“Welcome to the birthplace of interior design in Germany!” With these words, Professor Dr. Martin Ludwig Hofmann, Dean of the Detmold School of Design, welcomed more than 120 interior designers from across the country.
In his speech, Professor Hofmann explained that the Detmold School is not only the largest training center for interior design in Germany, but that from 2026 it will also be the only department in Germany where all four chamber-affiliated planning disciplines will be taught in one place: Landscape architecture will be added to the three existing disciplines of interior design, architecture, and urban planning. “This will enable completely new synergies,” said Hofmann.
“AI and interior design” was the theme of the event. Keynote speeches and plenary discussions explored the opportunities and potential of artificial intelligence. “Our cities are already built – continuing to develop what already exists and designing spaces where people feel comfortable is therefore a task of great importance, especially for interior designers in our country,” emphasized Susanne Crayen, Vice President of the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Architects.
In a discussion with moderator Christof Rose, deputy managing director of the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Architects, Professor Carsten Wiewiorra, president of the Association of German Interior Architects (BDIA), explained that AI must be integrated into teaching in the same way as drawing by hand.
Professor Markus Schein, Professor Nicolas Rauch, and Professor Ulrike Kerber discussed how AI can help with design projects with Detmold students Johannes Homann, Kea Stockbrügger, and Tetje-Maria Jungmann. Professor Schein advocated openness toward artificial intelligence. The students reported on their work experience, in which AI already plays a major role.
Berlin architects Christina Gresser and Philipp Eichstädt – Studio Eichstädt Gresser – demonstrated specific AI tools that can be used in practice in their presentation. Berlin interior designer Fabian Freytag then took the audience on a journey into collaborative design with AI. Finally, entrepreneur and author Henriette Frädrich showed how to break routines and constantly motivate oneself.
The Interior Design Day ended with a succinct and humorous summary of the day by slam poet Lars Ruppel – to thunderous applause from the audience. The keynote question of the day, “Who designs the future?”, was answered by Barbara Eitner. The deputy chair of the Interior Design Committee of the Chamber of Architects said: “We all design it – with the help of AI and in collaboration with all disciplines.”