How AI is Reshaping Kitchen & Bath Design: Designers Share Their Perspectives

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, we wanted to better understand how it's impacting kitchen and bath design professionals. We recently surveyed our customers to learn how they're using AI, how their clients are embracing it, and what they believe the future holds for the industry.

AI Adoption Is Still in the Early Stages

While AI is generating plenty of buzz, most respondents haven't yet incorporated it into their day-to-day workflow. Only 30% said they're currently using AI in their design process, while 31% have invested in AI tools or training.

That said, nearly every respondent agreed that AI is becoming impossible to ignore.

Customers Are Already Bringing AI to the Showroom

Even designers who aren't actively using AI are encountering it through their customers.

Many respondents shared that homeowners are arriving with AI-generated renderings or ChatGPT-created kitchen concepts. Designers appreciate that these images help customers communicate their style preferences more clearly and can serve as a helpful starting point for conversations.

The biggest challenge? AI often creates beautiful—but unrealistic—spaces featuring cabinet sizes, layouts, finishes, or products that simply don't exist. Managing those expectations has quickly become an important part of the design process.

"Customers are bringing in AI-generated images that help communicate their vision, but they also create unrealistic expectations because many of the products, sizes, and layouts simply don't exist."

– Brenda Schnadinger, Xtreme Wholesale
Madison, IN

Human Expertise Still Matters Most

One message came through loud and clear: technology can enhance the process, but it can't replace the value of an experienced designer.

Respondents overwhelmingly believe that the following should remain human-driven:

Building relationships with customers
Understanding how families will actually use their space
Accurate field measurements
Space planning and functional layouts
Material and color selection
Product knowledge and real-world problem solving

Many also emphasized that empathy, creativity, and personal communication are qualities AI simply can't replicate.

"The majority of the design process should remain human-driven. AI can be used for quick idea generation, but the important details like cabinet layout need to be done by a human who understands the real-world limitations of the products and space."

– Char Stevens, NewCraft Cabinetry
Kalamazoo, MI

Another respondent put it this way:

"The extensive conversation with the client can't be replaced with AI. A human designer can understand budget constraints, older homes, and real-world complications in ways AI simply can't."

– Andra Shier, Forge & Build Bad Axe
Port Huron, MI

Looking Ahead

When asked about the next five years, designers expect AI to become a valuable productivity tool. Many anticipate improvements in renderings, visualization, project management, quoting, and documentation, helping speed up repetitive tasks and allowing designers to work more efficiently.

At the same time, respondents expressed concern that AI-generated concepts could create unrealistic expectations and increase pressure on designers to explain what can—and cannot—be built. Others believe the role of the designer will evolve rather than disappear, shifting from creating drawings to providing expert guidance, technical knowledge, and personalized solutions.

One respondent summed it up well:

"I think overall, AI will be a positive. It will allow designers to work more efficiently by handling some of the repetitive tasks, but there will always be a need for us because of our knowledge, experience, and ability to work with people."

– Lauren Gough, Tri County Cabinetry & Design
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

The Bottom Line

Our survey suggests that AI isn't replacing kitchen designers, it's changing how they work. The greatest opportunity lies in using AI to improve visualization and efficiency, while the greatest value will continue to come from the expertise, creativity, and relationships that only experienced designers can provide.

As AI becomes a larger part of the design conversation, we're committed to helping our customers navigate new technology while continuing to provide the products, expertise, and support they rely on every day.

If you’re a builder, independent designer or homeowner interested in our products, please click here to connect with one of our valued dealer partners.