Ep 59: Confessions of AI Designer Nerds: Behind the Screens & Scenes with Jessica Nelson & Stephanie Lindsey

Sep 12

Listen to the Podcast Episode for a deeper dive

Welcome to the AI for Interior Designers Podcast recap for Episode 59! In this episode, 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 their 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, I’m joined by 2 kindred spirits/tech nerds, Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey, as we roll up our sleeves and talk about what’s actually working for designers using AI on the DAIly.

We swap stories about first dipping toes into AI (hello, ChatGPT and Gemini!), why good automations save HOURS on the business/backend side, and how the right tools are clearing space for more creativity, not less.

You’ll hear us get honest 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.