Set and Exhibit Designers

Right now, most set and exhibit design work still needs people’s creativity. Designers use powerful software (like AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, 3ds Max and Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator) to draw floor plans and model sets ^{[1] [1]}. In architecture and engineering fields, new AI tools can generate many layout ideas quickly ^[2] and even analyze visitor movements to improve exhibits ^[3].

However, these are mostly research tools or special systems, not everyday studio practice. For example, one study showed AI could track where museum-goers spend time to suggest layout changes ^[3], but real designers still decide how a stage or exhibit looks. Many core tasks of set designers – like attending rehearsals, watching how actors move, or talking with directors – can’t be done by a computer.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that architecture and engineering jobs might be affected by AI, but actual impacts are still “uncertain” ^[4]. In short, AI can help speed up drafting or provide ideas, but humans still guide the vision and make final design decisions.

New design tools are showing up slowly. Most teams still rely on familiar CAD and visualization software rather than brand-new AI systems ^[1]. AI image generators and assistants exist, but there aren’t yet many off-the-shelf “set design AI” products.

Buying or learning such tools can be expensive for small design shops, and job growth in this field is modest (BLS predicts only ~2% growth by 2033 ^[4]), so companies may not rush to replace their teams. Work is often project-based and highly creative: choosing a show’s style or testing a set in rehearsal needs human judgment. Even experts in design education say AI is “transforming design education, impacting creativity and innovation” ^[5] – suggesting that AI is seen as a tool for designers, not a replacement.

In the end, human skills like creativity, storytelling, and collaboration remain very important. For now, AI handles routine tasks (speeding up drafting, offering layout ideas), but creative and decision-making roles are still firmly in people’s hands ^{[4] [4]}.