"Twenty years ago, we needed 5-6 people for one project. Today, thanks to tools like CAD, one person can do the work of five. I believe AI is the next leap, and it will follow the same path as previous tools in the market," says Sunita Reddy, Architect and Founder of ACME Designers, summing up her views on the role of AI in store design.  

Indeed, even as Gen AI has emerged to be the talking point, many in the retail design industry view it as another step in the constantly evolving journey of technology tools that make their processes more efficient.   

As Sunita Reddy, highlighted AI’s primal factor in the design industry is that it drastically reduces the manpowerrequired for design tasks. As she and others in the industry point out, AI tools now generate 3D concepts, color combinations, patternsand lighting options within seconds, which otherwise would take designers and architects hours and days to do.  

However, while AI has accelerated the process multifold, it’s still in the beta stage, requiring the correct input to achieve optimal results. "Creativity remains key. AI generates outputs based on our provided inputs, so the designers and architects muststill pull their weight. Giving the right creative inputs, planning, and tweaking the outputs to suit the client requirement will very much be a part of a designer’s duty.” she points out.   

One of the main debates around Gen AI is its impact on human jobs.  While many in the retail design industry that Retail4Growth reached out to felt AI is not a threat, rather it’sa tool that definitively be usedto improve the process, no matter what the circumstances. Sunita though feels AI could impact the role of designers, depending on their approach to the creative process.  

 “AI will definitely cut down staffing. Designers who solely generate 3D views or basic concepts must upskill or risk being replaced. But I do see the potential for AI to empower the industry as it will allow us to handle more projects at the same time. In a space of time where they are able to do 10 projects, they might end up doing 50 with the help of AI.”  

AI in action 

Indeed, as Sunita points out, the most useful part of AI in design is that it can generate a plethora of options, be it for color schemes, lighting, or repetitive patterns. However, its application is complex as it cannot be used for large-scale projectsthatneed mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems in large retail spaces.  

 “For spaces under 1,000 sq ft, AI can handle most tasks. For spaces such as 10,000 sqft, integrating AI is still a distant possibility. Larger projects with intricate requirements, like fire exits or HVAC systems, still need human expertise. AI works best when there is no technicality involved in the designs. For example, if we seek AI help to design an awards show, it would suggestsome very plausible temporary designs that can be executed.” 

That is not to say that AI's design/style concepts are not out there. As Sunita explains, globally, major brands like Amazon, Nike, and Adidas are incorporating alreadyAI into their store designs. “I’ve seen some stores in airports abroad, where it’s easily identifiable to the designer eye that there is an AI touch. The designs have soft, rounded edges and nature-inspired elements, characterized by biomimicry which feel visually appealing.”  

Well, the adoption of AI in India is still in its infancy. This hesitancy mirrors the initial resistance to technologies like ChatGPT, where everyone was confused on how to implement it.But Sunita’s perspective is that brands and designers alike will have to adapt AI integration to include human creativity and expertise that technology cannot replicate.