AI is taking the design world by storm, and in this recent episode of The Designer Show, Dan, Kevin, John, and the ever-entertaining Rene —dive into how this technology is transforming architecture and design. They walk us through how they’re using AI in their work, from speeding up everyday tasks to creating new design concepts. If you’re curious about practical ways to add AI into your toolkit or just want some inspiration, this episode has some real gems. Stick around until the end to catch the full video!

Here’s What’s Covered

The episode kicks off with some fun, talking about AI’s role in the movies—specifically how it’s being used to make actors look younger in real time. Tom Hanks, for example, uses it to appear decades younger on screen. It’s a little mind-blowing to think that the same tech could eventually reshape creative fields like design.

Next up, they talk about how ChatGPT has become a go-to tool for everyday writing tasks, from emails to project specs. They’ve found it so helpful for putting finishing touches on their messages, and Kevin even shares a trick where he has ChatGPT rewrite things in his own voice. It’s a great example of how AI can bring speed and personality to what might otherwise be routine tasks. And for a bit of fun, they’ve experimented with prompts like having ChatGPT rephrase messages in humorous tones—you’ll get a laugh out of that part!

Kevin goes on to discuss how he’s using AI for structural calculations, like figuring out joist sizes for room additions. But here’s the catch: he’s careful to double-check everything, especially when it comes to building codes. The whole team emphasizes that while AI is incredibly helpful, it’s essential to confirm that the answers are accurate. That advice is a solid reminder to use AI as a tool, not an absolute source of truth.

Then, Dan gives us a look at “AI for Spaces,” a tool that lets you try out different styles by uploading a basic line drawing. It’s not perfect, but it’s a fantastic way to quickly explore new ideas before moving on to more detailed renderings. Think of it as a design sandbox where you can play around with different looks on the fly.

One of the cooler tools they talk about is Midjourney’s retexturing feature, which can transform basic line drawings by adding textures that look pretty lifelike. Kevin explains how this can be combined with Photoshop to create layered, realistic renderings. You’ll get tips on how to seamlessly blend AI-generated elements with your designs in Photoshop, a trick that’s super useful if you’re all about creating cohesive, polished visuals.

To wrap things up, the crew takes some questions from the audience, covering tips for setting up layer sets for AI transfers and thoughts on what’s next for AI in the design industry. They’re all pretty optimistic about where AI is heading, but they’re also realistic about its current limits.

Why You Should Watch

If you’re thinking about using AI in your design work, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips. Dan and the team make it easy to understand and have a blast sharing their experiences. Plus, they give a balanced take on what AI can and can’t do, which is super refreshing in a world full of hype. It’s a lighthearted yet informative chat, perfect if you’re curious about the future of design or just looking for ways to make your workday a bit easier.

Check out the full episode below. This one’s a game-changer!

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• AI as a Creative Tool: Tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney can enhance text generation, visualization, and design concepts, helping designers communicate more effectively and explore new styles.
• Caution with AI Accuracy: AI tools are powerful but should be used carefully; verify results, especially for code or structural queries, to ensure compliance with safety and accuracy standards.
• Efficiency in Design Visualization: With tools like “AI for Spaces” and Midjourney, designers can experiment with textures, styles, and perspectives to produce quick visual drafts for projects.
• Workflow Integration Tips: Use Photoshop to blend AI-generated textures with architectural renderings, and maintain consistent perspectives between design programs for a seamless result.

📌 Chapters:
[0:00] Welcome & Introductions
[1:05] AI in Media and De-Aging Technology
[2:36] Text Generation with ChatGPT
[4:00] Writing Tips and Fun Prompts
[5:08] Structural Calculations and AI
[6:50] AI Limitations and Verification
[7:27] Exploring “AI for Spaces” for Visual Concepts
[9:36] Midjourney’s Retexturing Feature
[10:28] Preparing Line Drawings for Retexturing
[11:56] Using Midjourney’s Re-Texturing Mode
[13:31] Photoshop Tips for Integrating AI Textures
[14:09] Consistency in Perspective Across Programs
[15:00] Q&A and Closing Remarks

📌 Resources Mentioned:

• ChatGPT: Used by the team for drafting emails, specs, and other text-based tasks.
• AI for Spaces: A visualization tool that allows designers to test various styles and concepts based on simple line drawings.
• Midjourney: Retexturing and visual creation tool helpful for adding custom textures to renderings.
• Photoshop: Tips shared for integrating AI-generated textures into architectural renderings for a seamless visual.

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About the Co-Hosts:

• John Schrader

• Kevin Transue

• Robin Rigby Fisher

• Rene Rabbitt