Does AI Have a Place in Design?
Are you embracing AI or warding it off like a hex?
I find myself somewhere in the middle...although if I'm being honest, I'm leaning toward embracing it.
My two cents? (You didn’t ask, but you’re getting them anyway) As long as you're transparent about how you're using it, AI can be a useful tool while still remaining ethical.
At first, I was firmly in the camp of, "AI will NEVER have a place in interior design." Nothing can replace the experience of touching materials, comparing finishes, or seeing products in person.
And honestly, I still believe that.
But I've also realized there is a place for AI in design.
One of the biggest reasons people hire designers is because they struggle to visualize the finished space. I can lay out samples and explain the design intent all day long, but when you can actually see that vision in an image, everything clicks. It's a game changer.
Take a look above. You tell me which of the three visuals are easiest for you to interpret. If you've browsed my gallery, you've probably noticed that many of the images are renderings based on real installations.
Why? First, because I'd rather spend my money on a vacation than professional photography, thank you very much.
Second, because my specialty is tile. My showroom showcases…tile. What I don't have are the cabinets, fixtures, countertops, and other elements that help bring a space together. Renderings help fill in those gaps so you can see the bigger picture and make a confident decision.
Are renderings perfect? Sweet baby Jesus, no. You should see some of the monstrosities I’ve inadvertently created. Use AI as what it is. At the end of the day, it’s a communication tool - not a replacement for good design, expertise, or real-world materials. If you skip those steps, that’s on you, boo. (And that’ll probably be expensive)
As long as we're transparent about what we're showing people, I think AI can be a fantastic resource for both designers and clients.
