This paper investigates the impact of Artificial intelligence (AI) visualization tools in interior design education. In an attempt to align with the current advancements in technology, a course named “Design Visualization” was introduced at the undergraduate level in an interior design program, wherein 90 students were encouraged to engage with various GenAI tools, including Leonardo, Canva AI, and DALL·E, to support their conventional representational skills and their analytical in the design process. The project briefs were designed to enhance the critical thinking skills that helped them represent their ideas better. Two main tasks were assigned: recreating original photographs of interior spaces by providing prompts and creating interior spaces tailored to specific imaginary clients, often celebrities or fictional characters. At the end of the course, qualitative research was conducted through surveys to gather student feedback on the experience of using GenAI tools. Affinity mapping was employed to analyze the feedback, focusing on the effect and influence of GenAI tools on pedagogy and student creativity. The findings revealed that GenAI tools aid the design process by providing novel approaches to design challenges. However, challenges such as software limitations and fears associated with AI usage were also identified. Despite these challenges, students recognized the value of acquiring software skills for their future careers beyond academia. Additionally, the study examined the evolution of students’ understanding of the software over time, particularly in generating prompts and manipulating GenAI responses. Further, this research contributes to understanding the opportunities and challenges presented by GenAI tools in academia and the interior design domain. By exploring the role of AI in enhancing creativity and skill development, this study offers insights for educators and professionals alike on leveraging GenAI tools effectively in design education and practice.