How AI is Helping this Holistic Designer to Free Up More Time in Her Schedule
Listen to the Podcast Episode for a deeper dive
How AI is Revolutionizing Interior Design: Insights from Rachel Lorraine Crawford
Hi Designers! I’m Jenna Gaidusek, your host, and today I’m excited to dive into a topic that’s changing the way we approach AI for interior design. In a recent conversation with Rachel Lorraine Crawford, a talented California-based interior designer, we explored how AI is transforming not only her design process but also the entire industry. Rachel is known for her unique blend of modern and eclectic styles, coupled with her use of feng shui and reiki to create balanced, harmonious spaces. But beyond her creative skills, Rachel is also embracing AI in ways that streamline her business and spark new creative possibilities.
From Window Treatments to Design Coach
Rachel’s journey in interior design began back in 1999, when she started out working at Sears in custom window treatments. Over the years, she expanded her expertise through various roles—from assisting other designers to managing showrooms—gaining a deep understanding of both the creative and business sides of design. This background has been invaluable to her in balancing the aesthetic demands of her work with the logistical challenges that many of us face in the industry.
In addition to her design work, Rachel co-founded the Design Coach Collective, a coaching platform aimed at helping emerging designers or those transitioning into the profession. The collective offers mentorship, resources, and community support, helping designers navigate the complexities of starting and running their own businesses. It’s a fantastic initiative for professionals looking for guidance as they grow their design careers.
How AI is Transforming Rachel’s Workflow
One of the most exciting aspects of our conversation was how AI is enhancing Rachel’s workflow. Like many of us, she wears multiple hats—designer, business owner, content creator—and AI has become a valuable tool for balancing these responsibilities. Here’s how she’s using it:
Content Creation and Podcasting
As a podcaster, Rachel uses AI to help streamline her production process. AI tools generate transcripts and summaries of her episodes, which she then repurposes for blog posts, newsletters, and social media. This not only saves time but also ensures her messaging is consistent across all platforms. In addition, AI acts as a creative partner for brainstorming social media posts, refining podcast titles, and even polishing blog drafts. It’s like having a virtual assistant that helps her maintain a professional presence without spending endless hours on content creation.Business Efficiency
Managing the administrative side of a design business can be a huge time drain. Rachel leverages AI to handle routine tasks like scheduling, email drafting, and tracking project milestones. These tools allow her to focus more on the creative aspects of her work while ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly. As designers, we know how important it is to stay organized, and AI is helping Rachel—and many others—maintain that balance.Creative Exploration
Beyond the practical benefits, AI is also opening up new creative opportunities. Whether it’s generating mood board ideas or testing different design concepts through visual tools, Rachel is finding that AI enhances her ability to explore different styles and solutions for her clients. It’s a great example of how technology can expand our creative horizons, helping us think outside the box while still staying true to our design principles.
The Power of Community in Interior Design
A big theme that emerged during our discussion was the importance of community in the interior design industry. Rachel emphasized that while AI is a valuable tool, there’s nothing that can replace the human element of collaboration and support. The design industry is built on relationships—whether it’s with fellow designers, vendors, or clients—and having a strong network can make all the difference in your success. Rachel’s work with the Design Coach Collective is a great example of how fostering community can help others thrive, particularly those who are just starting out or are looking to make a career shift.
Upcoming Opportunities for Emerging Designers
For those of you who are new to the design world or are considering launching your own business, Rachel and her team at the Design Coach Collective are hosting a retreat in November that’s specifically geared towards helping emerging designers succeed. This retreat will cover everything from developing a business plan to understanding the legal and financial aspects of running a design firm. It’s a great opportunity to connect with other professionals, learn from industry experts, and gain the confidence needed to grow your business.
Final Thoughts
AI is rapidly changing the landscape of interior design, offering new ways for us to streamline our workflows, enhance our creativity, and even improve client communication. But as Rachel pointed out, it’s not just about the tools—it’s about how we use them to elevate our work. By incorporating AI into her processes, Rachel has found ways to focus more on her passion for design while letting technology take care of the more time-consuming aspects of her business.
For those of us in the design industry, there’s so much potential in adopting these technologies. Whether you’re just starting to explore AI tools or are already using them, it’s clear that they can be a game-changer for how we approach our projects and run our businesses. Staying open to these advancements while continuing to lean on our creative instincts and our design community will be key to thriving in the years to come.
Until next time, keep innovating, keep designing, and keep sharing your unique perspectives with the world. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe for more insights on AI in interior design. See you in the next episode!
Warm regards,
Jenna Gaidusek
CEO, AI for Interior Designers™️
Disclaimer: This blog was written using AI as a recap from the recording then edited by the author for accuracy and details.
