Why Are So Many AI Tools Disappearing and Which Ones are Actually Worth Using?
Not all AI tools are built to last. Here’s how to pick the ones that really work.
A conversation between Jenna Gaidusek, Founder of AI for Interior Designers™, and Julia Reinert, Founder of The Lifestyle Historian™
Based on Podcast Episode 61: “Subscription Overload-How New AI Lets Designers Consolidate”
Julia:
Okay Jenna, I want to start with what I think a lot of people are wondering right now, especially if they’ve been watching all the changes in AI this year. We saw a ton of new tools come out earlier in the year, and now they’re suddenly disappearing. What’s going on?
Jenna:
Yeah, you’re not imagining it. So many of those early tools were created during what I’d call the “AI Gold Rush.” People were jumping in fast to build apps, but most of them weren’t actually solving real problems. They were just layering some UI over ChatGPT or another model and hoping to make a quick buck.
Julia:
So they weren’t really built by or for designers?
Jenna:
Not at all. A lot of them were made by developers who saw an opportunity, but didn’t understand what we actually need in our day-to-day workflows. So the tools looked shiny, but didn’t really do anything that we couldn’t already do ourselves inside ChatGPT or Gemini.
Julia:
That makes sense. And probably why a lot of them felt kind of pointless? Not to mention that all of the options were very overwhelming.
Jenna:
Yep. And now that the core models have gotten way more powerful, like ChatGPT with images or Gemini doing video and coding, people are wondering what they are paying for and if it is worth it.
Julia:
So let’s flip it. What makes an AI tool actually worth it and what are you seeing that is working?
Jenna:
It’s the apps that were built from within the industry. Usually, they start with a real designer identifying a pain point. They’re not guessing. They’re building tools that reflect actual design processes and real communication challenges.
Julia:
So they’re more than just image generators or one-task tools?
Jenna:
Exactly. The ones that are sticking around are more robust. They often combine different AI models behind the scenes and then layer on their own systems or training that makes them unique. I mention in the podcast that Visual Electric is a good example of this as they started by helping designers generate really good images, but then they layered in Gemini and GPT and Imagen. They were eventually acquired by Perplexity.
Julia:
So if an app is good and truly unique, it’s not just going to disappear but it might get scooped up instead?
Jenna:
Totally. So that’s the trend I’m seeing now. Good tools are either getting acquired by bigger players, or they're evolving into these very specific, niche solutions that go way beyond what general AI models can do.
Julia:
That brings me to something I think a lot of designers are feeling right now: subscription fatigue. Most of us are paying for way too many tools. How do we even start to figure out what’s still worth it?
Jenna:
We are all on the same kick! I’ve been doing that cleanup myself this past summer. So first, if the tool is just a wrapper around GPT or Gemini? Cancel it. Go straight to the source.
Second-avoid annual subscriptions unless it’s something core to your process, like the base AI models. Month-to-month is safer right now because so many apps are either pivoting or disappearing.
Julia:
So it sounds like what we really want to keep are the tools that are trained on us, focused on our voice, our workflow, and our client style?
Jenna:
Yes! That’s what’s going to separate you from everyone else. If you're using AI to build something personalized like a client portal, your design process app, or even a social media tool that mimics your tone then that’s value you own. That’s the future.
Julia:
But I can hear designers saying, “That sounds great, but I’m not a developer. I don’t know how to build apps.” At least that is what I would be saying.
Jenna:
And that’s fair but here’s the thing. You don’t have to be a full developer anymore. The tools have gotten so much more accessible. You can absolutely start building simple workflows or apps using tools like Gemini, Base44, or even Notion with AI integrations.
The bigger hurdle is just knowing what you want to build. And don’t forget that I am here to help with all of this! It is incredible what is accomplished in my one-on-one sessions with clients. Being able to determine which tools and strategy will help achieve your goals is invaluable and can be very enlightening.
Julia:
I can personally say that having your brain as a resource has been a game changer. Not only do you know what you are talking about but you get the challenges and you know how to get people acclimated to the tech in a way that makes sense. The bottom line is that we just have to shift how we think about our process. It is not about learning to code. It’s about translating our workflows into something smarter and more automated.
Jenna:
Exactly. The solutions are no longer out of reach.
Julia:
So what should people do now? If someone is reading this and thinking, “Okay, I want to be more intentional, but I don’t know where to start.”
Jenna:
Start by auditing what you already use. What tools do you actually touch every day? What do you love, and what do you only open once a month? Then try replacing just one of those with a smarter workflow you control. And get curious. Start playing with Gemini, GPT, and Perplexity, even just to explore.
Julia:
I love that. And I feel like the big reassurance here is that this isn’t about keeping up with everything. It’s about choosing what works for you.
Jenna:
Yes! Don’t get distracted by the flashy stuff built for consumers or homeowners. Most of it isn’t made for us as professionals and it shows. You know your workflow better than anyone. That’s your superpower.
Julia:
100 percent. Okay, final question: should we be scared about AI replacing tools or even jobs?
Jenna:
Not scared, just smart. What’s being replaced right now is redundancy. It’s the overpriced software you only use a slice of, or the clunky process you had to patch together with 5 different apps. What’s not being replaced? Deep, human creativity. Strategy. Taste. Curated decision-making.
Julia:
So AI is really just letting us own more of our systems, in a way that’s built around us and not someone else’s assumptions?
Jenna:
Exactly. You stop renting your tools and you start owning your process.
Final Thoughts from Both of Us
We all know that AI is no longer just a futuristic idea. It’s here and it’s becoming more accessible every day. For interior designers, this technology offers exciting opportunities to take control of your workflow, reduce reliance on expensive, one-size-fits-all software, and create customized tools tailored exactly to your needs. While there can be a learning curve, especially when starting out, the investment in understanding AI will pay off by giving you more efficiency and flexibility in your business.
It’s important to remember that AI is not about replacing the designer’s creativity or expertise. Instead, it’s a way to enhance your capabilities, automate repetitive tasks, and free up time to focus on what you do best. The future will likely bring more collaboration between designers and developers, whether in-house or contracted, to build and maintain these AI-powered tools.
Above all, be cautious about subscriptions and software commitments. Technology evolves fast, and not every tool will last. Keeping your options flexible and owning your processes means you won’t be locked in or left behind when the next wave comes along.
Your Turn
Want to explore AI for your interior design business?
If you’re curious about how to start integrating AI tools or even building your own customized solutions, AI with Jenna offers tailored resources and coaching designed specifically for our industry. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to dive deeper, Jenna’s guidance can help you navigate this evolving landscape confidently.
Learn more and join the community at AI for Interior Designers™!
Expert Resources and Next Steps
The DAIly Training Program - Comprehensive AI implementation for design professionals
AI for Interior Designers Podcast - Weekly insights and tool reviews
AI Interior Design Tools: Game-Changing Technology for Creative Professionals
Featured Experts:
Julia Reinert - Founder, The Lifestyle Historian | Business Efficiency Strategist
Jenna Gaidusek - Founder, AI for Interior Designers & Jenna Gaidusek Designs
