EP 469 | Will AI Replace Interior Designers? The Real Answer (and What to Do About It) with Sheilah MacSporran
February 24, 2026
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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 (and where it doesn’t)
- Why designers with strong systems benefit most from AI tools
- How eliminating friction increases capacity without adding staff
- Why small process improvements outperform massive tech overhauls
DESIGN INTERVENTION
Because we’re kind of nervous or scared of making change, we stay in our little bubble and we stick with this process that we’ve had forever and it might have worked up until this point, but really, it’s probably holding you back. So, don’t be afraid to try something new. Embrace change.
TAKEAWAY
DesignFiles is a top rated all-in-one design and project management platform built to help interior designers grow their businesses without drowning in admin.
For Business of Design® listeners, get 150 free AI rendering credits plus a prompt guide so you can test it on an active project and see how it fits into your workflow.
Try it now >> https://www.designfiles.co/bod
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used for any legal decisions. Kimberley Seldon Design Group, Kimberley Seldon Productions Inc., Kimberley Seldon Design and Media, Inc., Business of Design™, or any of its affiliated companies or staff is not responsible for any errors or omissions effecting accuracy in any content, and they will not be held liable for the use or misuse of information, facts, details or any other aspects should there arise any defects, errors, omissions or perhaps inaccuracies. Extensive research has been conducted to put this podcast together for the purpose of educating our industry in order to better serve the public. Care has been taken to acknowledge ownership of copyrighted material. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is offered with the understanding that we do not render any legal, accounting or other professional advice. Seek the advice of a lawyer and/or other competent professional person in all matters of law. Further, listeners should be aware that internet websites mentioned may change or disappear between when this was recorded and when it was listened to.