Summary
In this live-recorded episode of The Blueprint Tour from the IIBEC Metro New York Chapter’s Building Smarter with AI conference in New York, hosts Kenneth Shultz, Engineering Director at PermitZIP, and Carter Huddleston, Electrical Principal Engineer at PermitZIP, sit down with Melita Cekani, Founder of Cekani Architectural Design, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming architecture and interior design workflows.
With a background in both art and architectural design, Melita shares how her studio uses AI to accelerate concept development, generate design iterations, and support creative exploration, while still relying on human judgment for final execution. The conversation dives into the growing realism of architectural rendering, the blurred line between renders and real photography, and the challenge of maintaining originality and artistic direction in an AI-assisted world.
The discussion also explores modern design operations, including working with international rendering teams, leveraging time-zone advantages for around-the-clock production, and using AI tools to improve communication, proposals, and client collaboration. Along the way, the trio unpacks the realities of residential design, managing subjective client feedback, and structuring creative workflows so projects don’t spiral into endless revisions.
From luxury interiors and visualization technology to remote collaboration and AI-enhanced productivity, this episode offers a practical and honest look at where creativity and technology are heading.
Thoughtful, visually engaging, and highly relevant to both creatives and technologists, this episode is a deep dive into the future of design in the AI era.
“We use AI a lot… it helps us with the design process.”
Keywords
AI in architecture, interior design, architectural visualization, AI rendering, luxury interiors, architectural design, AI-assisted creativity, photorealistic rendering, 3D rendering, design technology, AI workflows, remote design teams, architectural rendering software, creative AI, future of architecture, ChatGPT for design, digital design tools, AI in interior design, design process, architecture podcast
“I’ll paint an idea first, then use AI to give me iterations.”
Takeaways
AI can accelerate concept development and creative exploration in architecture and interior design.
Human judgment and artistic direction still drive final design decisions.
Hyper-realistic renders are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from real photography.
Global remote teams can create near 24-hour production workflows.
AI tools improve communication, proposal writing, and client collaboration.
Residential design requires balancing creativity with client expectations and clear boundaries.
Structured iteration processes help prevent endless design revisions.
“You can barely tell the difference between a render and a real image.”
Chapters
Welcome and Live Podcast Setup
Meet Melita Cekani and Cekani Architectural Design
Using AI for Architectural Concepts and Iterations
Artistic Backgrounds and Creative Design Thinking
Can You Tell Render From Reality?
The Limits of AI in Interior Design
Managing Global Design Teams and Time Zones
Communication Challenges and AI-Assisted Collaboration
Residential Design and Client Expectations
Using Miro Boards and Structured Design Workflows
Why Interior Design Can Become Endless
AI, Photoshop, and Rendering Enhancement
The Future of Creative Workflows in Architecture
Final Thoughts and Where to Find Melita
“We do not use AI for the final result.”
Where to Find Melita Cekani
Instagram · LinkedIn · Cekani Architectural Design · Melita Cekani
“You gotta keep AI creativity low… otherwise your lights start growing arms.”
Where to Find The Blueprint Tour
YouTube · TikTok · TheBPTour.com
Kenneth Shultz (Host) · Carter Huddleston (Host)
