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

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 Thought AI 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.

In a must-listen episode, Jenna Gaidusek, host of AI for Interior Designers, welcomes her Marketing Director, Julia Reinart, 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 Reinart:

• 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 ™️