AI - To Be or Not To Be?

Technology, Advancement and AI, oh my! We’re coming into an age and a time where the digital word is well on its way to taking over many things. AI has been quickly overwhelming and infiltrating our day to day lives. So much so that sometimes it becomes difficult to determine what’s AI and what’s not. Sure, we get a kick out of the funny photo generations and quick answers it can provide to us, but do we really understand the implications of how it can affect our quality of life? How much AI do you want in your home? How much of AI is making its way into the design world? Can AI do what a designer does? The simple answer is no. 

Ok, so do you know exactly what AI is and how it functions? Here’s a quick breakdown:

AI is a branch of computer science focused on building systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. This includes learning, reasoning, problem-solving, understanding language, and recognizing patterns. AI uses large amounts of data and algorithms to simulate these cognitive functions. Unlike traditional software that relies on rigid, step-by-step instructions programmed by a human, AI systems are trained. They process massive datasets to identify trends and patterns, then use that knowledge to make decisions, predict outcomes, or generate new content. 

The long and short of it is, it’s trained to think, process and reason like a human but it’s backed up by data in a way that the human brain doesn’t always have immediate access to. In theory, that sounds like the best of both worlds! And many people are using it to make their lives more efficient. Unfortunately, many people are also using it to make their lives “easier” and are using it to do the work that is ultimately required by the human hand and mind. Just because it’s available and it “can” do it, doesn’t always mean it should. 

And how does all of this relate to the design of your home? AI can “technically” generate floor plans, give dimensions, provide project costs and estimates, create renderings, set up a project timelines and a number of other project related needs. But again, that does not mean it should. Consider this:

• AI creates a floor plan with measurements for your kitchen renovation. You downloaded a cool AI home design app, entered photos of your kitchen, some measurements and poof, you have a whole floor plan with dimensions for your new kitchen layout, complete with finishes, appliances and fixtures! Wow, so great! You didn’t even need to hire a Designer to help you. You give your AI plans to a contractor and he gets to work. You gut the kitchen and get ready to start installing your new cabinetry and appliances. And suddenly, you find out one of the cabinets won’t fit, the measurements are off by an inch or two. You’ve now incurred additional costs to have the cabinet remade/adjusted and more labor hours from the contractor. Ok, that’s handled, phew! Yikes, your contractor informs you that he can’t move the gas line to accommodate your new stove you already paid for because there's an obstruction. And now, you can’t put the sink where you wanted it because that’s where the original gas line is. The stove and new sink are non-refundable and you can’t fit them where they originally were because of the new cabinetry that is already fabricated. Oh, and then when the new flooring you ordered (that AI specified) comes in, it looks completely different from the pictures AI gave you and it looks horrible against the paint and countertops. You realize that the “rendering” that AI provided of what your kitchen would look like can’t match in real life because finishes look completely different in person. Not to mention the loads of phone calls, emails, and paperwork you have to handle yourself to coordinate this whole renovation. And suddenly, your easy peasy AI generated kitchen reno is a nightmare, way over budget and you’re exhausted!

That’s just one example of the many things that can go wrong by relying on AI. When it comes to design, a trained eye and first hand experience is necessary. A designer would have ensured that all measurements were correct and verified before sending the cabinetry for millwork, reviewed samples of finishes with you in person, walked through the project needs with the contractor, confirmed the plan could be executed properly, and handled all of those calls, emails and paperwork for you. The most inconvenient thing to you and your home in the process is temporarily having construction in your kitchen. AI can’t determine a .25” difference in a measurement that could throw off and entire design. AI can’t allow you to look at samples in person and provide trade discounts. AI can’t see the distinct changes in the marbling of a countertop. But mostly, AI can’t decipher your needs and emotions throughout the process the way another human can. Working on your home is a very personal experience and affects your quality of life. Only a person can provide that direct, lived experience.

All of that being said, we do want to acknowledge that AI can come into play during the design process. If it is used wisely and for the right reasons, it can enhance the process for the client and the designer. Photorealistic renderings of a 3D model used to require a lot of time and expensive software. Now, with AI, we can input a 3D model we have created and designed into AI and have it rendered photorealistically in seconds! This frees up some of our time to put more energy into your finish selections or project timeline organization. Overall, AI can never replace designers and what we do, but it will enhance our design for the client to clearly understand our vision! 

Bella Home Interiors understands how to navigate the world of home design seamlessly, as we have been in this industry for almost 30 years, way before AI and the technology we have at our fingertips at this time. We know how to read our clients and sense their needs to create a design that is personal to each client. Schedule an appointment for your consultation and find out what real hands-on experience looks like!