The conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) has been trending for a while. But with the rise of ChatGPT, the topic is blazing hot, with many pondering what impact this will have on society in general and the business world. Some of us also wonder if the movies iRobot with Will Smith and Ex Machina featuring Oscar Isaac should serve as a warning, but I digress.

One burning question on the minds of many is how this technology’s evolution will affect workers. If the future is AI-driven, it’s fair to ask, “Is my job safe?” Studies released earlier this year have some interesting analysis: A report from Goldman Sachs said that “roughly two-thirds of U.S. occupations are exposed to some degree of automation by AI.” 

That’s an eye-popping number, but Goldman Sachs researchers also said this doesn’t necessarily mean immediate layoffs. “Although the impact of AI on the labor market is likely to be significant, most jobs and industries are only partially exposed to automation and are thus more likely to be complemented rather than substituted by AI.” Whew, we can all breathe a sigh of relief for now. The suggestion seems that AI automation could make our jobs easier and not just relegate us to the pasture.

We’ve already seen how AI can complement the design process in the interior design world. Various apps and software launched over the years have offered everything from marketing to customer service tools like chatbots to help business owners connect with clients. Other apps are delving into virtual reality (VR), allowing users to visually see the space they want designed in 2D and 3D. Augmented reality (AR) apps allow users to overlay that space with specific paint colors, furniture, cabinets, closet systems, etc. All these tools can enhance the process, allowing designers to be more efficient, responsive, and attuned to customer needs.

AI can streamline workflows and automate routine tasks, giving workers and designers the time and the bandwidth to indulge their creativity fully. No machine can replace that unique, imaginative, and artistic spark inside all of us.

‘We have nothing to fear except fear itself.’ – Franklin D. Roosevelt

So, let’s embrace the future and unleash our creativity.