October 2025

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 18 oct 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing shift in interior design and architecture practice. Industry associations and organizations are observing and evaluating all aspects of AI use and providing advisories and directives for effective adoption and adaption of this technology. In June this year, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) passed industry policies on AI use at its Annual Business Meeting emphasizing - 'A formal establishment of AI Usage Policies, an AI Education & Exchange Platform, an AI Ethical Framework (AI's Integration into the Code of Ethics) and incorporating AI into the next AIA 5-Year Strategic Plan.' In July, Houzz released its inaugural report '2025 U.S. Houzz State of AI in Construction & Design' that mentions - Nearly 1/3rd of design businesses use AI tools; Firms using AI regularly report saving more than 3 hours of time per week. But, the U.S. State of AI in Construction and Design report noted that 94% of designers who participated stated they have no training or guidance in AI tools. Maria Marting, founder of Design Appy, voices her concern and cautions, 'How private is what you're doing and those platforms that you're using? It's the idea of what's your creative value, and then what's the privacy policy of the platform. Do those two things align?' But she also says in positive tone, 'When we're looking at AI and how it works for designers, it's really just a super powerhouse for them for the business side of things.' Dawn Haynie, Research Fellow at American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), says, 'Firm principals tend to use AI for streamlining communications, scheduling, and project management. More tech-savvy designers are more likely to use AI for concept development, renderings, and drafting specifications - tasks where efficiency and speed can significantly enhance output.' Rob Bischoff of Gensler says, 'We're also exploring how AI can deepen the storytelling behind our designs by bringing them to life quickly, and in more immersive formats that help convey the full design approach and human-centered experiences.' Robin Anderson, ASID's Director of Education, says, 'The profession should proactively learn from other industries that have already navigated AI's impacts. Often, best practices originate outside the design field.' Read on...

I+S Design: Navigating AI Opportunities, Risks, and Strategies for Interior Design
Author: Valerie Dennis Craven