EP 70: Keeping Interior Design Human in a World of AI

Written By Jenna Gaidusek

Episode 70: Keeping Interior Design Human in a World of AI

In this episode of the AI for Interior Designers™ Podcast, host Jenna Gaidusek sits down with Sharon Sherman, founder of Thyme and Place Design and KBB Person of the Year, for a conversation that hits at the heart of where the design industry stands today — at the intersection of humanity, creativity, and artificial intelligence.

Recorded live at KBIS, this thought‑provoking episode explores what it really means to “keep design human” as AI continues to evolve. From ethical boundaries and feminine energy in tech to nostalgia, tactile spaces, and creative courage, Jenna and Sharon unpack how designers can stay grounded — and stay in control — in a rapidly changing world.

In This Episode, We Cover

  • 🧠 The ethics of AI in design: How to set personal boundaries and "parent" your AI models.
  • 💬 The human element: Why emotional intelligence, storytelling, and empathy can’t be automated.
  • 🌍 Feminine energy in technology: Balancing innovation with intuition and moving beyond profit‑driven tech races.
  • 🎨 Analog revival: Why nostalgia, texture, and tangibility are becoming modern design essentials in a digital world.
  • ⚖️ Staying grounded: How to balance tech adoption with real‑world connection, ethics, and courage.

Key Takeaways

AI isn’t the enemy — apathy is. As Sharon notes, “If you don’t understand something, it’s very difficult to manage it.” The key is awareness, not avoidance. Learn the tools, set the rules, and define your own ethical compass.

Keep your human spark. The conversation dives into what makes designers irreplaceable: understanding history, sentiment, and the emotional energy of space. AI can replicate images — but not intention, nuance, or the feeling of “home.”

Feminine energy matters. Beyond gender, it’s about nurturing balance, collaboration, and creativity. Both Jenna and Sharon emphasize courage, honesty, and boundary‑setting as key leadership skills in this new era.

Analog is back. From vinyl records to stone countertops, designers and homeowners alike are craving tactile, grounded experiences. The analog revival isn’t regression — it’s resistance to disconnection.

Mentioned in this Episode

Sponsors

Jenna’s Platforms & Education

Guests & Partners

Visualization & AI Tools

Final Thought

Technology can accelerate creativity — but it’s humanity that gives design its soul. As Jenna and Sharon remind us, ethics, empathy, and emotion are not features you can download. They’re the foundation of timeless, human‑centered design.

🎧 Listen to Episode 70 on your favorite podcast platform or at the AI for Interior Designers™ Podcast home.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to keep these conversations — and our industry — human.

 
Disclaimer: This blog was written using AI as a recap from the recording then edited by the author for accuracy and details.
 
 
Jenna Gaidusek
Next

EP 69: Is Interior Design Rendering Dead? How AI Tools Are Changing Client Visuals