AI for Interior Designers™ *Podcast

EP 56: AI & Product Procurement with Daniel House Club Founders

Welcome to the AI for Interior Designers podcast- Episode 56! In this episode, I’m joined by brothers Peter and Alexander Spalding, co-founders of Daniel House Club, a platform built to take the headaches out of procurement so designers can focus on what they actually love: designing.
We first met in May 2024 at a design immersion retreat in Scottsdale, and since then we’ve crossed paths at multiple industry events. I’ve not only partnered with them for events like the first AI Design Tech Summit but also used their platform extensively in my own projects.
This conversation takes you inside:
How they transformed their own struggles running a design firm into a membership-based back-of-house powerhouse for designers.
The ways AI and technology are streamlining catalog management, speeding up product requests, and making vendor data useful (even when it comes in as a messy PDF).
Alexander’s personal AI workflow, from ChatGPT and Gemini to a note-taking app called Granola, and how he uses these tools for everything from HTML tweaks to marketing plans.
Why brand voice training is essential for AI copywriting and how to get rid of the overused “luxury” and “elegant” clichés.
The behind-the-scenes process of making product photography consistent, clean, and usable across both marketing and client-facing boards.
Their vision for the future of sourcing, including real-time stock checks and image-based product search for trade-only vendors.
 
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
The backstory: How Daniel House Club started as an internal tool to fix the least favorite parts of running a design firm and why those same pain points are shared by designers everywhere.
Procurement without the burnout: How their concierge team helps designers avoid hiring extra staff for tracking orders and chasing vendors.
AI in action:
Vendor data extraction from PDFs, websites, and spreadsheets.
AI-driven image formatting, centering products, adding white backgrounds, and creating consistent aspect ratios.
Faster product requests, down from 45 minutes to 5, while keeping a human in the loop for quality control.
Alexander’s AI toolkit:
ChatGPT for copywriting, HTML snippets, and marketing refinement.
Granola for discreet, real-time meeting transcripts and searchable notes.
Deep research features in Gemini, ChatGPT, and Perplexity to dig through files, cloud storage, and vendor sites for specific data.
Keeping your voice: Strategies for training AI to write in your tone (minus emojis and endless exclamation marks) so it feels authentic to your brand.
Future sourcing dreams: Real-time inventory integration and a Google Lens-style search that works for trade vendors instead of sending you to mass-market retail.
 
Why This Episode Matters
If you’ve ever:
Struggled to keep vendor data clean and up-to-date.
Wished product images looked consistent on boards and in client presentations.
Spent hours chasing down pricing or stock levels.
Wanted to explore AI but didn’t know where to start in your design business.
You’ll get a ton of practical, ready-to-implement ideas from this conversation.
 
Resources & Links Mentioned
Daniel House Club Website
Daniel House Club on Instagram
Daniel House Club on LinkedIn
Daniel House Club on Facebook
Granola Note-Taking App
AI for Interior Designers™
 
Episode Timestamp Guide
00:33 – Meeting Peter & Alexander and the early Daniel House Club story06:46 – Alexander’s day-to-day AI use14:30 – Vendor data, HTML tweaks, and marketing scripts27:43 – The AI-powered product request process32:47 – Image formatting for catalogs and boards35:34 – Future features: real-time stock checks and visual search37:19 – High Point Market plans and event collaborations

