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Aipedia: Interior designers
AI layout tools can produce workable furniture plans quickly, but they do not check escape routes, accessibility or Building Regulations, and the designer remains responsible. On fit-outs, CDM 2015 and Part 2A designer duties make that responsibility a legal one.
Part of: AI in Interior designers
In short
AI tools can turn a floor plan into furniture layouts and partition options in minutes. They rarely understand fire escape routes, door widths, accessible circulation or the Building Regulations. Where a fit-out involves construction, CDM 2015 regulation 9 and, in England, Building Regulations Part 2A (reg 11F competence and reg 11K compliance) apply to the designer. BIID clauses 1(b)(i), 4(a) and 4(c) require competence and reasonable skill and care. Check every AI layout against the regulations, involve the right specialists, and keep records. PI usually responds to negligent design claims, subject to the wording.
AI space planning tools take a floor plan, photo or scan and suggest furniture arrangements, zoning, partition positions and storage. They are useful for testing options with a client quickly. Their weakness is context: most do not know which door is a fire exit, the width needed for a wheelchair, where structural walls run, or the minimum clearances that apply in a commercial setting.
See the BIID Code and AI guide for how these fit together.
Illustrative scenario. A designer uses an AI tool to replan an open-plan office for more meeting rooms. The output adds glazed partitions that lengthen the route to one exit and narrow a corridor. The layout is issued to the fit-out contractor without a fire strategy check. Building control raises the issue after installation, partitions are moved, and the client claims the cost of rework and lost occupancy from the designer.
Other common problems:
The interior designer specification risk guide covers related errors.
A claim alleging a negligent layout is the kind of claim interior designers' PI is commonly bought to cover, whether or not AI produced the first draft, subject to the policy terms. Points to check are any exclusions for structural or fire engineering work outside your stated activities, and whether your declared business description matches what you actually do. Notify circumstances promptly when building control or a contractor raises a concern. See does PI cover AI and IP claims.
Commercial and public-facing interiors bring stricter expectations than private homes. Restaurants, shops, offices and hotels need circulation that works for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility, accessible toilets that are not used as storage, and counters and seating that serve everyone. AI tools that optimise for capacity or covers can squeeze these out without warning.
Residential work has its own pitfalls. Open-plan conversions in houses can affect how occupants escape from upper floors in a fire, and removing walls may change the protected route. These are exactly the points where a designer needs to stop and involve a building control body, fire engineer or structural engineer, rather than relying on an AI suggestion. Recording when you referred a question to a specialist shows competence under BIID clause 1(b)(i).
On larger projects the interior designer will usually sit within a team led by an architect or principal designer. The interior designer still holds designer duties for their own work under CDM and Part 2A. Agree in writing who checks fire strategy, accessibility and structure, so an AI-generated option cannot slip through because each party assumed another had reviewed it.
How Apex helps: Apex arranges PI for interior designers. A broker can check that your business description and cover reflect fit-out work and how the policy treats AI-assisted layouts. See PI insurance for interior designers.
They can. In England, Part 2A applies to anyone carrying out design work for building work. Where a fit-out involves building work, the interior designer must be competent and take reasonable steps so the design would comply if built.
No tool takes on your duty. Use AI for options, then check escape routes, clearances and access against the regulations yourself or with a fire specialist before issuing anything to a contractor.
Usually, if the client brings a claim alleging negligent design and your policy covers that activity, subject to its terms. Notify your insurer as soon as the issue is raised, before agreeing to pay for rework.
Not for every project. Where a layout changes partitions, exits or protected routes in a commercial or multi-occupied building, specialist fire input is often needed, and building control may ask for it.
Tell us about your firm and the work you do. A broker will review how your current PI treats AI-assisted work, or arrange new cover. No fee for a quote. Or call 0117 325 0027.
Start a PI quote Request a callbackApex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570. This page is general information about how AI is used in the profession and how insurance may respond. It is not legal, regulatory or insurance advice on your circumstances, and it does not guarantee that cover will be available or on what terms.
