Using AI Thoughtfully in the Interior Design Process

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of many industries, and interior design is no exception. Over the past few years, I have intentionally taken the time to learn how these tools work and where they can genuinely support the design process. I have worked hands on with platforms like ChatGPT and MidJourney, completed a Cursiv course, and expanded my research and organizational capabilities through tools like Perplexity. More recently, I have been exploring emerging platforms such as Gemini and Nano Banana, not to chase trends, but to stay informed and realistic about where the industry is headed.

For me, AI is not about replacing design expertise. It is about supporting clearer communication, stronger early inspiration, and more efficient organization. The inspiration image shown here was created and shared in 2024 to help a client visualize direction early in the process. It was never intended to be a final design, but rather a way to communicate mood, balance, and overall intent when words alone were not enough. The completed space, photographed in December 2024, reflects how professional experience, real world constraints, and thoughtful decision making ultimately shape the final result.

As I continued to see the value of using these tools responsibly, I felt it was important to bring this conversation to the broader design community. That led me to organize an educational seminar for the NKBA Metro New York Chapter, welcoming over 80 interior designers and industry partners. I was inspired to invite Jenna Gaidusek after attending her workshops at KBIS, where I saw how AI can be presented as a support tool rather than a threat. The goal of the event was simple: to encourage education, transparency, and confidence so designers can remain the experts while using modern tools to work more clearly and efficiently.

Understanding AI does not diminish the role of the designer. It strengthens it. When used thoughtfully, these tools allow designers to focus more on experience, creativity, and advocacy while providing clients with clearer vision and better guidance throughout the process.