AI for Interior Designers™ *Podcast

EP 69: Is Interior Design rendering Dead? How AI Tools Are Changing Client Visuals

Is Interior Design Rendering Dead? How AI Tools Are Changing Client Visuals
In this episode of the AI for Interior Designers™ Podcast, Jenna breaks down whether traditional 3D rendering still makes sense for interior designers now that AI tools can create convincing visuals in a fraction of the time.
For years, high-end 3D renderings were the gold standard. Designers would spend 10–14 hours perfecting materials, lighting, and tiny details. It was beautiful work—but also time‑consuming, expensive, and often overkill for what most clients actually needed: confidence in the concept and clarity around how everything fits.
Now, AI is changing that balance. Jenna shares why she personally stopped offering full 3D renderings nearly two years ago, how she now combines accurate floor plans with AI-generated imagery and video, and what this shift means for render artists, students, and working designers.
In This Episode, We Cover:
The shift from hand drafting to high-speed visuals: Why BIM tools and generative AI are the next inflection point in our industry’s evolution.
When to skip the 14-hour render: How to identify when a client needs a high-end investment versus when they just need a "vibe" check.
The New Workflow: How to build accurate 2D plans, then layer on fast AI visuals to sell the concept without the pixel-perfect obsession.
The Future of Render Artists: Why technical designers are more valuable than ever as “accuracy editors” and quality control specialists.
Designer vs. DIY AI: How to talk to clients who think they can replace a professional designer with a few prompts.
Key Takeaways & Workflow Tips
Why Traditional Rendering is Evolving Clients are increasingly hesitant to pay for "perfect" scale in every pixel when they can get a clear vision of the mood and layout in under two hours. Jenna explains how she uses tools like Mydoma’s Visualizer to create accurate floor plans and 2D drawings, then pivots to AI for the "wow" factor.
Jenna’s Current AI Visualization Stack
Foundation: Create a solid, scaled floor plan with accurate dimensions.
Concept: Build a clean concept board with actual products in Canva.
Visualization: Use AI (Google Gemini or ChatGPT) to "drop" real products into an AI-generated room image.
Immersion: Turn those stills into short video walkthroughs using video-generation features to show the dog on the bed or the way light hits the sofa.
Mentioned in this Episode
Jenna’s Platforms & Education:
AI for Interior Designers™ (Site + Newsletter)
AI for Interior Designers™ Podcast Home
Live AI & Visualization Classes
Certificate Program Press Feature (KBB)
Business of Home: Will AI put renders out of business? 
Visualization & AI Tools:
SketchUp: sketchup.com
Mydoma Studio: mydomastudio.com
Canva: canva.com
Google Gemini: gemini.google.com
ChatGPT: chatgpt.com
 
Industry Events & Organizations:
IDS - Interior Design Society interiordesignsociety.org 
KBIS – Kitchen & Bath Industry Show: kbis.com
ASID: asid.org
High Point Market: highpointmarket.org
A + D Summit for Photographers in Austin March 4-6- https://www.ad-photosummit.com/ Use code JENNA for $500 off. 
LuAnn Nigara / LuAnn University: luannnigara.com
Final Thought
AI images are a power tool for marketing and quick visualization, but they are not a substitute for professional space planning and real-world experience. If you’re ready to streamline your visuals and stop losing days to 3D modeling for every project, this episode is for you.
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Episode 68: The Internet Is Dead, Stop Trusting the Feed

In Episode 68 of the AI for Interior Designers™ Podcast, Jenna Gaidusek dives into a topic that has been quietly reshaping the internet, social media, and how we market our businesses. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from the feed, skeptical of what you’re seeing online, or exhausted by algorithm driven content, this episode will resonate.
Jenna unpacks why the internet feels dead. Between bots, AI generated content, misinformation, and platforms designed to influence behavior rather than foster connection, trust online is eroding fast. She breaks down dead internet theory through real‑world experience, not hype, and explains why social media no longer feels truly social.
This episode is not about abandoning the internet entirely. It’s about awareness, boundaries, and knowing where real connection actually happens now. Jenna shares why in person relationships, private communities, and intentional visibility matter more than ever, especially for designers navigating AI, marketing fatigue, and constant noise.
You’ll also hear how AI fits into this conversation in a practical way. When used intentionally, AI can give you time back instead of pulling you deeper into the scroll. The goal is not replacement, but support. Less busywork, more real life.
If you’re looking to learn how to use AI without losing your voice, your values, or your humanity, explore the AI classes and certificate programs available at:
This episode is a reset. Stop trusting the feed. Start trusting real humans, real experiences, and your own discernment.
 
