Designers should not fear AI replacing them so easily

Professional designers should not feel threatened by the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence, industry leaders say. Design companies, film producers and manufacturers are using AI more intensively, but experts believe the technology will enhance human work rather than replace it.

Mat Hunter of the British Design Council said designers already use AI to add value to their work. He expects demand for skilled designers to continue growing because imagination and creativity are difficult to replace. Deborah Dawton of the Design Business Association said knowledge, experience, empathy and deep understanding of a designer’s field offer the strongest protection against AI.

Andrew Duff of the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers said companies more often use AI as an “office intern” than as a substitute for skilled employees.

The Design Council’s analysis found that Britain’s design sector grew 40% between 2019 and 2023, compared with average economic growth of 23%. Employment rose 15% from 2020 to 2025, and different sectors support 2.27 million design jobs.

Experts nevertheless warn that the more serious problem may be the shortage of qualified workers. The number of students taking design and technology at GCSE level fell 68% in a decade. They say Britain needs greater investment in teachers and equipment to attract a new generation of designers.

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office intern