This study explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to interior design education by comparing traditional and AI-assisted renderings of interior spaces by first- and third-year students at Hechi University in Guangxi, China. AI tools significantly improved the renderings made by a first-year student, but not those made by a third-year student. Our results highlight the need to prevent students from relying on the use of AI tools and hindering their development of foundational design skills. It also highlights the need to distinguish between the practicality of AI-generated renderings and the practical requirements of the design process.