In this episode of AI for Interior Designers, Jenna Gaidusek welcomes Emily Allen Burroughs, Director of Education for the Designer Society of America (DSA), to have an honest and eye-opening conversation about how interior design students—and pros—are navigating the AI boom.

Emily shares the mission of DSA and how their foundation in education continues to evolve alongside the tools designers use. Together, she and Jenna explore a growing divide between students who are over-relying on AI (and losing their voice in the process) and seasoned professionals who are still hesitant to embrace it at all. Spoiler: the sweet spot is somewhere in the middle, and it’s all about balance.

They dive into the importance of keeping your unique voice, the dangers of regurgitated content, and the rising trend of AI-generated imagery and floor plans that are eerily similar—sometimes identical—across different student projects. Jenna also touches on her favorite practices for working backwards with AI, like using voice memos and training your tools on your brand tone to keep things authentic.

Other highlights include:

• Why foundational skills like hand drafting still matter more than ever

• How to use AI to spark creativity (not replace it)

• Red flags to look for when using AI tools in research and rendering

• The growing need for AI integrity and transparency in design education

• Ways DSA is supporting students and pros alike with thoughtful education on technology in the field

It’s a real-talk episode about what’s working, what’s worrisome, and what the next steps are for educators, designers, and students alike.

Resources mentioned:

• Designer Society of America (DSA)

• AI Detection Tools: IsItAI.com and similar

• Perplexity.ai for research-based AI search

In this episode, Jenna Gaidusek discusses the rapid advancements in AI technology, particularly in the context of interior design. She shares insights from her recent conversations with Google about new AI tools and explores the implications of agentic AI and AGI. Jenna emphasizes the need for designers to adapt to these changes while considering the ethical and privacy concerns that come with such powerful technologies.

Takeaways

• AI is evolving rapidly, impacting how designers work.
• Agentic AI can automate tasks and improve efficiency.
• AGI could revolutionize various industries, including design.
• Privacy concerns are paramount as AI technology advances.
• Designers must adapt to new tools to enhance creativity.
• The integration of AI can streamline workflows significantly.
• Current AI tools are often siloed and need better integration.
• Conversations about AI's impact are essential for ethical considerations.
• The future of design will be heavily influenced by AI capabilities.
• Staying informed about AI developments is crucial for professionals.

In this episode of AI for Interior Designers™, host Jenna Gaidusek returns from a whirlwind few weeks of conferences, speaking engagements, and travel—only to find that the AI world has basically hit fast-forward. Episode 48 is a solo deep dive into what’s happening right now in the AI space, and what’s coming next for designers who want to stay on the cutting edge.

Jenna explores:

• The difference between agentic AI and AGI (Artificial General Intelligence)

• Why the current tool landscape feels disconnected—and how that’s about to shift

• Her recent conversation with Google about Agent Space and what it means for interior designers

• How future workflows might completely automate tasks like proposals, sourcing, and client follow-ups

• Why it's okay to be equal parts excited and overwhelmed by all of this

She breaks it down without the jargon, offering a relatable and refreshingly honest look at how designers can begin to wrap their heads around the next wave of AI—from siloed tools to seamless, autonomous systems.

🔗 Join us for an upcoming live workshop! Workshops — AI for Interior Designers ™️

🔗 Start learning with The DAIly – Jenna’s AI education membership: The DAIly + AI Social Club™ — AI for Interior Designers ™️

🔗 Get the full AI tool list: AI Tool List | Discover Cutting-Edge Solutions — AI for Interior Designers ™️

Whether you're already building custom GPTs or just trying to keep up with the latest updates, this episode is a must-listen for any design pro who wants to understand how AI is evolving—and what it means for the future of creative work.

🎧 Available on YouTube at @aiforinteriordesigners.

• In this episode, Jenna Gaidusek discusses her recent travels and experiences in the design industry, focusing on the role of AI in design. She emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations when using AI tools, the impact of AI on creativity, and the environmental implications of AI technology. Jenna encourages designers to view AI as a tool for problem-solving rather than a replacement for human creativity, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for the future of design and human interaction.

Takeaways

• AI is a powerful tool for designers but must be used ethically.
• The design industry is experiencing a shift due to AI technology.
• Creativity is enhanced, not diminished, by AI tools.
• Ethical boundaries are crucial when using AI in design.
• AI can help solve environmental issues in design.
• The future of design will require adaptation to new technologies.
• Human connection remains vital in an AI-driven world.
• Education about AI is essential for designers.
• AI's impact on creativity is complex and multifaceted.
• Designers must control how they use AI tools.

www.aiforinteriordesigners.com