By Sharon Sherman
Exploring the Future of Interior Design in the Age of AI.
In the ever-evolving world of design, the role of a designer has transformed dramatically over the years. Gone are the days of drafting with T-squares and meticulously rendering designs by hand. Today, we find ourselves in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), where anyone can create virtually anything with the stroke of a keyboard. This begs the question: Is AI redefining the term “designer”?
What is the Essence of Design?
At the heart of design lies a crucial element — the relationship between the designer and the client. The human-centric approach is fundamental to the human condition. As we experienced during the pandemic, our connections with others, both psychologically and emotionally, are of paramount importance. So, where does AI fit into this equation?
AI tools have rapidly evolved over just a few years. What is the impact of AI on the design industry? What are the ethical questions surrounding AI and how it sources its information?
Chat GPT
Let’s start with a high-level look at Chat GPT. Called an LLM or Large language model, these bots can replace some of the repetitive and time-consuming functions of running a business. This does not happen instantaneously; you have to train the bots and revise the functions to make them seamless, but once they are trained bam! The fun begins. What does that mean for the entry-level designer who learned from the ground up performing some of these functions? Scheduling, calendar management, client communications, proposals and estimates research, social media marketing, procurement and client onboarding. Is that an outdated idea? Perhaps. In my experience, that was how I learned the foundations for my own successful business.
But…What About the Human Element?
If AI borrows from existing information and available images online, can a computer truly create something unique tailored just for a particular client? Computers can learn color theory and design principles, but what about the intangibles? Can computers tap into an emotional connection that drives humans to make certain decisions that may be irrational, especially in the world of interior design? Computers are being trained to react to human emotions, but they don’t possess those emotions.
Emotional intelligence (EI), or Emotional Quotient (EQ), is the ability to perceive, understand, manage and handle emotions. High emotional intelligence includes the recognition of emotions of the self and others, using emotional information to guide thinking and behavior, discerning between and labeling of different feelings, and adjusting emotions to adapt to environments. I wondered how my bots would respond to this concept.
I decided to ask Chat GPT this question. “Can computers relate to humans on a human level?”
This was the answer:
“That’s a fascinating question! Computers, particularly those powered by artificial intelligence like me, are designed to simulate human-like interactions by processing vast amounts of information and recognizing patterns in language. While I can respond conversationally, understand context, and even pick up on emotional cues from language, the truth is, computers don’t experience emotions, consciousness, or human life in the way humans do.
In a technical sense, computers can “relate” to humans by processing and analyzing data about human behavior and responses. For example, AI can recognize when someone is happy, upset, or confused based on language or tone, and can adjust its responses accordingly. But at a deeper level, computers lack the true emotional experience, empathy, and intuition that come naturally to humans. Everything I do is based on programmed logic, algorithms, and learned patterns from data, not genuine feeling or understanding.”
My next thought? Is this a programmed response that Chat GPT has learned? You have to keep asking. Additionally, I use Siri to complete tasks for me, the earliest form of AI that I started using. In my opinion, although AI is learning, it still cannot experience human emotions on a profound level. Self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy and social skills are human abilities. Connecting on an emotional level is still unique to humans and that, at least for now, is what designers do for their clients.
“Generative AI tools can shorten physical product design life cycles significantly and spark innovation, but the knowledge and discretion of design experts are necessary to mitigate design pitfalls”.
McKinsey & Company
AI can suggest fabrics, but it can’t replicate the sensory experience. Designers focus on human-centered elements like empathy, creativity and storytelling whereas AI cannot adapt in real-time during the design process…yet. AI cannot understand emotional attachments, e.g., family heirlooms, memories…yet. Ask AI how it feels about the color yellow. Have some fun, pose these questions, and see what answers you get.
You may find that some of the basic office-type tasks will be replaced by AI. What does that mean for incoming employees? What does it mean for office culture and learning from the ground up? Does that matter anymore? These are questions we will be tackling in the not-too-distant future. At the rate of speed these changes are coming will require a deep dive into what our design business will look like in the next five years.
What about the elephant in the room: Ethics
Can AI diminish human creativity? Who owns machine-generated content? Can a designer call a design theirs if it was trained on other people’s designs work? How do you explain to a client how you created the design concept? Does the design cross the line on bias or long-held cultural orientations?
It still takes human initiative to create something original. For those coming into the field, how will they be impacted? Will we be limited in our human abilities by not having to do the thinking? Will that alter the creative aspect of what humans do?
“Increasing reliance on AI-driven communication and interactions could lead to diminished empathy, social skills and human connections. To preserve the essence of our social nature we must strive to maintain a balance between technology and human interaction. The development of artificial general intelligence (AGI) that surpasses human intelligence raises long term concerns for humanity. The prospect of AGI could lead to unintended and potentially catastrophic consequences as these advanced AI systems may not be aligned with human values or priorities.” Bernard Marr
The Human Element: Where AI Can’t Compete according to CHAT GPT
“While AI offers amazing tools and efficiencies, the human touch in interior design is irreplaceable. The emotional intelligence, empath, and creativity that go into understanding a client’s vision and turning that into a living, breathing space cannot be fully automated. Your ability to interpret a client’s needs, manage relationships, and provide a deeply personal touch will always set you apart in a way AI cannot replicate.
In short, AI will change your profession by enhancing efficiency, offering new creative tools, and broadening access to design services, but your human intuition, creativity and relationship-building skills will remain the heart of what makes a designer successful. You’ll likely find that AI allows you to focus more on the aspects of design that you’re most passionate about—whether that’s creativity, client collaboration, or future-proofing spaces for all kinds of users.”
So, where does this leave us? I believe the true essence of design is the personal connections we make with each other. It is the expertise and creativity of the designer combined with the unique and meaningful relationships we forge that remains irreplaceable.
Sharon Sherman is the founder of Thyme and Place Design, headquartered in Wyckoff, New Jersey.
