As AI Evolves, So Does the Presence of Designers – Launch of Real-World Experiences in Interior Design Industry Transition

Sakuma Kiyoshima, Representative Director of Ondo Inc. (Headquarters: Osaka City, Kita Ward), has launched the note magazine "The Reality of Interior Design Work," which disseminates the structure and real work of the space creation industry. This new article is aimed at designers and creators who are anxious about "what will happen to my job" due to the recent rise of AI, as well as business professionals considering a career change. It is a series where Kiyoshima, who transitioned from systems engineer to interior designer and has over 10 years of industry experience, speaks frankly without exaggeration.

Background: Expanding Designer Career Anxiety in the AI Era

Since 2024, the rapid evolution and widespread adoption of generative AI have expanded its impact beyond design professions to many other occupations. AI features are increasingly integrated into major creative tools such as Adobe, and the question "What will happen to my job from now on?" is widely shared, especially among web and graphic designers.

Meanwhile, a different phenomenon is occurring in the interior design industry. As AI becomes more prevalent, clients' eyes become more discerning. However, while their judgment of appearance improves, their understanding of realization costs, construction feasibility, and the essential meaning of design remains lacking –

The more AI can output high-quality images for anyone, the wider the gap becomes between "people who only know the appearance" and "professionals who understand the essence."

This "discrepancy" actually enhances the value of professionals.

"The results of my work manifest in the real world, outside the screen." The essence of interior design lies in areas that AI cannot replace.

About the note magazine "The Reality of Interior Design Work"

This series honestly discusses "what the job of interior design is really like" for designers and business professionals seriously considering a career change. Experienced professionals who know the inside of the industry will continue to write without hype or exaggeration.

Article 1: "As AI Evolves, So Does the Presence of Designers"

Explains the mechanism by which the presence of interior designers is enhanced, stemming from the "discrepancy" created as AI becomes more prevalent and clients' eyes become more discerning.

Article 2: "The Simple Reason Interior Designers Won't Be Replaced by AI"

CG is merely a preview of the finished product. Discusses the chain of "making it happen" – material selection, specification confirmation, construction coordination, budget management – and the "responsibility" that AI cannot possess, with on-site episodes.

Article 3: "3 Things Necessary to Work as an Interior Designer"

Frankly conveys the entry points for career change, how to leverage existing skills, and what is important in the first year, considering the reality of an industry that, despite labor shortages, is "not just looking for anyone."

Article 4: Coming Soon...

View the note magazine

Future Developments

For the development and evolution of the industry, it is essential not only that "current" professionals continue to be active but also that more people "from now on" enter the industry.

We plan to continue publishing articles regularly and, based on the response to the magazine, consider establishing a venue for free consultations and seminars for those seriously considering a career change into the interior design industry.

Details will be announced on note and Instagram (@ondo_journal).

Author Profile

Sakuma Kiyoshima | Representative Director, Ondo Inc.

Sakuma Kiyoshima | Representative Director, Ondo Inc.

After graduating from university, he worked as a systems engineer at a major ERP package vendor. At the age of 28, he transitioned to interior design.

He studied commercial space design at Tokyo Designplex Institute and worked on the design of restaurants, including coffee chains, and offices at Ichiro Nishiwaki Design Office.

After engaging in new business development at Andpad, he founded SPLAN LLC, which operates a CG perspective production business. While continuing to be involved in the design field through producing over 100 perspectives per month, he established Ondo Inc. in August 2025.

He is involved in the development and operation of "ondó," a community and platform specializing in the interior design industry.

Company Introduction

Brand Concept | Ondo Inc.

Mission
"More freedom for designers."

Vision
"Realizing a society where all professionals involved in space creation can work freely and sustainably."

Thoughts on Business
In the interior design industry, there is a structural issue where the "accumulated knowledge" held by professionals with long careers continues to be buried without leaving the individual or specific organization. With "collective intelligence, co-creation, and credit assets" as core values, ondó aims for an industry where knowledge, talent, and work circulate sustainably.

Service Overview
A specialized, real-name-based community platform that integrates "knowledge-sharing community functions" with "matching functions for finding projects and collaboration partners." The beta version is scheduled for release in March 2026, with over 250 professionals currently participating.

Service URL: https://lp.ondo-circle.com
Corporate Site: https://corp.ondo-circle.com