EP 55: Measuring Success with Canvas I.O. and Sarah Bird

EP 55: Measuring Success with Canvas I.O. and Sarah Bird
In this episode of the AI for Interior Designers podcast, host Jenna Gaidusek sits down with Sarah Bird, CEO of Canvas I.O. They dive into how Canvas I.O. is revolutionizing the design workflow by offering a tool for accurate field measurements without a tape measure.
Sarah shares her intriguing background and journey that led her to helm Canvas I.O., a company rooted in over a decade of LiDAR technology development and holding more than 20 patents. What started as a hardware-focused venture in 2008 with the goal of creating mobile LiDAR sensors (and even a successful Kickstarter campaign) has evolved into a powerful software solution. The shift became clear around 2022, recognizing that the core problem to solve was the laborious effort of manual measurements and modeling.
Learn how the Canvas I.O. app leverages your iPhone Pro or iPad Pro's LiDAR to quickly scan a physical space, instantly generating a 3D model and a draft CAD model. The real game-changer lies in their ability to transform this draft into a detailed, design-ready, tag-layered CAD model that is native to popular design software like Chief Architect, SketchUp, Revit, and 2020 Design.
Sarah emphasizes the crucial aspect of accuracy, explaining that for a single room (around 100 sq ft), measurements are typically within a half or quarter inch. For full floor plans, it might be within an inch, providing ample precision for most design needs, though she advises traditional field measurements for critical elements like windows, cabinets, and countertops.
The conversation also touches on the hybrid nature of Canvas I.O.'s technology, combining AI for initial extraction of walls and planes with human review and detailing to ensure unparalleled accuracy and inclusion of critical elements like outlets, light switches, and baseboards. This unique approach prioritizes reliability, ensuring that while the instant draft offers quick conceptualization, the final, detailed models are entirely trustworthy for structural design.
Discover the user-friendly process of using Canvas I.O.:
Download the free app from the Apple App Store.
Practice scanning at home (scanning is free for up to two projects a month).
Follow simple yet crucial tips like opening drapes and ensuring no moving objects during scanning to maximize accuracy.
Upload your scan (preferably on Wi-Fi) and select your desired native file format.
Receive your detailed, ready-to-use CAD file, typically with a cost estimate based on square footage (billing occurs only upon delivery).
Sarah and Jenna also delve into the broader implications of AI in interior design, highlighting how Canvas I.O. acts as the essential "real-world connection" for generative AI tools. They discuss the unique human elements of taste, understanding material textures, and client communication that AI simply cannot replicate, positioning designers to thrive in an increasingly automated world.
Tune in to learn how embracing technology like Canvas I.O. not only streamlines your workflow but also helps you present as a tech-forward firm, potentially winning more clients and freeing up valuable time for creativity or personal pursuits.
 
 
About Sarah Bird & Canvas IO
Sarah Bird serves as CEO of Canvas, an early-stage tech startup revolutionizing the construction, remodeling, and design industries through cutting-edge 3D capture and model technology. A seasoned and visionary CEO, board member, and investor,  her expertise spans digital media, SaaS, and venture capital. She successfully secured multiple rounds of venture capital, managed over $100 million in annual revenue, and served a vast global customer base. Her previous venture-backed company, Moz, had a successful exit to a public company in 2021. Sarah is a sought-after keynote speaker and has been honored with several awards, including 3x CEO of the Year Finalist (Geekwire) and  EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist. 
LinkedIn.com/in/SarahBird

EP 54: Authenticity in the Age of AI - Real Talk with Laurie Laizure from Interior Design Community

