The Promise (and Limits) of AI in Design

Everyone is talking about AI right now and how it’s going to transform industries, take over jobs, and change the way we work. I’ll admit, I’m a big fan. I use AI every day in my own business, and I truly believe it will continue to transform how I operate.

But while AI can generate dazzling possibilities, it also has very real limits. In my world of architecture and interior design, those limits matter.

1. Beautiful Pictures, Uncertain Decisions

Clients often show me AI-generated images of their homes whether it’s a fresh exterior, a dream landscape, or a perfectly styled living room. These images can be stunning, but they also leave people wondering: Is this right for me? Will it actually work in real life?

That’s where expertise comes in. As an architect, I can tell you if an idea is worth pursuing or if it comes with hidden consequences. AI can inspire, but it can’t reassure you with years of professional experience.

2. From Image to Reality

An AI rendering is not a set of construction documents. It can’t produce DOB-approved drawings or coordinate with a contractor to ensure something is built correctly and safely. Translating an idea into reality requires technical rigor, permits, and execution. That’s where professionals like me step in to bridge the gap between inspiration and reality.

3. The Craft of Building

Even if you hand an AI image to a contractor, there’s no guarantee it will be executed properly. Without guidance, corners can get cut and materials can be misused. An architect or designer ensures the right products are specified, the right details are executed, and the finished result matches your expectations.

4. Originality Matters

AI is trained on what already exists. It pulls from images that are already out there in the world. But do you want your home to look like everyone else’s—or do you want it to reflect you? My role is to help clients create something unique, personal, and meaningful, not simply repeat what the algorithm thinks looks good.

AI is exciting. I use it, I learn from it, and I see its potential every day. But design is still about human judgment, creative problem-solving, and the art of execution. That’s the part AI can’t replace.

And on that note, I’m launching something new: Ask Nat on Instagram. It’s a place where you can send me your quick design questions—anything from “Should I paint my cabinets navy?” to “Should I paint this wall red?” I’ll be answering as many as I can and sharing responses there. Because sometimes, a real person’s perspective is exactly what you need.

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