Why We See AI as a Designer’s Friend at our Interior Design Consultancy in Manchester

At Zero Gravity Design, as a leading interior design consultancy in Manchester, we’ve always been driven by innovation, creativity, and the power of design to transform spaces and experiences. 

Our mission is not just to deliver exceptional interiors, but to continuously find new ways of working that elevate the client experience and expand the possibilities of what design can achieve.

This ethos for innovation has led us to reflect on how to evolve our processes to prioritise value and creativity, a goal that was brought to light when we were recently invited to the panel event AI: A Designer’s Friend or Foe?, hosted by Material Source. 

The panel of creatives had a thought-provoking discussion that questioned the future role of artificial intelligence in the world of design. Ashley Salmon, our founder and creative director, was honoured to be interviewed and his comments reflect the very heart of our design approach.

At the event, Ashley explained:

“I see AI as a designer's friend. I don’t think it's here to remove creativity or innovation. If anything, I think it’s here to supercharge it. So, in the studio at Zero Gravity Design, we’re currently using AI in a number of different ways; from early feasibility studies and design process all the way through to amplifying our creative output. I don’t think it will ever replace people or human connection, but it’s just one thing to be a little wary of nonetheless.”

This mindset is core to how we work at Zero Gravity Design. We don’t see AI as something to fear. Instead, we embrace it as a practical tool to take care of the less valuable processes so that our team can be allowed to focus on what truly matters: meaningful, human-centric design and connecting with our clients' vision.

Human Creativity, Supercharged

As an interior design consultancy based in Manchester, we work with retail, commercial, and hospitality clients, to name a few; delivering bold, elegant, and inspiring environments. Every project is a blend of our client’s vision, our design insight, and meticulous attention to detail, from the initial concept right through to the final space’s creation. 

But behind the scenes, the design process involves many steps that, while essential, don’t necessarily require the spark of human creativity. We’re talking about early feasibility studies, generating floor plan variations, or testing spatial layouts. By integrating AI into these tasks, we save valuable time, time that our designers can reinvest into idea generation, material sourcing, storytelling, and curating interiors that speak to the soul of a space.

Creating Value Where It Matters

One of the biggest takeaways from the ‘Friend or Foe?’ discussion was the importance of using AI to automate tasks that don’t add direct value. These may be repetitive or technical jobs that keep projects moving, but don’t directly influence the emotional or aesthetic impact of a design.

As one of the leaders of the panel, principle lecturer David Emmerson-Bird stated; “We need to stop thinking about how we’re going to use AI to replace people, and instead think about how these tools can do all the work that doesn’t add value; so designers have more space and time to give value back to their clients and do the creative tasks that are meaningful and give us absolute joy and wonder in the human endeavour.”

At Zero Gravity Design, this is exactly what we do. AI helps us streamline the process and eliminate friction; freeing our team to be more present, more engaged, and more responsive to the needs of our clients.

Our Services: Design That Moves With the Times

Our studio offers a full spectrum of interior design consultancy services across Manchester and beyond. Whether it's a residential renovation or a high-end retail fit-out, we bring the same level of dedication and artistry to every project.

From concept development to project coordination, mood boards to 3D renders, we handle every detail with care and creativity. And now, by using AI-driven tools, we can deliver faster insights, explore more design directions, and bring a higher level of precision to feasibility planning; all without compromising the personal touch that defines our work.

Technology + Empathy = Better Design

One of the key principles that guides our work is the belief that interior design is ultimately about people. It’s about how a space makes you feel, how it supports your lifestyle or business goals, and how it tells your story. No algorithm can replicate the intuition of a designer who truly understands a client’s vision.

That’s why, even as we adopt new technologies, the emotional intelligence of our team remains our greatest asset. We combine the best of both worlds; tech efficiency and human empathy; to deliver designs that are both beautiful and deeply personal.

Looking Ahead: What AI Means for the Future of Interior Design

As we continue to grow as a leading interior design consultancy  in Manchester, we’re excited by what the future holds. AI isn’t a replacement for what we do; it’s a catalyst that’s helping us do it better. It gives us the space to be more imaginative, more collaborative, and more experimental, while maintaining the high standards of design excellence that our clients expect.

So, is AI a friend or a foe? For us at Zero Gravity Design, the answer is clear: it’s a friend. A powerful, helpful friend that’s helping us build a more creative, connected, and visionary future for interior design.

Whether you’re planning a complete transformation or a subtle refresh, our team is here to guide you every step of the way; combining cutting-edge technology with timeless design values to craft interiors that are truly extraordinary.