In episode 54, Jenna and Laurie dive deep into the current state of AI in the design world, especially how it’s showing up (for better or worse) on social media. Laurie gives a brutally honest take on how many designers are either all-in with AI or still sitting on the sidelines waiting to see if it’s worth the hype. Spoiler: it is, but not the way some people are using it.
This episode is like a fireside chat between two industry vets who’ve been on the front lines of design and tech, and aren’t afraid to call out the nonsense.Here’s what you’ll learn:The Real Talk on AI Use in Design
There’s a huge range in adoption—from “wait and see” legacy firms to new-school designers building custom GPTs for daily use.
Some designers are using AI responsibly to get time back. Others? Not so much—think generic content and passing off AI work as their own.
Ethics are messy. And Laurie’s not afraid to call out friends when their captions scream ChatGPT.
Social Media Faux Pas & Fixes
Laurie breaks down the dead giveaways of AI-generated content: overuse of em dashes, awkward emojis, weird formatting, and cringey comparative statements.
Gen Z and Gen Alpha already see through AI content. If your 9-year-old can spot it, your clients can too.
They both agree: use AI for support, but don’t let it erase your actual voice. Even misspelled captions can feel more “real” than polished AI output.
Designers as Product Guides, Not Influencers
Laurie makes a strong case for designers stepping into more product-forward roles. Think: guiding consumers toward quality, not just pretty photos.
AI avatars could be a bridge for camera-shy designers to share their expertise without losing authenticity.
The market is craving trusted advisors—and designers are perfectly positioned to fill that role if they lean in.
AI: Tool vs. Threat
There’s a looming risk: brands using designers’ IP to build consumer-facing tools that cut out the designer entirely.
Jenna shares how she works behind the scenes with developers to advocate for the industry (and call out red flags).
Both stress the importance of designers protecting their work and not blindly handing it over to platforms that might undermine them later.
 Advice for Designers Dipping into AI
You don’t need every tool. Just the right one for how you work.
Work with someone (ahem, Jenna) who gets the design industry and can show you how to use AI to save time without losing your soul.
AI isn’t a shortcut for thinking. Quality in, quality out. Garbage in? Well… you get it.
Final ThoughtAI isn’t going away. But neither is the need for real, human insight—especially in an industry built on connection, curation, and creativity. Laurie and Jenna agree: authenticity is what’s going to cut through the AI noise. And designers? You’ve got more power than you think.🔗 Listen to the episode here:To the Trade: How eDesign Tribe Founder Jenna Gaidusek is Revolutionizing Interior Design (Interior Design Community Podcast)
 
Follow the Interior Design Community on Instagram 
Visit the Interior Design Community website
Follow Jenna on Instagram
Follow AI for Interior Designers
 
Check out www.aiforinteriordesigners.com and keep up with the latest and greatest in the world of AI and Interior design. 

Ep 53: Connecting the Dots Through AI Community Conversations with Julia Reinert

Episode 53: Connecting the Dots Through AI Community Conversations with Julia Reinert
In a must-listen episode, Jenna Gaidusek, host of AI for Interior Designers, welcomes her Marketing Director, Julia Reinert, also the creative force behind The Lifestyle Historian. This candid conversation explores Julia's fascinating journey from a "non-tech person" to an enthusiastic adopter of Artificial Intelligence in her work.
Discover how their collaboration is leading to the exciting launch of AI Community Conversations, a new Q&A blog. This platform will be your go-to resource for AI technology insights and design industry discussions, blending expert perspectives with practical applications for both beginner and advanced users.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Bridging the Gap: AI for Non-Techies – Julia shares her personal experience and common apprehensions about integrating AI into a creative, non-technical role. Learn why AI is a powerful assistant, not a replacement for human ingenuity.
The Art of Effective AI Prompting – Understand why your expertise and detailed input are crucial for generating high-quality results from AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. Discover how to transform basic outputs into truly valuable content.
Streamlining Design Workflows with AI – Jenna reveals how she uses AI to rapidly develop structured programs and creative offerings, highlighting how these tools can significantly expedite planning and content creation for interior design businesses.
The Undeniable Rise of AI in Business – A compelling discussion on why embracing AI is no longer optional for business owners. Explore how technology shifts are impacting roles and why adapting to digital tools is essential for staying competitive.
Storytelling in the Age of AI – Dive into why authentic, human-centric storytelling has never been more critical for designers and brands. Learn how to stand out and connect with your audience in a digitally saturated world, avoiding the pitfalls of generic AI-generated content.
Ethical AI Use and Authentic Branding – Julia emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity when using AI for content creation and marketing. Discover how to leverage AI for research and efficiency while ensuring your unique brand voice shines through.
Getting Comfortable with AI – Practical advice for interior designers and other professionals feeling overwhelmed by AI. Learn how to integrate AI into your personal life first to build confidence before applying it to your business.
Ready to transform your interior design practice with AI?
This episode offers invaluable insights for interior designers looking to leverage artificial intelligence without losing their unique creative edge.
Connect with Julia Reinert:
The Lifestyle Historian: www.thelifestylehistorian.com 
Explore more AI resources for interior designers:
Visit AI for Interior Designers TM for workshops and training
Read the new AI Community Conversations Posts here monthly- AI Community Conversations- Forum — AI for Interior Designers ™️ 