Take an AI class with me this fall. Open enrollment classes are now available for Q1 through March! 
aiforinteriordesigners.ai/classes 
Waitlist for Q2 Certificate Program is also filling up quickly (see the class page to join it). 

EP 67: Touch Grass, Save Your Sanity

Episode 67: Touch Grass, Save Your Sanity
Social media feels heavier than ever, AI content is everywhere, and many designers are starting 2026 already burnt out.
In this episode, Jenna reflects on burnout, growing up between analog and digital worlds, and why the solution to AI fatigue is not more tools, but more real life connection. This is an honest conversation about stepping back from the scroll, using AI intentionally, and prioritizing human experience in a tech-saturated world.
Instead of chasing algorithms or sharing everything publicly, Jenna explains why she is choosing a more intentional approach to visibility, community, and business this year.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why posting daily on social media is unsustainable long term
How AI saturation is changing how content feels online
Why “2026 is the new 2016” resonates right now
The difference between using AI as a tool versus letting it consume your life
Why in‑person industry events matter more than ever
How collaboration is helping firms stay resilient
Where AI actually saves time inside a design business
Updates on the AI Certificate Program and upcoming open enrollment classes
This episode is a reminder that AI should give you time back, not take away your humanity. Use the tools, then log off and go be a person again.
Links mentioned:AI Certificate Program: https://www.aiforinteriordesigners.ai/ Swink Social: https://www.swinksocialco.com/ IDS Charleston: https://idscharleston.org 

EP 66: What's next for 2026 in the World of AI for Interior designers?

In this future-focused episode, Jenna skips the typical year-end recap and dives straight into what’s coming next for interior designers in 2026. Instead of dwelling on 2025, she breaks down the seismic shifts happening in AI, why so many firms are restructuring or closing, and how designers can stay not just relevant—but ahead of the curve.​
What you’ll learn in this episode
Why Jenna refuses to do “year in review” content and instead focuses on forward momentum, analytics, and what’s actually working for designers going into 2026.​
The real reasons so many small design firms are closing, and how collaboration, consulting teams, and strategic partnerships are helping others stay profitable and resilient.​
Why “free prompts for everyone” is harming the industry, and how to think more strategically about who you follow, what you support, and how you protect your expertise.​
How AI is changing from simple chat and image tools into full-on custom apps, dashboards, and systems built by designers, for designers—with workflows tailored to real design processes.​
A peek inside Jenna’s AI App Studio, including examples like proposal builders, paint schedule generators, and other tools that eliminate repetitive tasks and cut hours off your week.​
What “agentic AI” actually means in plain language, and how agents and multimodal tools (text, images, audio, video, documents) will soon be quietly embedded into almost everything you use.​
How leading studios are using AI to augment, not replace, creativity—like training models on a designer’s lifetime of sketches to rapidly generate new product ideas and prototypes.​
The critical difference between designers who let AI flatten their voice and designers who use AI to amplify their originality, storytelling, and thought leadership.​
Why 2026 is the year to take tech into your own hands, reduce bloated subscriptions, and start building (or using) bespoke tools that you own and control.​
Powerful reflection questions to ask yourself over the holiday break about your process, pricing, deliverables, ideal clients, and how AI can support the business you actually want to run.​
Key themes Jenna covers
Protecting the profession: Why Jenna gates certain content, focuses only on professionals, and refuses to hand powerful tools to homeowners in ways that undermine designer livelihoods.​
Building your own ecosystem: How an industry-owned AI app studio can help designers cancel unnecessary tools, centralize workflows, and keep data and innovation inside the design community.​
Redefining “tech person”: Why some of the best adopters of AI are self-described “non-techy” creatives who see new possibilities, not just new software.​
Owning your uniqueness: What it really means to stop following trends, set them instead, and use AI to speed up execution—not to copy what’s already all over Pinterest.​
Mentioned in this episode
Google Gemini / DeepMind and multimodal, agentic AI flows.​
Lovegrove Studio / Ross Lovegrove DeepMind case study (YouTube): https://youtu.be/lULd8fmxJC0​
AI App Studio for interior designers, including custom apps, proposal builders, paint schedules, and more.​
AI for Interior Designers™ Certificate Program (first semester beginning January 6; enrollment closing January 5)
Ready to explore further?
The DAIly – Short, searchable AI training videos and workflows for $29.99/month.
AI CEU Program- www.aiforinteriordesigners.ai 
Resources:EventsResourcesAbout
Private Trainings & Speaking:Private AI Trainings & AdvisorySpeakingCollaborationsPress
Community & Podcast:Podcast Episode SummariesCommunity Conversations
Events Calendar:Events Calendar
Account & Social:Member LoginInstagramYouTube

