Most design firms are experimenting with AI. Very few know how to make it work.
In this episode, Aya Shlachter sits down with Stephanie Lindsay and Jessica Nelson, co-founders of Etch Design Group and AI for Interiors, to explore how design firms can stop treating AI as a side experiment and start using it as a core business strategy.
Stephanie and Jessica share how they went from testing AI tools to building real workflows — and eventually a platform that helps designers understand where AI actually fits in practice. From client intake and documentation to budgeting, scheduling, and quality control, they break down exactly how AI is helping firms do more with less.
What You'll Learn:
How AI is filling talent gaps and freeing teams to focus on higher-value work
Why custom GPTs are transforming everyday firm processes
How strong prompting leads to better, more reliable AI outputs
Why a flexible multi-tool approach outperforms any single platform
How AI handles the repetitive 80% — so your team can own the other 20%
Timestamps:
00:00 – Episode Snippet
01:17 – Introducing the guests, Stephanie Lindsey and Jessica Nelson
02:33 – How AI supports work instead of replacing people
04:37 – From Geek Squad to interior design and AI
08:25 – The "AI curiosity → anxiety → clarity" adoption curve
10:05 – How the firm uses custom GPTs in real workflows
12:04 – Building better prompts with deep research
14:19 – Why you shouldn't stick to just one AI platform
16:38 – How Gemini Pro speeds up design work
18:58 – Checking plans and finding blind spots with AI
21:46 – The "60% to 90%" multi-tool AI workflow approach
25:05 – Midjourney, Gamma, and NotebookLM in practice
29:37 – Sponsor Spotlight: Struggling to meet deadlines with limited staff? MGS Global Group is here for you. We provide qualified architectural professionals on demand so you can scale your projects without compromising quality. Visit https://mgsglobalgroup.com today.
30:39 – Fyxer, Otter, and Plaud for daily workflows
34:17 – Inside the AI for Interiors Design Academy and community
37:23 – The 4-month firm-wide AI onboarding process
41:31 – Custom GPTs and AEO as standalone services
42:55 – Upcoming speaking engagements
45:24 – "Earn the right to push the easy button"
47:25 – Why resisting AI won't stop it
51:39 – AI services beyond the design industry
53:22 – What's next for AI for Interiors and future offerings
About the Guests:
Stephanie Lindsey and Jessica Nelson are the co-founders of Etch Design Group, a luxury full-service interior design firm based in Austin, Texas. Together, they also launched AI for Interiors, a groundbreaking venture dedicated to educating interior designers, builders, and vendors on how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to grow and future-proof their businesses.
Under Stephanie and Jessica's leadership, Etch's talented team has mastered a signature process rooted in listening, creativity, and care. They design extraordinary spaces that reflect each client's unique story and style, proving that friendship, passion, and purpose can build something truly meaningful.
Connect with Etch Design Group:
Websites: https://aiforinteriors.com/ , https://etchinteriordesign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiforinteriors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ai-for-interiors/
About the Host:
Aya Shlachter is the Founder and CEO of MGS Global Group, an architectural support services firm serving hundreds of architecture practices worldwide.With over 18 years of industry experience, she helps firm owners scale smarter, adopt emerging technologies, and build resilient, future-ready practices.
Aya also hosts the AI for Architects and Architect My Business podcasts and is the co -founder of Archicon 2026, a global architecture business conference. She was named the 2025 Global FWN100™ Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World in the Founder and Pioneer category for her leadership in business and AI.
Connect with Aya Shlachter:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aya_shlachter/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayashlachter/
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🎙️ This episode is brought to you by MGS Global Group
Listen to the AI for Architects Podcast:
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/3b2r8e34
Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/bdcsx4nr
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Instagram: aiforarchitectspodcast