EP 52: AI in Interior Design- A Candid Conversation with Sarah Daniele

In this candid conversation, Jenna Gaidusek, host of the "AI for Interior Designers" podcast, welcomes long-time friend and industry colleague Sarah Daniele. Sarah, co-founder of MyDoma and now Principal of Designer Solutions at MyDoma and Studio Designer, turns the tables and interviews Jenna on her evolving expertise and practical applications of AI in the interior design workflow. This episode offers valuable insights into the current state and future possibilities of AI tools for every designer, regardless of the software they use.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
This episode explores the latest advancements in AI for interior designers, focusing on both visual communication and workflow efficiency.
Visual AI Tools
ChatGPT with DALL-E (for mock-ups and imagery): Jenna highlights ChatGPT's DALL-E integration as a primary tool for creating compelling visuals, particularly for mock-ups and reducing revision cycles. She emphasizes its role in accurate visual communication rather than replacing full renderings.
Visual Electric (for branded graphics, images, and video): This tool is favored for creating consistent brand visuals and transforming images into video clips. Its ability to draw from various generative AI models makes it a versatile, "one-stop shop" for visual content.
Creating Custom Styles: A significant advantage discussed is the ability to create and apply custom "brand styles" in Visual Electric, allowing designers to maintain a consistent aesthetic across their projects based on their unique portfolio.
AI and Rendering: Both Jenna and Sarah agree that AI is not currently a replacement for professional rendering. Instead, it's a powerful tool for conceptualization and rapid visual communication, saving hours typically spent on inspiration gathering or initial sketching. Jenna predicts about a year until AI can achieve more accurate scale and detail for rendering.
Mazing XR (for 3D models and AR): Jenna introduces Mazing XR as a groundbreaking tool that converts 2D images (JPEGs, PNGs) into downloadable 3D GLB files for use in programs like MyDoma and even generates AR models. This significantly speeds up the creation of custom product models, a traditional time-sink for designers.
Workflow and Business AI Tools
Note-Takers (Loom, Zoom AI Companion, Plaud): The conversation highlights the critical role of AI-powered note-takers in improving efficiency.
Loom: Integrates with Zoom to record meetings, provide timestamped outlines, and action items, offering a robust solution for virtual meeting recaps.
Zoom AI Companion: A built-in feature for transcribing and summarizing virtual meetings.
Plaud: A physical device (or app) for recording in-person conversations, providing transcripts for meetings outside of a virtual setting.
Leveraging Transcripts for Proposals: A key workflow recommendation is to use transcripts from initial client conversations to generate proposals with AI writing tools (like ChatGPT or Perplexity). This ensures all client needs and wishes are accurately captured and addressed, significantly streamlining the proposal creation process.
For more AI tools tailored to interior designers, check out the AI Tool List. You can also explore daily AI advisory sessions for deeper insights into AI-driven workflows. Join the DAIly for up to date, on-demand video trainings and check out our monthly AI workshops. 

