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 provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.