The dawn of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has just begun and ChatGPT is just the tip of the iceberg. AI has made its way into various industries and has transformed the way they operate. One such industry is interior design. AI-powered software will soon revolutionize the field of interior design, making it easier and faster to generate design ideas.

Take for example existing web-based software like FOYR, HOMESTYLER, and COHOOM, they will just need to integrate AI APIs into their existing platforms to generate wonderful designs in a few minutes. It’s just a matter of time before we start seeing consumers / end-users being designers themselves and this is a scary fact for the profession.

Parametric design can be a first step to AI implementation in interior design because it lays the foundation for the use of AI-powered tools and technologies. By defining the design parameters and creating a digital model, designers can use AI-powered tools to generate design options, test different configurations, and optimize the design.

Traditionally, interior designers would have to rely on their creativity and expertise to come up with design ideas that fit their client’s preferences. However, with the advent of AI-powered software, designers can generate multiple design ideas by simply filling up forms that require their desired parameters.

These AI-powered software programs use machine learning algorithms to analyze data and generate design ideas that align with the client’s requirements. They take into account various factors such as the client’s budget, preferred color scheme, furniture style, and room size, among others.

One of the most significant advantages of AI-powered software in interior design is the speed with which it generates design ideas. The software can generate multiple designs within minutes, significantly reducing the time taken to come up with a design plan. This speed and efficiency enable designers to handle multiple projects simultaneously, enhancing their productivity.

Moreover, AI-powered software can also help designers identify design trends and make predictions about the popularity of certain design elements. This feature is particularly useful in identifying emerging trends, allowing designers to stay ahead of the curve.

Additionally, AI-powered software can help designers optimize their design plans, taking into account factors such as natural light and the flow of traffic. This optimization helps designers create functional and efficient designs that meet their client’s needs.

With the increasing popularity of AI-powered software in the industry, it is clear that the future of interior design is one that is heavily influenced by technology such as;

1. Personalized Design Recommendations: AI-powered interior design software can provide highly personalized recommendations based on the client’s previous design choices and preferences. By analyzing the client’s design history, the software can recommend furniture pieces, color palettes, and decor options that align with the client’s style.
2. Efficient Space Planning: Space planning is an essential aspect of interior design, and AI-powered software can help designers optimize space efficiently. The software can create 3D models of the space, helping the designer visualize how the different design elements will fit together. This feature helps designers create functional and efficient designs that make the best use of the available space.
3. Cost-Effective Design: AI-powered software can help designers create cost-effective designs that fit within the client’s budget. The software can recommend affordable furniture options and identify cost-effective design solutions, helping the designer create a beautiful design without breaking the bank.
4. Improved Communication with Clients: Interior designers can use AI-powered software to communicate design ideas with their clients more effectively. By creating 3D models and virtual tours, designers can help clients visualize the final design, making it easier to make design decisions. This feature improves communication and collaboration between designers and clients, ensuring that the final design meets the client’s needs.
5. Sustainable Design: As sustainability becomes increasingly important, AI-powered software can help designers create environmentally friendly designs. The software can recommend sustainable materials and identify energy-efficient design options, ensuring that the design is eco-friendly.

As AI technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for its use in interior design are endless, and it will undoubtedly shape the future of the industry.

There is also a threat of the AI software being commoditized and made available for public use which may render the profession obsolete.

THE OFFICE DESIGNER

How can Interior Designers adapt and benefit from this new technology?

As with any industry, technological advancements can change the way things are done and potentially make some roles obsolete. However, interior designers can prevent being obsolete by embracing AI and using it to their advantage. Here are some ways interior designers can do that:

1. Upskill: Interior designers can upskill themselves by learning how to use AI-powered design software. By doing so, they can remain relevant and competitive in the industry, and continue to provide value to their clients.
2. Specialize: Interior designers can specialize in a specific niche within the industry, such as sustainable design or high-end luxury design. Specializing can help interior designers differentiate themselves from the competition and provide a unique value proposition to their clients.
3. Focus on Client Relationships: While AI-powered design software can generate design ideas quickly, it cannot replace the human touch that an interior designer can bring. Interior designers can focus on building strong client relationships and providing personalized service to their clients. By doing so, they can demonstrate their value and create a loyal client base.
4. Adapt to Changing Trends: The interior design industry is constantly evolving, and interior designers must adapt to changing trends. By keeping up with the latest trends and technologies, interior designers can stay relevant and provide fresh design ideas to their clients.
5. Collaborate with AI: Interior designers can also collaborate with AI-powered design software, using it as a tool to enhance their design process. By leveraging AI, designers can streamline their design process, improve their design recommendations, and provide a better overall experience for their clients.
6. Expand Your Service Offering: Interior designers can expand their service offerings beyond traditional interior design services. For example, they can offer project management services, procurement services, or even provide 3D modeling services to clients.
7. Leverage Social Media: Social media can be a powerful tool for interior designers to showcase their work and reach a wider audience. By sharing their work on platforms such as Linkedin, Instagram, Pinterest, or Houzz, interior designers can attract potential clients and showcase their unique design style.
8. Keep Learning: The interior design industry is constantly evolving, and interior designers must keep learning to stay relevant. By attending conferences, workshops, and other industry events, interior designers can stay up to date with the latest trends, technologies, and design solutions.

Lastly, interior designers can prevent being obsolete by embracing AI and using it to their advantage. By upskilling, specializing, focusing on client relationships, adapting to changing trends, and collaborating with AI, interior designers can remain competitive in the industry and provide value to their clients.

James Paul Pilande, Editor-in-chief of The Office Designer.com and a former editorial committee co-chair at the Society of Interior Designers Singapore