By Maria Deschamps
All images courtesy of Maria Deschamps Design
As an interior designer specializing in the intricate world of home theater design, I often find myself facing a challenge that strikes a chord with both clients and fellow professionals in the field. It’s the challenge of conveying the vision of a completed space to the client; a challenge that becomes more evident with each new project. A recent encounter with a prospective client served as a poignant reminder of this. After customary introductions, the client voiced their primary concern – the difficulty in visualizing the precise layout and aesthetics of the envisioned home theater. As an individual deeply attuned to the visual aspects of design, this concern resonated deeply with me. I often wish, like many in this field, for the ability to transfer the concept from my mind directly to my client’s, as seamlessly as one might touch a finger to their own head and then to the client, instantly sharing the creative vision. Unfortunately, such telepathic acts remain the objects of science fiction. But what’s not fiction, what’s very much a reality, is the role that technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), plays in transforming the world of interior design.
I consider myself a “visual person,” and in the realm of design, this tendency can be both a blessing and a challenge. The blessing lies in the ability to envision spaces in intricate detail, to see colors, textures and lighting schemes come to life in the mind’s eye. The challenge is effectively communicating these rich visualizations to clients who might not possess the same level of design fluency. This is where the magic of technology, particularly 3D renderings, comes into play. It serves as a bridge that can close the gap between a designer’s creative imagination and a client’s ability to comprehend the vision. With 3D renderings, complex design ideas are no longer confined to the spoken word or two-dimensional sketches. They materialize in three-dimensional, photorealistic representations that allow clients to step into the virtual space before it’s even built. This technological leap significantly reduces misunderstandings, enhances transparency, and accelerates the approval process.
Beyond 3D renderings, AI-driven technologies are reshaping the very foundation of interior design. One of the most exciting developments is the advent of Virtual Reality (VR) headsets. These immersive devices transport clients into the heart of the design, enabling them to walk through spaces and experience the intended result in a remarkably realistic manner. What’s revolutionary about VR is that it doesn’t stop at aesthetics; it incorporates the finer architectural details and even the intricacies of structural, electrical and mechanical design. This all-encompassing perspective allows us to anticipate and rectify potential issues before construction begins, saving both time and money.
Although it doesn’t end there. Contractors have also embraced the power of AI by introducing robotic solutions for tracing walls. This technology links digital blueprints to a small robotic tracer that precisely moves across the space’s floor, meticulously tracing the walls on the slab or floor. The precision and efficiency it brings to the design and construction process are remarkable, ensuring that the end result aligns with the initial design concept.
Moreover, AI’s influence extends to fostering greater collaboration, fueling creativity, and stimulating critical thinking among design professionals. The interconnected world that AI facilitates empowers us to collaborate more effectively, drawing on the collective knowledge of experts from various domains. This collective wisdom results in richer, more innovative design solutions.
Reflecting on the evolution of technology in interior design, I’m reminded of my first encounter with AutoCAD in 1993. It was a revelation, akin to using a magic wand for designers. The ability to digitize and store drawings in a computer not only expedited our work but also introduced a new era of collaboration. Designers began sharing their digital drawings, laying the foundation for more collaborative efforts. AutoCAD allowed us to transition from being mere pencil-pushers to skilled users of technology, harnessing software to expedite and expand our creative processes.
Nonetheless, a fundamental lesson emerged from this transition. Technology, be it AutoCAD or the latest AI-driven tools, should never be perceived as a replacement for human creativity and originality. It is an invaluable aid, a partner in the creative process. It can expedite tasks and expand our capabilities, but it thrives most when complementing our innate creative spirit. This principle underscores the connected relationship between technology and human intuition.
The swift evolution of technology, especially in the interior design sector, can be overwhelming. As an interior designer, I recognize the importance of specialization. When it comes to specifying electronics and equipment, I prefer to leave that task to integrators, professionals with a deep understanding of the constantly evolving world of technology. However, I also understand the significance of keeping an eye on the horizon, staying informed about emerging trends and innovations, and aligning design visions with the potential of new technologies. I encourage all interior designers to do the same as new technologies are being used throughout the entire home.
