How am I using AI in my work? 3D Model Camera View Final image, edited with AI AI Helps Me Show More of What I Imagine – AI in my design work When I imagine a home, I picture the light coming through the windows, the texture of the walls, the garden beyond the door, and all the little details that make it feel like somewhere you could actually be. Getting that full picture out of my imagination and into something I can share has always been a big part of my work. It is also one of the things I love most about being a designer and rendering artist.…
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How I Use AI in My Design Business How I use AI in my design business is a question I want to address. Partly because I believe in transparency, but also because I think there is a lot of confusion around what AI is actually doing inside professional design practices. The conversation has become so polarized that sometimes disclosure starts to feel less like sharing information and more like making a confession. That is not how I view it. I have never hidden my use of technology. Throughout my career I have embraced new tools as they emerged, from CAD and 3D modeling to rendering software, virtual reality, and now…
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Draw the general shape of the room, from a bird’s eye view. 2. Draw in any doors, windows or openings 3. Measure the room overall, including ceiling height. 4. Measure the doors, windows and openings locations. Measure from the wall to the inside of the casing, not the trim. Measure doors & windows height and width. Measure window sill height Measure and note the trim size, if there is any. Pro Tip: Start in a corner and measure moving clockwise around the room 5. Draw in Details, including appliances, cabinets, columns, soffits, etc. 6. Measure Cabinet & Appliance locations – -Measure wall to center point of sink & range.…
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2026 Home Design Trends and the Move Toward Calm, Warm, Human-Centered Homes Over the past century, American residential architecture has moved through familiar eras, from craftsman homes to mid-century modern and, more recently, the modern farmhouse. Each one reflected the values, priorities, and lifestyles of its time. But every era eventually evolves, and today we are seeing the beginning of a subtle but meaningful shift in how homes are designed, furnished, and lived in. This new direction is not loud or showy. Instead, it reflects a return to warmth, proportion, human scale, and emotional connection to home. It pairs beautifully with a renewed appreciation for antiques, vintage pieces, nostalgia, whimsy,…
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Avoid common mistakes and plan with confidence If you’re thinking of building a custom home, you’ve probably come across conflicting advice about where to start. Should you hire a builder first or work with a designer? Should you get full plans before talking to contractors? Is cost-plus or fixed-price better? I’ve seen these questions come up often online, and the answers can be confusing, especially for first-time builders. Here’s a clear, practical guid, rooted in real-world experience, to help you move forward with confidence and avoid common (and costly) mistakes when planning your custom home. DO: Start With a Realistic Budget Before hiring anyone, you need a clear sense of…
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Do You Really Need an Architect for Your Custom Home? Why Hiring a Skilled Designer May Be the Better Fit for Your Project When you set out to design your dream home, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is who to hire: an architect, a designer, or work directly with a design-build team. While architects absolutely have a vital role in the construction world, it’s important to understand that you don’t always need a full architectural service (and the 50-page plan set that often comes with it) to design and build a beautiful, code-compliant, functional home. In fact, for many homeowners — especially DIY-minded clients or those working…
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Mountain Cabin – The Beginning In 2020, I had my first taste of virtual showhouses when I participated in the Seasonal Living Magazine Virtual Showhouse. I designed the home and built the 3D architectural model and environment. It was created using panoramic images to simulate a 3D environment—a different technology, but it set me on the path to exploring virtual spaces. By 2021, the buzz around the Metaverse was growing, especially after Sandbox Alpha launched, and virtual land sales were making headlines. But here’s the thing—no one in my industry was talking about it. No one was experimenting, no one was building, and no one was even considering the potential…
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Visualization, Design & Consulting for Historic Places Historic preservation is more than a profession—it’s a dedication to safeguarding the stories and craftsmanship of the past while adapting them for the present. My work focuses on blending historic charm with modern functionality, whether through custom home designs in celebrated historic districts, consulting with property owners to unlock the potential of their historic properties, or crafting visualizations that bring preservation projects to life. I strive to bring history to life in meaningful and innovative ways, honoring architectural heritage while embracing the needs and aspirations of today. Historic Reconstruction Principal Designer: Custom Homes in Fairmount Historic District I have had the privilege of…
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1. Accessing MidJourney’s Edit Feature Navigate to the Edit Tab: On the main MidJourney website, find the “Edit” tab and select “Edit New Image.” Upload Your Image: Choose to upload either from a URL or directly from your computer. 2. Retexture a Sketch for Enhanced Realism Prepare Your Image: Upload a sketch or initial render, like a 3D screenshot from software such as Chief Architect. Create Your Prompt: Describe the intended result with specific details. For example, “a photo of a French country cottage surrounded by trees with a lush flower garden; stone cottage with slate tile roof.” Submit for Retexture: Switch to the “Retexture” window, and click “Submit Retexture.”…
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The Evolution of Rendering Software in Architecture and Interior Design Architecture and interior design experienced a significant shift with the introduction of easy-to-use and on line rendering software. This technology allowed professionals (and non-professionals looking for an “easy” career) to create quick, in-house renders without needing deep technical skills. The ability to generate presentation-ready images with just a few clicks promised speed and convenience, revolutionizing visual creation. However, the limitations soon became apparent—while these tools made rendering accessible, the quality of the results often didn’t meet the demands of high-stakes presentations or discerning clients. The Limitations of DIY Rendering: Quality Over Speed As architects, interior designers and new wave of…
