EP 59: Confessions of AI Designer Nerds: Behind the Screens & Scenes

Episode 59: Confessions of AI Designer Nerds: Behind the Screens & Scenes With Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey

Podcast Episode Summary: In Episode 59 of the AI for Interior Designers Podcast, Jenna Gaidusek sits down with kindred spirits Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey—fellow designers, innovators, and co-hosts of the AI for Interiors and 100 Lunches podcasts. This lively, candid roundtable explores how designers are slowly—and strategically—welcoming AI into their workflows. From automating emails and leveraging tools like Gemini or Fixer, to custom budgeting GPTs and design visualization with apps like SketchUp, ArchSynth, ProAI, and NanoBanana, the trio peel back the curtain on their real-world, day-to-day—and game-changing—AI automations. They also discuss building your own tools, the impact of AI on business backends (goodbye, repetitive admin work!), ethical use of images in proposals, the subscription glut, and the evolving narrative of AI in design social media. Most importantly, they champion authenticity, transparency, and using tech as a tool—not as a replacement for creativity.

AI Designer Nerds Unite! AI in design isn’t just about fancy renderings or another shiny tool to add to your ever-growing subscription list. In this episode, two kindred spirits/tech nerds, Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey, join Jenna to roll up their sleeves and talk about what’s actually working for designers using AI on the DAIly. You’ll hear honest conversation about:

• Why so many designers are still nervous or skeptical about AI (we get it–but here’s why you shouldn’t be)

• How mundane admin tasks can finally be delegated (bye, calendar invites and endless email threads)

• The subscription chaos and why we keep, ditch, or trial new apps constantly

• Authentically communicating your use of AI with clients (spoiler: most are impressed, not freaked out)

• The tools we love and those we’ve…cancelled

If you’ve ever nerded out over a new workflow, wished you had more time for actual design, or wondered who else is up at 2am building their own apps, this one’s for you.

Guest Info & Links

• Jessica Nelson & Stephanie Lindsey: Etch Design Group & AI for Interiors

• 100 Lunches Podcast: 100 Lunches & AI for Interiors

Featured Programs & Resources

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