Episode 65: We’ve Hit the AI Tipping Point (And No, It’s Not Replacing Interior Designers)

Episode 65: We’ve Hit the AI Tipping Point (And No, It’s Not Replacing Interior Designers)
In this episode, we talk about the moment we’ve officially reached: AI is now good enough that homeowners think they can design without us. Between Gemini’s newest features, Nano Banana built into your camera roll, and an explosion of fake “AI experts,” the design industry is at a major turning point.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Why AI tools are giving homeowners a false sense of confidence
How Gemini + Nano Banana are reshaping expectations overnight
The rise of misinformation and AI-generated “sludge” on social media
Real examples from current design clients using AI (successes + confusion)
Why DIY AI remodels are about to create a huge wave of problems
How designers can position themselves as the essential “AI rescue”
The ethical issues big tech continues to ignore
Why you must become non-copyable to stay competitive
Links Mentioned
AI Tools
Nano Banana (Gemini Image Tools)Google GeminiChatGPT
Interior Design Resources
AI for Interior Designers™CEU Certificate ProgramThe DAIly™ Workshops
Podcast
Listen on Spotify
Other Mentions
Daniel House ClubIDS CharlestonBulbrite Lighting
Work With Me
Stay ahead of AI. Protect your value. Explore the CEU Certificate Program:https://aiforinteriordesigners.ai

EP 64: Zero Click AI Searches- The Reason Your Website Traffic is Down

EP 64: Zero Click AI Searches- The Reason Your Website Traffic is Down
In this episode, Jenna Gaidusek dives deep into the growing crisis of zero-click search—a shift in how people find answers online that’s impacting small businesses, designers, and anyone relying on website traffic for visibility and leads. Jenna explains what zero-click search is, why it’s become a problem over the past two years, and how AI-generated summaries on platforms like Google, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini are changing the rules for SEO and business growth.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why it’s more important than ever to understand your website analytics—and how to get started even if you’re not “techy.”
The reality behind declining organic traffic: 60% of searches now end without a click, and 25% of small business site visits have dried up.
How designers can pivot with long-form, authority-building content, FAQs, and real world case studies that set you apart from generic AI content.
The crucial role of backlinks, referrals, press releases, and partnerships for visibility in AI-driven search engines.
The new ways clients search (and find designers) using conversational AI and how you can stay competitive when AI platforms summarize your content for searchers.
Practical tips to reclaim your audience: optimizing your site for both people and machines, getting creative with collaborations, and harnessing ethical digital strategies to protect your brand.
Jenna also shares personal insights from her own Squarespace analytics, breaks down the data from industry sources like Forbes and SuperPrompt, and offers encouragement for designers to get empowered—track their numbers, embrace change, and build authentic authority to thrive in the evolving landscape.
✨ Ready to explore further?
The DAIly – Short, searchable AI training videos and workflows for $29.99/month.
AI Workshops – Hands-on, live sessions that help you apply AI in your business right away.
Resources:ProgramsEventsResourcesPodcastAbout
Membership & Workshops:Membership – The DAIlyWorkshops
Private Trainings & Speaking:Private AI Trainings & AdvisorySpeakingCollaborationsPress
Community & Podcast:Podcast Episode SummariesCommunity Conversations
Events Calendar:Events Calendar
Account & Social:Member LoginInstagramYouTube
Tune in for actionable strategies on defending your traffic, amplifying your expertise, and making your voice heard in this new age of search!

