Exploring the Impact of Technology on the Interiorscape Industry

I remember a fascinating conversation I had with my boss in the 90s regarding technology in the interiorscape industry. He mentioned an upcoming trip to Holland, and at first, I assumed it was for leisure. However, to my surprise, it was primarily a business venture focused on advanced commercial greenhouses, where automated processes carried out every aspect of nurturing a small cutting into a full-grown ornamental plant. Holland led the way in establishing these high-tech factory plant nurseries, and although my office position didn’t directly relate to this aspect, I couldn’t help but feel concerned for the sixty or so people who depended on their work in these greenhouses to support their families.

In today’s world, technology is making its mark across various industries. You’ve surely encountered it in the form of video conferencing and customer service. Or perhaps you’ve come across instances where scammers use technology to facilitate ransom calls, imitating the voice of a supposed kidnapped individual. In examining the potential impact of technology, it is important to acknowledge that while it can be used for harm, it also holds immense potential for good. For years, technology has played a significant role in the interiorscape industry, but how? And what does a future full of technology look like for us interiorscapers?

Enhancing Water Management and Efficiency

Large commercial landscape companies have used ground sensors to manage their irrigation systems for years. These sensors upload soil data to a database, which then regulates watering to meet the needs of plants. This intelligent approach eliminates unnecessary water waste, promoting sustainability. It has long been employed in outdoor landscapes, but it is becoming more accessible and cost-effective for consumers as well. Though in interior landscapes, this only applies to atriums or other areas where an irrigation system is already in place.

Thankfully, this doesn’t pose a threat to the job security of plant technicians just yet. However, if technology advances to the point where it can handle all aspects of plant maintenance, the role of a horticultural technician will dwindle to one or two individuals remotely monitoring accounts, while technology takes care of the rest.

Optimizing Plant Health

Imagine having a handy tool that can effortlessly determine the optimal conditions for specific foliage—water, nutrient, light, humidity, and temperature requirements. That’s where plant sensors come into play, and they’ve taken things to a whole new level with recent technological advancements. These smart sensors—like the Edyn Garden Sensor, Parrot Flower Power, and Flora Pod—provide you with real-time data and specific suggestions to improve plant health. The best part is that all this information is easily accessible through your smartphone. By utilizing these smart sensors, we, as interiorscapes, can significantly reduce maintenance time while increasing the lifespan of our client’s foliage, reducing one of our biggest costs—plant replacements.

Revolutionizing Design and Creativity

Another exciting area of technology development is design. There are several products available, like Adobe, that use AI technology to create marketing materials, graphics, and videos, but when it comes to designing new interiorscapes specifically, I haven’t come across any dedicated programs. Fortunately, there are outdoor landscape software options available that allow you to import your own images, which can still be useful for our industry.

What’s really cool about this AI technology is that it lets you create your own 3D images—trickling water, leaves swaying in the imaginary breeze, and even dogs wagging their tails. I recently tried out a free tool to create an indoor waterfall landscape. In seconds, a beautiful atrium waterfall scene appeared. Although the image was a bit grainy and more artistic than realistic, it gave me a glimpse of future possibilities.

Currently, creating a complete atrium design takes hours. Just imagine how much time and stress could be eliminated if only a few lines had to be typed and the image in mind instantly transformed into a client’s proposal. The potential for streamlining the design process using AI technology is truly remarkable.

Navigating the Changing Technological Landscape

As technology continues to advance, I can’t help but notice its potential to lighten workloads and help businesses run more efficiently. However, I can’t ignore the concern that this very technology might jeopardize people’s ability to earn a living. Not too long ago, I believed it could never truly replace humans, but with the speed, accuracy, and the fact that it requires no salary, vacation, or health benefits, I now find myself reevaluating my initial belief. It’s a reminder that we must adapt and embrace the changing landscape of technology while also considering the impact it may have on our livelihoods.