How CGI and AI is Changing Commercial Interior Design

Commercial interior design is all about creating spaces that work, both aesthetically and functionally. But before anything gets built, clients need a clear idea of what they’re getting. That’s where CGI (computer-generated imagery) comes in. It takes the guesswork out of design, making it easier than ever to visualise spaces before they are built. Here’s why CGI is such a game changer:

1. See It Before You Build It

CGI gives a realistic preview of a space before construction even starts. High quality 3D renders can show textures, materials, lighting, and layouts in detail, so there’s no room for confusion or mistakes during the build process. It makes it much easier to get everyone on the same page and bring ideas to life.

CGI of an Office Reception Space

2. Save Time and Money

Mistakes in commercial design can be pricey. CGI lets designers test out different layouts, materials, and finishes before anything is physically built. Spotting potential issues early means fewer last-minute changes, keeping projects on track and within budget.

3. Get Faster Approvals

Explaining a design with mood boards and sketches can only go so far. A realistic 3D render, makes it much easier for clients to picture the final space. This speeds up the approval process, reduces revisions, and helps move projects forward keeping to pre-approved programmes.

4. Experiment Without Limits

With CGI, tweaking colours, materials, layouts, and lighting can be simple. Want to see how a different flooring option would look? No problem. Need to test a few different lighting setups? Easy. This flexibility encourages creativity and helps refine designs before committing to a final plan/design.

5. Great for Marketing

CGI isn’t just for planning, it’s also a powerful marketing tool. High-quality visuals can be used on websites, social media, and presentations, making it easier to sell a vision to clients, investors, or stakeholders. Whether it’s an office refit or a new hospitality concept, CGI makes a design feel real before it’s even built. I've recently been working on CGI visuals for a client where the visuals are key to selling a space and product, meaning high quality images are needed to capture their target audience. More often than not, visuals I produce on a project are aimed at engaging staff, giving them a sense of input and collaboration into the design process along with the project team.

CGI of Proposed Studio Space

Completed Photo of Studio Space

6. Better for Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing priority in design. CGI reduces the need for physical samples and prototypes, cutting down on material waste. It also helps designers like myself test different eco-friendly materials and lighting options to create more sustainable spaces. As designers we are seeing more and more policies, guidance and advice steering us towards being more mindful about material choices and reducing waste. For example, BIM (Building information Modelling) is centred around reducing risks, minimising waste and creating a more efficient process for design in the construction industry and is now being adopted as industry standard for Government projects.

The Future of Interior Design and the inclusion of AI

As technology keeps moving forward, CGI is becoming a massive part of commercial interior design. With virtual reality and real-time rendering, designers can now give clients an even more immersive preview of their future spaces. AI-powered software is on the rise too. It can analyse trends, optimise layouts, and even generate design concepts based on a client’s preferences. This speeds up the whole process and helps make spaces both practical and visually stunning.

AI is also changing CGI by automating lighting, material choices, and even rendering entire environments instantly. As this tech gets smarter, interior design is becoming more efficient and more tailored to individual needs.

But here’s the big question, does AI take creative control away from designers? Can it actually design like a human, or is it just working through data and numbers to produce something that looks creative?

These days, it’s ridiculously easy to jump onto an AI platform, type in a few prompts, and let it do all the work. But for me, nothing beats the excitement of working through the creative process, sketching, experimenting, and seeing ideas take shape from my own imagination. That’s where the real magic happens I think!

But will there come a time when we can’t tell the difference between an AI-generated design and one created by a person? Will AI ever be able to imagine a space in the way we do?

I’d love to know what other designers and creatives think, how do you see AI changing your industry? Is it an exciting tool, or does it feel like a threat to creativity? Drop a comment below and let’s chat!

One thing’s for sure, CGI and AI are here to stay, and for businesses wanting to stay ahead, they’re becoming essential. If you’re planning a commercial project and want to see what’s possible before a single wall goes up, get in touch and let me bring your vision to life...without AI for the time being :)