Artificial intelligence is quietly transforming design—from the runways of fashion to the drafting tables of architecture. In its many forms, AI is being woven into creative practices, sparking both excitement and concern. While some worry that technology might overshadow the human touch, many designers have discovered that AI can serve as a powerful tool, sparking fresh ideas and streamlining complex tasks.
Take Philippe Starck’s journey, for example. Once cautious about digital innovation, the renowned industrial designer embraced AI when he introduced an AI-designed chair in 2019. In a collaborative effort with Autodesk, Starck set out to explore design free of traditional biases. The experiment taught him that while AI can connect huge volumes of information at lightning speed, it still can’t replicate the heart and nuance of human creativity. His takeaway? Use technology to enhance, not eclipse, the creative spirit.
Then there’s fashion icon Norma Kamali. By digitising her extensive archive and merging it with AI, she’s paving the way for her brand to adapt long after her personal career winds down. After diving into an AI course at MIT, Kamali now uses the technology to generate fresh design ideas that blend her rich past with future possibilities. Even amid heated debates over AI’s role, she remains convinced that embracing these tools can open up new roles and opportunities within the industry.
Architectural designer Tim Fu is also leading the way. His studio in Slovenia employs AI for everything from curating mood boards to drafting floor plans. In one project, the technology helped optimise window views while blending seamlessly with local architectural styles. Fu’s approach is refreshingly pragmatic: recognise the strengths of AI without losing sight of the human intuition that brings spaces to life.
In our rapidly evolving creative world, these stories remind us to balance innovation and tradition. If you’ve ever struggled with infusing your work with both creativity and efficiency, take heart—tools like AI are here to complement your vision, not replace it.
