Expert tutor Martin Nealon highlights the common misconceptions about the use of generative AI for interior design
The Burning Question: Is AI Replacing Interior Design Skills?
One of the most common fears we hear from students and professional designers alike is:
“Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) replace my core interior design skills such as hand drawing, computer aided design (CAD) or 3D modelling?”
The Short Answer: Absolutely Not!
In fact, the opposite is true. Designers who already have strong skills in drawing, CAD, and 3D modelling will benefit the most from learning how to use AI in interior design. AI is here to enhance your creative process, not replace it.
There’s a misconception that generative AI can take over the full design process. This is completely incorrect.
The Reality: AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
AI should be considered as another tool in a designer’s skillset. It sits alongside and works with your existing core skills. (it does not replace them)
The ideal skillset for a modern designer would include:
- Hand drawing skills
- Hand sketching skills
- Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- 3D modelling
- Generative AI
For this reason, at the National Design Academy, we actively encourage students to continue with their core hand-drawing skills through our Level 3 Professional Diploma and students that attend our Interior Design Software Course (AutoCAD, SketchUp and Enscape) will be encouraged to also go on to study the new AI for Interior Design course, as it builds further on these skills.
Generative AI software is incredibly powerful but it needs guidance. That guidance comes from you, the designer. Through text prompts, sketches, or reference images, AI can:
Transform hand sketches into detailed renders
Generate multiple interior design concepts in minutes
Create moodboards and visualisations quickly
Upscale visuals for presentations
This makes AI especially valuable in the concept development stage. However, it cannot produce the detailed plans, elevations, or professional 3D visuals required for real-world projects. For that, your existing design skills remain essential.
Why Interior Designers Should Embrace AI
Students and professionals who embrace AI now will gain a competitive advantage. Far from replacing your abilities, AI will help you:
- Work faster and smarter
- Produce polished visuals for clients
- Expand your creative possibilities
- Enhance, not replace, your portfolio skills
At the National Design Academy, we encourage students to strengthen their traditional drawing and software skills, while also exploring how AI can expand their creative workflows.
The interior design industry is evolving rapidly, and employers and clients are increasingly looking for designers who are confident in their core creative skills, adaptable with new design technologies, and able to deliver high-quality visuals efficiently. By learning AI for Interior Design, you’ll position yourself as a forward-thinking designer with the skills to thrive in a technology-driven industry.
Learn AI for Interior Design with NDA
To help our students and professionals adapt with confidence, NDA has launched a brand-new 6-week online course: AI for Interior Design.
On this live, tutor-led course you will learn how to:
- Use AI to generate design ideas and concepts
- Turn sketches into stunning presentation renders
- Style interiors from a single photo
- Build future-ready design workflows that save time
📍 100% Online | 6 Weeks | Live on Zoom
Led by expert tutor Martin Nealon, this course is designed to explode the myths, answer your questions, and show you how AI enhances your creativity.
Ready to Transform Your Workflow?
NDA takes a bold new leap in Interior Design. Our brand-new 6-week AI for Interior Design online course will show you how to use AI to transform your workflow, taking ideas from first sketch to stunning interior concepts.
Taught live on Zoom by expert tutor Martin Nealon, you’ll study flexibly from anywhere and gain future-ready skills to elevate your creative edge.
One Response
This article clarifies that AI in interior design is a complementary tool that enhances but does not replace essential skills like hand drawing and CAD.