EP 469 | Will AI Replace Interior Designers? The Real Answer (And What to Do About It) with Sheilah MacSporran

About this episode

This episode discusses the role of AI in interior design and emphasizes the importance of responsibility and clear systems in the design process.

AI has interior designers asking the wrong question. The real issue isn’t “Will this replace me?”—it’s “Where does responsibility live in my business?” In this grounded, practical conversation, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Sheilah MacSporran, CEO and co-founder of DesignFiles, to cut through the hype and talk honestly about what AI can—and cannot—do inside a design firm. This episode reframes AI as a support tool, not a magic wand. You’ll learn why AI is most effective when it reinforces clear thinking, strong systems, and confident decision-making, and how reducing friction at key moments in the design process helps clients move forward faster and with less fear. Rather than chasing the newest tools, this conversation focuses on using AI intentionally to increase capacity, clarity, and leadership. If you’re curious about AI but wary of losing control, this episode will help you understand where it belongs—and where it absolutely doesn’t. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why AI will never replace interior designers—because responsibility can’t be automated - How clearer presentations reduce client fear and speed up approvals - Where AI actually fits into the design process…

People in this episode

Host: Kimberley Seldon

Guest: Sheilah MacSporran

Topics covered

• AI in interior design
• responsibility in design
• design process improvement
• client communication
• using AI intentionally

Keywords

• AI
• interior design
• responsibility
• design process
• client approvals
• systems
• capacity
• leadership

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: DesignFiles

More episodes of Business of Design® Podcast | Grow a Profitable Interior Design Business with Kimberley Seldon

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• EP 495 | The Profit Killers Hiding in Your Interior Design Business with Erin Hackett Nordholt · August 25, 2026 · 42 min
• EP 494 | How to Build an Interior Design Team That Doesn't Depend on You with Shelli Warren · August 18, 2026 · 39 min
• EP 492 | How to Build a Scalable Interior Design Firm with Rebekah Zaveloff and Nick Nichols · August 4, 2026 · 38 min
• EP 493 | Why Your Interior Design Business Isn't Changing (And How to Fix It) with Cheryl Horne · August 4, 2026 · 25 min