Did anyone else drag their feet in loving the idea of “AI”, or artificial intelligence? What was once a new and somewhat invasive idea has become a widely accepted way to speed up personal and professional output. It seems like AI can do anything and everything: from driving cars and writing research essays, to propelling medical advancements. So it’s no surprise that people are turning to AI to help design their homes. According to Exploding Topics, the search term, “AI Interior Design”, has grown +3133% in the last two years. Today we are sharing our designer take on AI in the interior design space and why we aren’t afraid of it taking away business.

Exploding Topic’s “AI Interior Design” Search Term Growth Chart

Using AI Interior Design Tools to Our Benefit

Every industry is being touched with the threat of AI taking jobs away. A main reason I don’t fear AI that so much of this industry is about relationship building, trust and referrals. While AI may be able to generate a lot of design ideas, only a true seasoned professional can provide a trusted client experience and excellent finished project, particularly a renovation or construction project. Our trusted vendors and partners complete and execute our design vision at the highest level. The amount of in the field problem solving is often monumental on a large job. AI can’t replace the client, designer, architect, or builder relationship/s. The truth is, the benefits AI can provide our business outweigh the negatives.

There are so many tools to create renderings to help quickly visualize design concepts, or dream up many iterations at once. This can help designers do work more quickly, eliminate possibilities and narrowing focus on the most promising outcome. AI can also help draft emails, transcribe meetings, and write social media captions. Admittedly, we don’t use AI to our full advantage. Like I said… I’m guilty of dragging my feet when it comes to integrating AI into our workflow. However, I recently discovered @intelligent.designer.ai on Instagram and I’m inspired! This account is all about AI tips and education for interior designers with topics like “It’s possible to appreciate the art of slow design while embracing new technology”- speaking my language!

The Unmatched Value of a Working with an Interior Designer

AI interior design isn’t going anywhere, if anything if will become more popular. As designers, we want everyone to have a home they love and feel fully themselves in. That said- we encourage using these platforms it they are the right fit! We aren’t afraid the uptick of AI interior design will take away from our business because our clients hire us for services that far surpass what AI can provide.

When you hire an interior designer, you’re hiring someone who can walk through your home, talk through your wants and needs, and can distill what’s most important. Proposing creative solutions you wouldn’t have come to on your own.

We spend the time re-drawing floor plans until they make perfect sense for your family.

We push the envelope, delivering not exactly what you ask for, but ideally something better than you could have expected.

We source vintage art and furniture specific for your home.

We have libraries of fabric, stone, wood, and tile samples for you to pick up and feel.

We have strong relationships within the industry always educating us on upcoming product launches and offering us designer discounts.

We treat your home like it is our own and deeply care about the finished product.

The value of a client/designer relationship cant’ be underscored enough. Beyond the human element, designers don’t just generate a beautiful render and associated shopping links. We are there every step of the way providing project management services to take a significant burden off the homeowner. While AI interior design services can generate a personalized image quickly. Truly good design is not driven by speed, but by attention to detail. Remember, without doing a thorough site visit, AI may recommend designs that cannot be constructed in real life. Our advice: think through your goal and level of support your next home project. If you are experimenting with AI make sure to do your own homework before purchasing anything!

AI Interior Design Resources

• Isla Porter: Combines AI efficiency with premium craftsmanship and artistry to streamline your
  kitchen design process.

• Interior AI: Redesigns your interior with a photo and a few key words in seconds. This is a great resource for virtual staging and renders.

• Market.ai – Creates custom floor plans, offers design guidance, zoning codes and regulatory compliance answers.

Market.ai Interface

• MidJourney: Creates images on the fly with a prompt.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many resources that can streamline work for design firms, and offer consumers customized design inspiration in seconds. Anyone have experience with these or similar platforms? Let us know in the comments!