Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2025 - 22

INDUSTR Y CHALLENGES
Innovation or Disruption?
How AI is
changing the
definition of
an interior
designer
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, it has raised
ethical questions about the designs it creates.
Is AI redefi ning what it means to be an interior designer or simply
providing another tool in the designer's arsenal? Let's explore
the critical role 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 relationship
between the designer and the client. 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 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. 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 a designer cultivates.
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 confi dence in design choices.
However, AI cannot adapt on the fl y. 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 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 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 spaces feel alive and personal.
While AI can analyze data, it lacks the creative intuition and
fl exibility 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.
In this AI-generated image -
created with prompts from
designer Sharon L. Sherman
- AI awkwardly located the
shower controls under the
shelving unit.
Image credit: Sharon Sherman
22 JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2025
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 human
and machine. 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.
By Sharon L. Sherman, ASID, NCIDQ, CID, CKD, Founder of
Thyme and Place Design, thymeandplacedesign.com
http://www.thymeandplacedesign.com
Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2025
