22/04/2026
I've had two young potential clients inquire about my services over the last two weeks. Nothing unusual about that . . . except . . . Both have designs they completed using AI. They just want me to do a consultation and tell them what finish materials will fulfill those designs in their budget. Hmmmm.
I've gotten on the bandwagon and have been delving into AI tools these last few months. I'm amazed by it. There's much to learn, but I am digging deeper and deeper into that study.
There is a lot of talk and fear about AI putting people like me out of business. So after hanging up from the inquiry call today, I asked ChatGPT the important question: Why would anyone need an interior designer instead of you? The agent's answer was what I should have already known . . .
The agent said that it cannot step into the space and evaluate the light and how it will affect the character of the space or its affect on colors selected. AI doesn't see the rest of the house. It doesn't see the scale and proportion of the rooms. It doesn't have finish samples to share and review with you in the actual space, and then leave with you so you can view them as the weather and light of the day changes over time--to experience how you feel with those colors and textures. AI makes things Pinterest-pretty; I make them personally right. And here's what it said that I loved most: "If someone just wants quick inspiration, I’m useful. If they want a space that works, lasts, and feels right in real life, they need you."
I agree.
P.S. This photo is a mock-up of a preliminary bedroom concept for a client to help her visualize the bedroom furniture and paneled bed wall she was considering. It was my first try at AI-generated renderings, but what a tool this will be.