EP: 51- Simple Ways to Start Implementing AI and What's Coming Next

Episode 51 — Simple Ways to Start Implementing AI (and What’s Coming Next)
Ready to ditch the busy-work? In this episode, Jenna walks you through the no-brainer AI moves every designer can adopt today—think automatic note-takers, transcript-to-proposal workflows, and Canva templates that basically fill themselves. She then peeks around the corner at the next wave of “agentic” tools that will take the hand-offs completely off your plate. If you’re still handwriting full meeting notes or copy-pasting between five apps, this one’s your shortcut.
What we cover:
Why recording every meeting (in-person or virtual) should be non-negotiable
Turning transcripts and client questionnaires into polished proposals in minutes
Building a one-and-done branded template library for proposals and mood boards
Quick image-generation tricks for concept boards and inspo decks
How to spot “AI-washing” and avoid tools that’ll vanish after the next big update
The coming jump to agentic AI—where the software chains your steps together and hits “send” while you sip coffee
Protecting your irreplaceable edge: human storytelling, strategy, and trend-setting
Episode 51 — Simple Ways to Start Implementing AI (and What’s Coming Next)
Skip the tedious stuff and start automating: in this episode, Jenna breaks down the fastest AI add-ons you can weave into your design workflow right now—automatic note-takers, transcript-powered proposals, one-click Canva templates, and quick image-gen tricks for concept boards. She also previews the “agentic” wave of AI that will string those steps together for you, so the grunt work practically does itself. If you’re still handwriting every meeting note or juggling five apps to send one proposal, this episode is your express lane.
Episode Recap
The DAIly Membership — For bite-sized, searchable videos that walk you through every AI tool mentioned today (and plenty more).  The DAIly + AI Social Club™ — AI for Interior Designers ™️ 
Studio Workshops Page — Monthly deep dives where Jenna guides you through building real-world automations, live. AI for Interior Designers monthly Live virtual focus topic AI workshops with Jenna Gaidusek — AI for Interior Designers ™️
AI Advisory Session with Jenna- AI Advisory Program | Empower Your Design Journey — AI for Interior Designers ™️ 
AI Tools List — A curated roster of note-takers, image generators, and workflow helpers spotlighted in the episode—your quick reference for picking the right tech. AI Tool List | Discover Cutting-Edge Solutions — AI for Interior Designers ™️ 
More Podcasts and notes: AI for Interior Designers Podcast ™️ — AI for Interior Designers ™️
 

EP 50: Small Sustainable AI Choices We Can Control

In this milestone episode, AI for Interior Designers *Podcast Host, Jenna Gaidusek, digs into the environmental footprint of AI tools like ChatGPT and how their use affects energy and water resources-especially as data centers expand to keep up with demand. You’ll learn surprising facts, like how a year of daily AI searches has a smaller carbon impact than driving 40 miles or running your dryer just 16 times.
We break down the latest research on data center sustainability, water use, and carbon emissions, and compare the footprint of AI to everyday activities. Most importantly, we empower you with practical, actionable steps to offset your digital impact-like switching to LED bulbs, hang-drying laundry, and using smart thermostats-each of which can save many times more CO₂ than your annual AI use.
We also highlight the incredible ROI and time savings AI brings to interior design businesses, and discuss how you can advocate for greener tech while making a difference in your own home and studio.
Tune in to discover:
How AI’s environmental impact compares to common household activities
What data centers are doing (and not doing) to become more sustainable
Easy ways to offset your digital footprint as a designer or homeowner
The business benefits of AI for interior designers
Why your choices matter-and how to lead by example
Sources cited: MIT Technology Review, EPA, IEA, SBE Council, and more can be found in the additional show notes.  AI for Interior Designers Podcast ™️ — AI for Interior Designers ™️ 
Visit www.aiforinteriordesigners.com and learn more about AI programs and technologies to improve your business. 

EP 49: AI in the Classroom with Emily Allen Burroughs (DSA)

In this episode of AI for Interior Designers, Jenna Gaidusek welcomes Emily Allen Burroughs, Director of Education for the Designer Society of America (DSA), to have an honest and eye-opening conversation about how interior design students—and pros—are navigating the AI boom.
Emily shares the mission of DSA and how their foundation in education continues to evolve alongside the tools designers use. Together, she and Jenna explore a growing divide between students who are over-relying on AI (and losing their voice in the process) and seasoned professionals who are still hesitant to embrace it at all. Spoiler: the sweet spot is somewhere in the middle, and it’s all about balance.
They dive into the importance of keeping your unique voice, the dangers of regurgitated content, and the rising trend of AI-generated imagery and floor plans that are eerily similar—sometimes identical—across different student projects. Jenna also touches on her favorite practices for working backwards with AI, like using voice memos and training your tools on your brand tone to keep things authentic.
Other highlights include:
Why foundational skills like hand drafting still matter more than ever
How to use AI to spark creativity (not replace it)
Red flags to look for when using AI tools in research and rendering
The growing need for AI integrity and transparency in design education
Ways DSA is supporting students and pros alike with thoughtful education on technology in the field
It’s a real-talk episode about what’s working, what’s worrisome, and what the next steps are for educators, designers, and students alike.
Resources mentioned:
Designer Society of America (DSA)
AI Detection Tools: IsItAI.com and similar
Perplexity.ai for research-based AI search
 

