Expert tutor Martin Nealon highlights the common misconceptions about the use of generative AI for interior design;
The Burning Question:
” Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) replacing core skills such as hand drawing, computer aided design (CAD) or 3D modelling? “
The Short Answer:
To the contrary, students and professional designers with these core skills are the ones that will benefit the most by learning AI.
A Detailed Explanation:
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.
“All of the above skills work together as a comprehensive skill set.”
“AI does not/cannot replace any of the above.”
Generative AI software is just another tool, and it needs guidance.
Guidance can be given through a combination of text descriptions, images and sketches. As an example, if you have the ability to hand sketch an idea, AI can be used to further enhance the sketch and could offer renders based on your sketch. (On that basis, your ability to hand sketch is a definite advantage to you.)
As we will explain in detail within the course material, AI is incredibly useful within the ‘concept development’ stage of a project in combination with hand/digital sketching. (This is its strength.)
You cannot, however, use AI to develop the project any further than the concept stage; therefore, students and professional designers will still need the ability to produce detailed plans, elevations, sections and finished 3D visuals using the methods they are currently taught at diploma and degree levels.
The misconception that AI will replace the need for basic hand/digital drawing skills is completely incorrect, and the course has been designed to clearly articulate this and explain how AI fits within your current skillset.
We do understand that this is a difficult concept to grasp and that it is logical to assume AI replaces the skills, which, to an extent, is the NDA’s motivation for running the course. The AI for Interior Design course will explode the myths that currently surround AI.
Students and designers with good drawing skills will be the ones that will benefit the most from learning generative AI.
If you are a prospective or current interior design student or a practicing interior designer, I hope that this answers your questions about the use of generative AI and puts your minds at rest.
Martin Nealon
NDA Tutor
Ready to explore the exciting benefits of generative AI for interior design?
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.
