Embracing change: Redefining creative processes

We see it everywhere, read about it everywhere, and advertisements pop up left and right. What am I talking about? AI, Artificial Intelligence of course. We all know about it, but are we familiar with it? ChatGPT is on everyone’s lips and visible in everyone’s posts ;) Yes, we recognize the pattern of AI-generated text. Many other apps are available: MidJourney, Runway, etc. AI sparks many emotions: excitement to discover the new, fear to see it learning so fast, curiosity about its possibilities, anger about it taking jobs maybe, and many more.

As a senior professional in the creative industry, I believe the impact within creative industries, specifically Interior Architecture, is going to be HUGE. And I believe that in an optimistic way as I strongly believe this is an evolution, as we have seen many over time. I sometimes draw a comparison with smaller changes that happened in the architecture industry. For example, during my studies, I still had to draw my plans with ink pens, the famous Rotring. Each pen had its thickness, the ink would start leaking if you didn’t pay attention. A mistake needed to be scraped off tracing paper with a razor blade. And yes, we HAD to go through this the first years before we could start using computers and software. If you can’t put your ideas on paper, you will not be any better on a computer. Using CAD software, Computer-Aided Design, made us faster, more efficient, more precise - now this is just normal. I barely see people start projects on tracing paper. That was a big step though. You might say, "Yes, Koosje, but AI is learning and can do things I can’t." I agree; it might know things we don’t know. But isn’t that also true when asking the opinion of a colleague or a more experienced person? By asking and sharing with other people, we learn and get better ourselves. This is where I think AI is a tool that will help us in a similar way.

Maybe AI can be considered as a big pool of people who can support you.

Another example is architecture modelling - it used to be white cardboard and glue models representing volumes and spaces. We could choose between all the thicknesses possible. What a challenge it could be - the acrylic used for glass would cloud if too much glue was put on it. I still bear a major scar from mis-cutting a metal sheet during one of the late working nights before a project delivery. I even remember that we were taking pictures of the models to support in drawing perspectives and images of our project. Now, most projects are represented in hyper-realistic 3D images produced by specialists. Sometimes they even look better than the real thing ;) This shows how the job evolved - we are no longer just architects. We branch out into specialties with specific skills. You study architecture and become a 3D artist. I see this as change, opportunity for growth, evolution of skill sets. You might say, "Yes, Koosje, but AI can do it in my place." Sure, I agree. AI can do it for us, but isn’t that also true when you get support from a specialist? Many agencies outsource 3D images or get a specialist in-house. The outsourcing allows one to receive great quality images and it frees up time to focus on other things. This obviously comes with a training process; when you start working for the first time with a 3D artist, the first exchanges are about fine-tuning the briefing, the expectations, and the result. Does that sound familiar? Fine-tuning your prompt to an AI app because it didn’t deliver exactly what you were expecting on the first try? You get the gist - similar process.

Did I use AI for this article? Yes, I did. I, for example, asked it to check for coherent use of pronouns and correct grammar. Did it write it for me? No. Could it have? I think so, but I do think authenticity is key and so I use it as an assistant to help me be better. Like any new app/software, there is a learning curve to get to the good stuff. An important aspect I need to develop is becoming skilled at writing prompts.

The output is only as good as the input.

I am excited to explore more of AI and see how it can be leveraged to work smart. It can help deliver great projects, great ideas, and automate the time-consuming tasks that tend to be boring. More time for more things. My curious personality is excited to discover new opportunities and aim to get the best out of it. At the end of the day, I strongly believe AI will enhance our creativity, but it’s the human touch and people’s authenticity that will make the difference.

As Ai continues to develop and slowly seeps into our work, I would love to hear your thoughts! How do you feel about AI’s role in your industry? What apps or tools are you currently using, or what ones are you excited to explore? Looking forward to reading your comments and learning about & from your experiences.