Ep 63: HPMKT Recap- The Power of Real Life Connections

Episode 63: High Point Market, Human Connection & The Future of AI in Design
Ever feel like you need a nap after a trade show? Same. In this episode, Jenna’s back from High Point Market with stories, insights, and a very real take on how the design world is changing—and how AI is showing up in it.
From an intimate, hands-on AI Day at Feizy Rugs to a packed Lunch & Learn with IDS and Howard Elliott, Jenna shares how these in-person events are shaping the next era of design education. It wasn’t just about apps and prompts—it was about community, connection, and remembering why showing up still matters.
She also reflects on what it’s like to build something totally new (AI education in design) without a blueprint, how she balances tech with human interaction, and what’s next for 2026.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why this fall’s High Point Market felt so different—and what that says about the industry
The behind-the-scenes of AI Day and what really happens when designers get hands-on with tech
How digital note-taking and AI tools can actually organize your creative chaos
The power of trade shows for real relationships (not just pretty product photos)
A sneak peek into Jenna’s plans for the next evolution of AI for Interior Designers
✨ Ready to explore further?
The DAIly – Short, searchable AI training videos and workflows for $29.99/month.AI Workshops – Hands-on, live sessions that help you apply AI in your business right away.
Tune in now and rediscover why the best ideas still happen face-to-face.
Resources:ProgramsEventsResourcesPodcastAbout
Membership & Workshops:Membership – The DAIlyWorkshops
Private Trainings & Speaking:Private AI Trainings & AdvisorySpeakingCollaborationsPress
Community & Podcast:Podcast Episode SummariesCommunity Conversations
Events Calendar:Events Calendar
Account & Social:Member LoginInstagramYouTube

EP 62: Preparing Design Students for the New Job Market with AI

Episode 62 of the AI for Interior Designers™ Podcast, hosted by Jenna Gaidusek, dives deep into the realities facing design students entering today’s job market, especially with the rapid rise of AI.
Jenna reflects on returning to teach at her alma mater and gives frank advice for students: the market is tough, reminiscent of graduating just after the 2008 recession, but now combined with accelerated industry change from AI. She emphasizes that traditional skills like rendering and drafting remain important, but AI proficiency is no longer optional; design firms increasingly look for new hires who are comfortable using AI tools like ChatGPT to boost productivity and handle tasks beyond design alone.
Jenna addresses student concerns about the environmental impact of AI and urges future designers to stay informed, ethical, and proactive. She notes the market shift: luxury clients may fare well, but the middle tier is squeezed, with firms expecting new hires to multitask and leverage technology strategically. Survival in this evolving industry hinges on demonstrating both core design skills and a readiness to use AI for efficiency and value.
Jenna also shares a candid outlook about the uncertainties ahead, the shrinking job pool for new designers, and the necessity to “bring something extra,” specifically AI fluency, to the table. She closes by encouraging students to seek continual AI training, stay adaptable, and focus on making a unique human impact that tech can’t replace.
Key Takeaways:
AI proficiency is crucial for design students entering the job market.
Core design skills still matter, but technology skills set applicants apart.
The industry is rapidly changing, and adaptability is essential.
Students should be aware of AI’s ethical and environmental dimensions.
Building a portfolio and starting to network before graduation is vital.
The human side of design, personal connection and problem-solving, remains irreplaceable.
 Resources:
Programs
Events
Resources
Podcast
About
Membership & Workshops:
Membership - The DAIly
Workshops
Everyday AI Masterclass
AI Day at High Point Market (register)
Private Trainings & Speaking:
Private AI Trainings & Advisory
Speaking
Collaborations
Press
Community & Podcast:
Podcast Episode Summaries
Community Conversations
Events Calendar:
Events Calendar
Account & Social:
Member Login
Instagram
YouTube

