-LET’S TALK ABOUT-
Blending technology and creativity
By M.Chaves
Art, technology and the future of design
When I first started my professional journey, I chose to study Art at university. It felt like the most natural path for me—an opportunity to explore creativity in different forms. My education covered a wide range of subjects: design, sculpture, painting, drawing, practical workshops, languages, marketing, and even psychology. It was a rich and diverse learning experience that shaped the way I viewed the world.
However, when it was time to transition into the job market, I faced an unexpected challenge. While I had a strong artistic foundation, I lacked technical knowledge in design software. The industry had already begun shifting towards digital tools, and this gap in my skillset became a real limitation. Employers were looking for professionals who could navigate the latest technology effortlessly, and I quickly realised that creativity alone wasn’t enough—I needed the technical skills to bring my ideas to life in a way that was relevant to the industry.
Blending technology and creativity
Determined to bridge that gap, I pursued a postgraduate degree in Interior Design, and the difference in approach was striking. This time, the focus was heavily on technology—learning how to use design software, mastering digital tools, and understanding how these programmes had become essential to modern design processes. It was clear that the industry had evolved, and education was adapting to meet its demands.
But here’s what I discovered along the way: while technology had given me the tools to execute my ideas more efficiently, it was my artistic background that truly made my work stand out. The ability to think creatively, to understand form, colour, texture, and composition—those were the things that set my designs apart. The software allowed me to express those ideas more precisely, but it didn’t generate them for me.
The role of AI in design
Fast forward to today, and technology is evolving faster than ever. Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries across the board, including design. AI-powered tools can now generate realistic 3D models, suggest optimised layouts, and even create design concepts in a matter of seconds. It’s an incredible advancement, and there’s no doubt that AI is becoming a valuable asset in the creative world. Do you want to navigate through my impressions about AI? Click here
But here’s the crucial point: AI can assist in the process, but it cannot replace the human touch. What makes a design truly exceptional is not just technical precision—it’s the thought, emotion, and originality behind it. AI can analyse data and generate solutions based on algorithms, but it lacks the intuition, cultural understanding, and personal experiences that shape great design.
This is why creativity remains the most valuable skill in our industry. The ability to interpret a client’s needs in a unique way, to design spaces that evoke emotion, to tell a story through colours, materials, and textures—these are things that technology, no matter how advanced, cannot replicate in the same way a human can.
More than just a classroom
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that true talent isn’t developed solely in a classroom. Education is important—it gives us structure, foundational knowledge, and access to tools—but the real learning happens beyond that. Creativity is nurtured through experience, through exposure to different cultures, through travelling, through engaging with art, history, and architecture in a way that books and lectures cannot fully capture.
Living abroad, stepping outside of familiar environments, observing how different cultures approach design—these experiences have shaped my perspective more than any software or technique ever could. They have taught me that good design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about understanding people, their behaviours, their traditions, and their way of interacting with space.
The balance between art and technology
So, where does this leave us? Should we focus entirely on learning technical skills, or should we invest more in artistic education? The truth is, both are essential. The best designers are those who can blend creativity with technology—who can use digital tools to enhance their vision rather than letting those tools define their work.
Technology is here to stay, and mastering it is no longer optional. But what will set you apart in a world where AI can generate designs in seconds? Your ability to think differently. Your personal experiences. Your artistic sensibility. Your capacity to create something that feels authentic and meaningful.
At the end of the day, the most successful designers are not just those who know how to use the latest software, but those who know how to see the world differently and translate that vision into something tangible. The tools will continue to evolve, but creativity—the kind that comes from curiosity, passion, and lived experiences—will always be the defining factor.
#Design #Creativity #Architecture #InteriorDesign #Technology #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation
Mauricio C.