The presence of AI is not confined to isolated developments but is rather the cornerstone of a paradigm shift. This shift was evident during my recent visit to the CEDIA Expo tech trade show in Denver, a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of technology, particularly AI. For those who perceive CEDIA as just another trade show showcasing new products like speakers and big TVs, it’s essential to recognize that it’s much more than that. It serves as a congregation of visionary technology developers, system integrators and innovative teams, individuals who not only create but also design products that shape our future. These are the architects of the digital age, and their work is awe-inspiring.
As an interior designer, I find immense inspiration in events like CEDIA. It rekindles that feeling reminiscent of my first day at UNR, where I strolled the campus, absorbing the vast expanse of knowledge that awaited me. Now, CEDIA, with its cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven innovations, ignites a similar sense of wonder and enthusiasm.
This year’s CEDIA expo was further elevated by the presence of Scot Steinberg, a technology futurist and innovation expert. In his address, titled “The Unstoppable AI Revolution That’s Coming to the Home,” Steinberg shed light on the pivotal role AI plays in reshaping our lives. He emphasized the profound impact AI will have on our homes. Steinberg’s insights underscored the unstoppable momentum of AI’s integration into our everyday lives, heralding a future where our homes are not just intelligent but also empathetic, understanding and truly connected to our needs and desires.
One of the standout advancements showcased at the Expo is the integration of AI into our homes, presenting exciting possibilities that are on the brink of realization. Let’s delve into some of the remarkable advancements and consider how they will transform our daily lives:
Cloud-Connected Fresh Air Systems: AI, when paired with cloud technology, redefines the way we interact with our living environments. It processes data and offers solutions that replicate human decision-making, enhancing convenience, efficiency and energy savings by monitoring and optimizing appliance usage.
Personalized Solutions: AI’s role goes beyond automation; it’s about personalization. AI learns and adapts to individual habits, making life more convenient. It can even alert you to abnormal activities, ensuring your safety and security. Over time, AI seamlessly integrates into our lives, becoming a silent yet indispensable companion.
Biometric Technologies: Face detection, fingerprint recognition, and retina scans are becoming common features in smart homes. These biometric technologies not only enhance security but also make daily tasks more efficient, such as adjusting settings based on individual preferences.
Health and Wellness: AI’s role in healthcare is expanding rapidly. From monitoring your health and sleep habits to ordering prescriptions automatically and even detecting health issues like sore throats, AI is poised to become your health companion.
Smart Home Technology: Imagine a mirror that selects your outfit based on your mood or a kitchen with robotic arms to assist you. AI is turning these futuristic concepts into everyday realities.
The future of AI is undoubtedly exciting, but it is not without its challenges. Privacy and trust are paramount in this AI-powered future. The use of AI often involves the collection and processing of sensitive data, raising legitimate concerns about data security and privacy. It is crucial that we remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to ensure that personal information is secure and protected.
AI is not just a convenience; it is transformative. It augments our intelligence, making us better, more efficient, and more informed. It opens doors to uncharted territories of knowledge and creativity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
In my role as an interior designer, my anticipation of further AI integration into my work and living spaces is evident. However, it is essential to approach AI with the mindset that it should enhance rather than replace the human side of our services. It should not be viewed as a substitute for creativity and intuition but as a tool to amplify them. While we may not have the ability to transmit our thoughts and visualizations by merely touching our heads, as I once envisioned with a client, we are continually discovering tools to bridge that perceptual gap.
In conclusion, the age of AI is not approaching; it is upon us, and it is a revolution we should wholeheartedly embrace. As we incorporate these transformative technologies into our lives, let’s remember the importance of maintaining a balance between automation and understanding. AI should be a powerful tool that enhances our lives, not one that replaces our innate curiosity and creativity.
Maria Deschamps
Since 2009, Maria has been curating bespoke design experiences, delivering tailored services directly to her clientele. She is an innovative interior designer, seamlessly blending technology and aesthetics to refine spaces with a global touch. Splitting her time between the vibrant design scenes of L.A. and Montreal, she draws inspiration from diverse cultural influences, creating immersive and exclusive environments.
Educated in San Francisco, California, and Montreal, Quebec Maria earned both an Associate of Arts and a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. In 1985, she launched her career with a Retail Design firm in Montreal.
Certified with NCIDQ (National Council Interior Designer Qualification), Maria is a proud member of APIDQ (Association professionnelle des designers d’intérieur du Québec) and IDC (Interior Designers of Canada).