EP 48: From GPT's to AGI- What's Next?

In this episode, Jenna Gaidusek discusses the rapid advancements in AI technology, particularly in the context of interior design. She shares insights from her recent conversations with Google about new AI tools and explores the implications of agentic AI and AGI. Jenna emphasizes the need for designers to adapt to these changes while considering the ethical and privacy concerns that come with such powerful technologies.
Takeaways
AI is evolving rapidly, impacting how designers work.
Agentic AI can automate tasks and improve efficiency.
AGI could revolutionize various industries, including design.
Privacy concerns are paramount as AI technology advances.
Designers must adapt to new tools to enhance creativity.
The integration of AI can streamline workflows significantly.
Current AI tools are often siloed and need better integration.
Conversations about AI's impact are essential for ethical considerations.
The future of design will be heavily influenced by AI capabilities.
Staying informed about AI developments is crucial for professionals.
In this episode of AI for Interior Designers™, host Jenna Gaidusek returns from a whirlwind few weeks of conferences, speaking engagements, and travel—only to find that the AI world has basically hit fast-forward. Episode 48 is a solo deep dive into what’s happening right now in the AI space, and what’s coming next for designers who want to stay on the cutting edge.
Jenna explores:
The difference between agentic AI and AGI (Artificial General Intelligence)
Why the current tool landscape feels disconnected—and how that’s about to shift
Her recent conversation with Google about Agent Space and what it means for interior designers
How future workflows might completely automate tasks like proposals, sourcing, and client follow-ups
Why it's okay to be equal parts excited and overwhelmed by all of this
She breaks it down without the jargon, offering a relatable and refreshingly honest look at how designers can begin to wrap their heads around the next wave of AI—from siloed tools to seamless, autonomous systems.
🔗 Join us for an upcoming live workshop!  Workshops — AI for Interior Designers ™️ 
🔗 Start learning with The DAIly – Jenna’s AI education membership:The DAIly + AI Social Club™ — AI for Interior Designers ™️
🔗 Get the full AI tool list: AI Tool List | Discover Cutting-Edge Solutions — AI for Interior Designers ™️
Whether you're already building custom GPTs or just trying to keep up with the latest updates, this episode is a must-listen for any design pro who wants to understand how AI is evolving—and what it means for the future of creative work.
🎧 Available on YouTube at @aiforinteriordesigners.
 

EP 47: Is AI Saving Us or Screwing Us? Let's discuss,

In this episode, Jenna Gaidusek discusses her recent travels and experiences in the design industry, focusing on the role of AI in design. She emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations when using AI tools, the impact of AI on creativity, and the environmental implications of AI technology. Jenna encourages designers to view AI as a tool for problem-solving rather than a replacement for human creativity, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for the future of design and human interaction.
 
Takeaways
AI is a powerful tool for designers but must be used ethically.
The design industry is experiencing a shift due to AI technology.
Creativity is enhanced, not diminished, by AI tools.
Ethical boundaries are crucial when using AI in design.
AI can help solve environmental issues in design.
The future of design will require adaptation to new technologies.
Human connection remains vital in an AI-driven world.
Education about AI is essential for designers.
AI's impact on creativity is complex and multifaceted.
Designers must control how they use AI tools. 
 
www.aiforinteriordesigners.com