Can AI Really Support Sustainable Interior Design?

Jul 15

Written By Jenna Gaidusek

Exploring the Role of AI in Supporting Greener, Smarter Interior Design Choices

Can AI Really Support Sustainable Interior Design?

A conversation between Jenna Gaidusek, Founder of AI for Interior Designers, and Julia Reinert, Founder of The Lifestyle Historian

Based on AI for Interior Designers *Podcast Episode 50 - Small Sustainable AI Choices We Can Control

Q: With all the growing concerns around data centers, carbon emissions, and water usage, can AI actually help interior designers be more sustainable or is it just another energy-guzzling tech trend?

Jenna (AI for Interior Designers):

This is such a timely and important question. The short answer is yes, AI can absolutely support sustainability in interior design. But like anything powerful, it depends on how you use it.

Let’s break it down. Yes, running AI models requires energy, and data centers do consume significant resources. I’ve heard the concerns, especially about water usage to cool these centers and I address this specific topic in my recent podcast episode “Small Sustainable AI Choices We Can Control”. The truth? Many of them are evolving, using closed-loop liquid cooling systems that drastically reduce water loss through evaporation. But not enough and not fast enough. We still have a long way to go in terms of regulation and accountability. That’s why I always tell people to do their own research. Don’t just rely on Google. Check out sources like Perplexity AI, which presents nuanced, multi-perspective results.

As designers, we already think about sustainability with regards to eco-friendly materials, better insulation, and second hand furnishings. AI just helps us do it more efficiently. We can use AI tools to research suppliers who prioritize sustainable practices, optimize layouts to reduce energy consumption, and even suggest antique pieces to repurpose instead of buying new.

Most importantly, AI doesn’t replace good design or human creativity. ChatGPT can’t design a home. It’s a research tool, a time-saver. On average, designers who use AI intentionally save about 13 hours a week. That’s more time to spend sourcing the right pieces, working with clients, and creating spaces that actually support human wellbeing which is, after all, what this industry is really about.

You can control your inputs. You can make small, smart choices. Let’s be the community that uses AI to design not just beautiful homes, but a better future.

Julia (The Lifestyle Historian):

I’ll be honest, I used to be one of the skeptics. For a long time, I was nervous that AI would replace what makes our work special: the stories, the soul, the human touch. I’m not a designer myself, but as someone deeply immersed in the world of interior design through antiques and storytelling, I used to wonder: “Is this really something I need to learn?” Turns out, absolutely. Just not in the way I feared.

AI hasn’t taken away from using my brain. In fact it has made me more curious, more thoughtful, and more empowered. And when it comes to sustainability, my world of antiques is already part of the solution. Using heirlooms, shopping vintage, repurposing what you already have are not just aesthetic choices, they’re sustainable practices. Every time you choose a well-made antique piece, you’re making an environmentally conscious decision and preserving history. AI can help surface these options faster, connect you with the right vendors, or even suggest ways to incorporate them into a space.

Another thing I’ve learned from Jenna: just because you can use AI doesn’t mean you always should. Be intentional. Use your brain first, and AI second. I’ve started thinking of it more like a wise assistant. It’s here to help, not replace.

This entire shift has made me aware of the debates surrounding AI and sustainability which, in full disclosure, I was not educated on prior to these conversations. It has also helped me realize that sustainability isn’t just about big regulations or billion-dollar corporations. It’s about everyday choices. Which materials we use. What we reuse. How we source. And yes, which tools we lean on. AI is one of those tools, and when we use it with intention, it becomes part of a bigger story. One where good design, history, and innovation all work together to build a better future.

Final Thoughts (from both of us):

Sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s a responsibility. As interior designers (and those who support them), we are uniquely positioned to make real, tangible changes. From selecting second hand furnishings to making smarter, data-informed design decisions with AI, every choice matters.

Let’s be intentional. Let’s stay curious. And let’s keep designing spaces, and systems, that are beautiful, thoughtful, and built to last.

Expert Resources and Next Steps

The DAIly Training Program - Comprehensive AI implementation for design professionals
AI for Interior Designers Podcast - Weekly insights and tool reviews
AI Interior Design Tools: Game-Changing Technology for Creative Professionals