AI in the Classroom with Emily Allen Burroughs from DSA
Listen to the Podcast Episode for a deeper dive
How AI Is Shaping Design Education—And Why It Matters
Hey there, fellow designers! I’m Jenna Gaidusek here. AI is showing up everywhere in interior design—from concept development to client presentations. But one of the most surprising (and important) places it’s making an impact? Design education.
In this episode, I chat with Emily Allen Burroughs, Director of Interior Design Education at the Designer Society of America (DSA). With over a decade of experience and a passion for mentorship, Emily is helping the next generation of designers navigate AI with clarity and confidence.
From student submissions that all start to sound the same to why foundational skills still matter, we unpack what it really looks like to integrate AI into the learning process—without losing your voice in the process.
This one’s for anyone mentoring, hiring, or wondering where the future of design is headed.
A Generational Divide: Students vs. Seasoned Designers
One of the first things we tackled? The growing gap between how students and established designers approach AI.
Students are often all-in—and sometimes, a little too much so. Without the right guardrails, they can lean so heavily on AI-generated content that their unique voice fades into the background.
Meanwhile, many pros are intrigued but cautious. There’s curiosity, yes—but also resistance. Concerns range from losing that human spark to disrupting tried-and-true workflows.
Let’s be real: AI isn’t going away. Like AutoCAD, Photoshop, or Revit, it’s a tool—and it’s at its best when used with intention. The goal isn’t to shortcut the process, but to support it. AI should assist your expertise, not override it.
The Risk of Losing Your Voice
One of the most eye-opening parts of our conversation? How quickly AI can blur individuality when used uncritically.
Emily shared that some student work is starting to sound nearly identical—even when created by students with totally different backgrounds. That’s no accident. It’s what happens when AI-generated copy is published straight from the prompt, with zero personal input.
What’s even more concerning? Many students don’t believe their voice is “good enough,” so they lean on AI to do the talking. But in doing so, they risk losing the originality that makes design personal, emotional, and impactful.
Your work is more than a deliverable—it’s a reflection of your perspective. And that can’t be replicated by an algorithm.
Use AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch
I shared a strategy that’s worked well for me: using voice memos to guide AI-assisted drafting.
I’ll often record quick voice notes—either into my phone or directly into ChatGPT—and then refine the output. That way, my tone, priorities, and thought process stay intact. It’s still my thinking—just organized more clearly.
Emily stressed how important it is to teach emerging designers this kind of process. Without context or intention, simply “using AI” can actually short-circuit their growth. What they need is a framework for creative, responsible use—one that elevates their voice instead of replacing it.
The Visual Side of AI: Proceed with Caution
AI tools are now generating everything from renderings to floor plans. But just because it looks good doesn’t mean it’s grounded in good design.
Emily shared some real-life examples of student work that included:
Floor plans that ignored building codes or structural feasibility
Renderings submitted by multiple students that looked nearly identical
Floating furniture, clashing styles, and visuals lacking designer oversight
The issue isn’t the tech—it’s how it’s being used.
I personally love tools like Midjourney for early concepting. In fact, the mural in my office started as an AI-generated exploration. But here’s the difference: I used that output as a starting point, not a final product.
That’s the mindset we need to foster—AI should support our process, not take over it.
Why Foundational Skills Still Matter
Emily made an important point: foundational design knowledge is irreplaceable.
Skills like hand drafting, spatial planning, and understanding code compliance are still at the heart of good design. Without them, even the most polished AI render can fall apart in real life—or worse, let the client down.
Design isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about function, flow, and solving real problems. And that takes judgment, experience, and technical skill that AI just doesn’t have.
A Communication Bridge—Not a Barrier
One area where AI does shine? Early-stage client communication.
Before I dive into detailed drawings, I’ll often use AI to create quick visuals or mood boards to ask, “Is this the direction you were imagining?”
It’s an efficient way to gather feedback and avoid wasted time—especially when clients aren’t fluent in design language. Emily and I agreed this kind of application is one of the smartest ways to integrate AI: as a bridge between ideas and understanding.
Start Small—But Start
We wrapped our chat on a hopeful note. With so many tools popping up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to master everything at once.
Instead, start small and stay curious. Use AI to brainstorm blog ideas, organize project notes, or polish your emails. With each experiment, it becomes more intuitive—just like learning a new design software.
Whether you’re just starting out or decades into your career, the goal is the same: use AI with intention, and never at the expense of creativity or critical thinking.
Want to Get More Involved?
Designer Society of America (DSA) recently launched a new Student Membership and is planning a full relaunch later this year. Whether you’re a student or a seasoned pro, it’s a great way to stay informed, sharpen your skills, and connect with like-minded creatives.
You can learn more or explore membership options at dsasociety.org. Emily’s dedication to education and mentorship is creating real impact in the field—and this is a chance to be part of that momentum.
Final Thoughts
AI is transforming how we design, teach, and collaborate—but we still get to decide how we use it.
When we lead with integrity, protect our creative voice, and use AI as a tool—not a replacement—we don’t just keep up with the industry. We shape it.
Learn more about our partners at the Designer Society of America (DSA)
Let’s move forward with clarity, confidence, and curiosity.
Until then, stay informed, stay inspired, and keep designing with intention.
Jenna Gaidusek
CEO, AI for Interior Designers™️
Disclaimer: This blog was written using AI as a recap from the recording then edited by the author for accuracy and details.
