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February 2025

Auckland Design Week 2025

Opinion

 

Auckland Design Week 2025: How VR, AR & AI Are Transforming Design

By Lizzi Whaley

Auckland Design Week 2025 is just around the corner (March 3–9), and this year’s theme, “Chance + Change,” couldn’t be more fitting. As designers, we thrive on the unexpected—pushing boundaries, embracing new ideas, and finding creative solutions. Looking ahead, this theme spotlights the transformative role of technology in design. I’ll be joining a panel discussion to share how we’ve embraced tools like VR, AR, and AI and the impact these innovations have had on our business, our clients, and the future of design.

Technology & Design: More Than Just Trends

At Spaceworks, adopting new technology has never been about chasing trends—it’s about enhancing what we do best: creating spaces that connect, inspire, and deliver.

Virtual reality (VR) has been a game-changer. It bridges the gap between concept and reality, letting clients experience their space before the first nail is hammered. For designers, it’s a tool for refinement, providing deeper insights into materiality, flow, and spatial interaction.

Over the past six months, we’ve expanded into augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), driven by the same principle: improving client understanding and creating efficiencies. Whether streamlining workflows or clarifying complex projects, these tools push the boundaries of what’s possible—while keeping the human element central to our work.

 

Meet Us at Auckland Design Week

I’ll be attending key events, connecting with industry leaders, and sharing insights on how these technologies are shaping workplace and retail design. If you’re keen for a chat about the future of design and fit-outs, let’s connect!

Want to meet up? Get in touch with Lizzi Whaley – let’s talk design over coffee (or something stronger!).

 

What’s Next for Design Innovation?

Technology isn’t just changing how we work—it’s transforming the outcomes we deliver. So, here’s a creative thought to end on:

What’s one feature you’d love to see in the design tools of the future? A digital mood board that evolves with your project? AI that predicts how people will feel in a space?

Drop us a message—we’d love to hear your ideas. Who knows, they might inspire the next big leap in design innovation!

 

Stay Updated

We’ll keep you posted on our must-see events, so stay tuned.

More about Auckland Design Week: Official Website