On our most recent From the Tap podcast, we spoke with Stephanie Lindsey and Jessica Nelson, principal designers of Austin-based Etch Design Group. They are also the co-owners of AI for Interiors, and we discussed the role of artificial intelligence in the design world.
Dipping a Toe in AI
Nelson started out by telling us how she and Lindsey developed AI for Interiors, which they said originated at a panel discussion at last year’s KBIS. The goal for their new initiative is to teach interior designers how to incorporate AI into their processes and projects. They want to introduce them to the possibilities in a non-intimidating way.
“We’ve really just tried to kind of focus on this idea of leaning into it,” said Nelson. “You don’t have to tackle everything at once, just tackle one tool at a time.”
AI’s Definition in Interior Design
Nelson looks at artificial intelligence as a digital assistant that helps her do her job faster and more efficiently. It gives designers more time to focus on the more creative parts of their occupations and offers clients are more streamlined design process. Lindsey also refers to AI as “intelligence without emotion,” which means it is able to give true feedback on data.
Benefits for Design Pros
AI is helpful in that it can elevate processes, enhance creativity and streamline workflows. This translates into simplifying various tasks, being able to show clients more realistic renderings in a shorter amount of time, brainstorming inspiration images with clients and eliminating repeat tasks.
The two designers shared several real-life examples of how they use AI within their firm, and they also noted various tools to use for different needs. They have even improved some of their processes through the use of AI.
AI Is Not a Replacement for the Human Connection
Despite all AI has to offer, it is not designed to be a substitute for the personal aspects of a design and/or construction project.
“Clients really want spaces that reflect their lives, their stories, their personalities, and building that understanding comes from human interaction,” said Nelson. “The magic of design is how we listen, interpret and translate our clients’ visions into reality. We view AI as a tool that helps us get to that result faster and much more efficiently.”
Next Steps for Implementing AI in Design
Both designers say that artificial intelligence is not going away, so they are finding ways not only to work with it but to also embrace it. They also recommend starting out with something simple and then opening your mind to other tools that could be helpful. They do feel that to actively and accurately start using AI tools, you have to invest in the learning about them.
“One of the things we heard early on was that AI isn’t going to replace interior designers, but interior designers using AI will,” said Lindsey.
For more tips on how AI might benefit your business and processes, listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and other outlets.