Professional designers should not feel "threatened" by the rapid growth of generative AI, according to business leaders, despite concerns about job losses in the sector. As design and film production companies, as well as manufacturers, increasingly adopt AI, industry leaders argue that the technology is more likely to enhance rather than replace human creativity. Mat Hunter, chief executive of the Design Council, a UK-based organization that promotes the design industry, emphasized that designers are using AI to add value to their work. He noted that while new technologies have historically displaced some jobs, he believes the UK needs more professional designers and that the sector's overall employment is expected to grow. Deborah Dawton, chief executive of the Design Business Council, echoed this sentiment, stating that skilled designers are protected from AI by their experience, empathy, and deep understanding of their industries. She argued that AI cannot replace the nuanced, human elements of design work. However, concerns remain. Recent research by The King's Institute for Artificial Intelligence and the Policy Institute found that 57% of the public believe AI will lead to widespread unemployment. Freelancers in the design field have also reported taking on repetitive, low-value tasks to correct AI-generated errors, calling some of this work "soulless." Despite these concerns, the design sector has shown strong growth. According to the Design Council, the industry—spanning product design, fashion, and transportation—has grown by 40% between 2019 and the end of 2023, outpacing the overall economy's 23% growth. The sector now supports 2.27 million jobs across construction, services, and manufacturing, with a 15% increase in employment between 2020 and 2025. While these figures predate the rise of major AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude, recent employment data suggests that AI has not yet significantly impacted the demand for skilled designers. Andrew Duff, head of the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers, noted that while some in the industry are wary of AI, it is more commonly used as a tool to support rather than replace human expertise. He compared AI to an "intern in the office," helping with routine tasks but not replacing the need for skilled professionals. The Design Council report also highlighted regional growth, with Wales and the north-east of England seeing significant increases in design-related income. However, the south-east remains the dominant hub for design industries, contributing significantly more to the UK economy than sectors like retail and food services. Both industry leaders and the government stress the importance of addressing the shortage of skilled workers, particularly as interest in design and technology education has declined in recent years.