computers don’t experience emotions, consciousness, or human life in the way humans do.
In a technical sense, computers can “relate” to humans by processing and analyzing data about human behavior and responses. For example, AI can recognize when someone is happy, upset, or confused based on language or tone, and can adjust its responses accordingly. But at a deeper level, computers lack the true emotional experience, empathy, and intuition that come naturally to humans. Everything I do is based on programmed logic, algorithms, and learned patterns from data, not genuine feeling or understanding.”
AI Is a Tool, not a Replacement
There is no denying that the use of AI in interior design has revolutionized the way we visualize design concepts. What once took hours or even days of hand-drafting and model-building can now be generated in minutes with curated prompts. These AI tools help clients see a realistic depiction of their future space, aiding in decision-making and boosting confidence in design choices.
However, AI cannot adapt on the fly. It can present beautiful options, but when unforeseen challenges arise – such as structural limitations or shifts in the client’s preferences – it’s the human designer who brings creativity and problem-solving skills to the forefront. The beauty of interior design is not only in the initial vision but also in how that vision is adjusted and perfected in real time. The best designs often emerge through collaboration, adaptation and a keen understanding of human needs.
The Human Element AI Can’t Replace
AI may be able to assist in generating designs, but there is a deeper layer to the work of an interior designer that machines cannot replicate. Designers spend years honing their craft. Without a doubt, they consider the aesthetics as well as the psychology of space, light and materials. They bring an appreciation for texture, form and historical context that AI can only mimic through learned patterns.
Take, for example, the tactile experience of choosing fabrics. No algorithm can fully grasp the luxurious feel of velvet or the comfort of linen, and more importantly, no machine can understand why a particular material will connect emotionally with the client. These sensory experiences are deeply human, and they play a critical role in making space feel alive and personal.
Designers are experts at interpreting a client’s unspoken desires, translating vague ideas into concrete design elements. While AI can analyze data, it lacks the creative intuition and flexibility honed from years of practice and human interaction. Design is not just about form and function; it’s about emotion, memory and personal identity. These intangibles make a home feel like home and are uniquely human contributions.
Again, I asked Chat GPT a question: “Will AI and computers replace interior designers?”
“While AI offers amazing tools and efficiencies, the human touch in interior design is irreplaceable. The emotional intelligence, empathy, and creativity that go into understanding a client’s vision and turning that into a living, breathing space cannot be fully automated. Your ability to interpret a client’s needs, manage relationships, and provide a deeply personal touch will always set you apart in a way AI cannot replicate.
In short, AI will change your profession by enhancing efficiency, offering new creative tools, and broadening access to design services, but your human intuition, creativity, and relationship-building skills will remain the heart of what makes a designer successful. You’ll likely find that AI allows you to focus more on the aspects of design that you’re most passionate about—whether that’s creativity, client collaboration, or future-proofing spaces for all kinds of users.”
A Harmonious Blend of Human & AI
As AI technology continues to advance, there’s no doubt it will play an even larger role in the design industry. But rather than replacing interior designers, AI can serve as a powerful tool that enhances what human designers do best. By handling repetitive tasks like creating renderings or generating layouts, AI allows designers to focus on the more personal, creative aspects of their work.
AI is undoubtedly transforming the design landscape, but the essence of what makes interior design special remains rooted in human creativity and connection. As we bridge the gap between technology and tradition, it’s clear that the future of interior design will involve a harmonious collaboration between man and machine. Designers will continue to bring warmth, intuition and creativity that technology cannot replace. In this evolving industry, AI will serve as a tool to elevate design possibilities, but the heart of every project will always belong to the human touch.
Sharon L. Sherman, ASID, NCIDQ, CID, CKD, is the founder of Thyme and Place Design, in Wyckoff, N.J.