EP 61: Subscription Overload- How New AI Lets Designers Consolidate

Episode 61: Subscription Overload- How New AI Lets Designers Consolidate
Feeling buried under a mountain of apps? You’re not alone. In this episode, Jenna pulls back the curtain on the flood of “AI for design” apps that popped up during the gold rush… and why so many of them are now vanishing. Spoiler: most were built by developers chasing profit, not by people who actually understand design.
Jenna shares her own journey (yep, hundreds of thousands invested in app development!) and explains why the future looks different now: designers themselves can start creating custom tools-  without needing a full dev team or a giant budget. Think: one streamlined app that matches your workflow instead of 10 overpriced subscriptions.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why cookie-cutter design apps are fading fast
How today’s AI makes it possible for designers to build their own tools
The dangers of locking into annual subscriptions too soon
Why consolidation is the next big shift for creative businesses
✨ Ready to explore further?
The Daily – Get prompts, workflows, and early access to Jenna’s AI apps for just $29.99/month. 
AI Workshops – Hands-on training sessions where you’ll learn how to actually use these tools in your business.
AI Tools for Designers – Discover the curated tools Jenna recommends to save time and spark creativity.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why am I paying for so many apps that only do half of what I need?” This one’s for you.
 Tune in now and start rethinking how AI can simplify (not complicate) your design business.
 
 Resources:
Programs
Events
Resources
Podcast
About
Membership & Workshops:
Membership - The DAIly
Workshops
Everyday AI Masterclass
AI Day at High Point Market (register)
Private Trainings & Speaking:
Private AI Trainings & Advisory
Speaking
Collaborations
Press
Community & Podcast:
Podcast Episode Summaries
Community Conversations
Events Calendar:
Events Calendar
Account & Social:
Member Login
Instagram
YouTube

EP 60: Work Like a Team of 4- The New Reality for Interior Designers

In this episode, Jenna Gaidusek provides a comprehensive update on the current state of AI in the design industry. She shares a practical, updated roadmap on how interior designers can effectively use AI—from generating imagery and automating workflows to building custom apps and leveraging agentic AI to manage day-to-day tasks.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
-AI Imagery & Mockups -Instantly generate room mockups, product swaps, and material changes with Gemini’s “NanoBanana” and ChatGPT.
-Tools for creating client-ready visuals in minutes. Practical Workshops & Events -Hands-on AI Day at High Point Market: live demonstrations, workflows, and real applications you can start using.
-Details on upcoming workshops and events designed for interior designers. App Building & Process Automation
-How custom apps (in beta) can streamline client communication, notes, color selections, and project tasks in one place. Design Visualizations & Floorplans -Merging AI imagery with professional floor plans using platforms like Mydoma Visualizer
-Integrating product sourcing via Daniel House Club Agentic AI & The Comet Browser
-How tools like Perplexity’s Comet browser can handle research, admin tasks, email, and scheduling for you. Security & Best Practices
-Tips on balancing convenience vs. privacy when integrating AI into your design business. Live Learning, Support, and Community
-Virtual AI Masterclasses and The DAIly program for guided workflows, prompt packs, and ongoing support.
Events & Conferences
-Insights from the IDS National Conference and High Point Market.
-Everything mentioned is available at AI for Interior Designers™, including event registration, masterclass signups, app launches, and the latest industry news.
For specialized tools like Daniel House Club and Mydoma Visualizer, check out Jenna’s guest appearances and linked guides.
Resources and links:
AI for Interior Designers
"Everyday AI Masterclass" On Demand-https://www.aiforinteriordesigners.com/ai-masterclass 
AI Day at Fall HPMKT-https://www.aiforinteriordesigners.com/ai-day-fall-25
 https://www.aiforinteriordesigners.com/ 
 
Upcoming AI Events 
The DAIly- On Demand AI Education $29.99/mo. https://www.aiforinteriordesigners.com/thedaily 
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the latest tips and tools for designers! Explore AI for Interior Designers™: https://www.aiforinteriordesigners.com/