Ai Casa
Challenge: Develop an AI-powered home renovation app to help users design creatively and connect with professionals
Deliverables: Competitive analysis. User surveys and interviews. Testing Report. Personas. Task flows.
UI Library. Prototype. Usability tests.
Role: UX Researcher. UX Designer. UI Designer. Branding. Storyteller. Interior Designer.
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
Challenge
Remodeling a home can be overwhelming. Homeowners struggle to visualize changes, source the right furniture, and connect with reliable professionals.
On the other side, interior designers spend hours creating mood boards and 3D concepts to present to clients, often without a single tool that combines inspiration, AI-powered rendering, and local contractor connections in one place.
The Solution
For Homeowners:
One app → from idea to final design → to hiring professionals → to shopping furniture. Saves time, reduces stress, and gives a clear vision before investing money.
For Designers & Contractors:
Less time spent on quick ideas → more leads → better client communication. A single platform for design, client management, and project discovery.
Impact
Efficiency - Instantly remodel, preview, and iterate without long delays.
Confidence - Make decisions backed by AI insights and trusted local professionals.
Creativity - Unlock endless design possibilities, tailored to your style.
Quick Links
My Story or Why I Build This App
As an interior designer, I constantly saw two things:
Clients frustrated by the slow, complicated design process. They wanted to see ideas fast, make decisions quickly, and move forward without weeks of back-and-forth emails and endless Pinterest boards.
Interior Designers like myself (6 years ago) spending hours creating mood boards and 3D concepts just to give clients a rough idea—work that often wasn’t paid for and took valuable time away from real projects.
I realized there was a huge gap:
Clients want fast, visual solutions that help them explore styles, furniture options, and remodeling ideas instantly.
Designers and contractors want tools that save time and help them connect with potential clients looking for quick inspiration and professional help.
I created an AI-powered remodeling platform that helps anyone reimagine their living spaces with professional-level tools.
Users can:
Instantly redesign interiors and exteriors
Turn hand sketches into 3D models
Erase and replace furniture, experiment with finishes, and preview results in AR.
Beyond visualization, the app connects design with action:
Users can shop recommended furniture, Build wishlists, and connect directly with local professionals. An AI copilot offers style tips and product suggestions , while personalization ensures results adapt to each user’s unique preferences.
For homeowners, this means visualizing remodels in seconds, discovering personalized furniture suggestions, and connecting instantly with professionals who can bring those ideas to life. For designers, it’s not just a tool for inspiration—it’s also a discovery channel, helping them showcase their work and find new projects without extra marketing efforts..
Designer–Developer Sync: AI Implementation Insights
I wanted to understand how the AI functions and how it will contribute to the quality of my application.
That’s why I sat down with the tech developer (AI Engineer) to discuss the implementation process and potential challenges of building an AI-supported app.
From our long conversation, I’ve highlighted a few key questions and answers:
LS: “How does the model handle input quality—are low-light or cluttered photos likely to reduce accuracy?”
AI Engineer: “The model can process imperfect photos, but clutter and poor lighting often reduce accuracy in object detection and rendering. Users might see less precise results if the input is messy..”
Secondary Research
I started wondering: Are people really using AI for home remodeling? Could it ever replace Pinterest for inspiration?
Here’s what I found:
Right now, 91% of homeowners haven’t used AI for renovations yet—only 9% have tried it, and mostly younger people like Millennials (16%) are leading the way.
When they do use AI, it’s mostly for design ideas (73%), cost estimates (52%), and virtual mockups (43%).
Designers, on the other hand, are far ahead —85% are already using AI, especially for 3D visualization and rendering.
Around 55% of homeowners have used some kind of virtual tool for planning, and 42% say they’re open to AI assistants for remodeling help.
The renovation market is growing steadily, with large dollar volumes and people increasingly investing in improving existing homes rather than buying new.
Digital tools are becoming more common, and some homeowners are open to using AI (especially younger demographics).
Finding contractors is often via referrals, reviews, online searching, rather than centralized
platforms in many cases.Many people use virtual visualization tools, but the adoption of more advanced AI tools is still relatively low — so there's room for growth and an opportunity for all-in-one app.
So no, AI apps hasn’t replaced Pinterest yet—most people still start there for inspiration—but awareness is growing fast.
And the gap between what homeowners have today and what they want in the future?
That’s where my app comes in.
Competitive Analysis
I started comparing popular apps in the market using insights gathered from collective data, focusing on their core features and visual presentation. This analysis includes 10 direct competitors, each offering distinct approaches to interior visualization and user experience.
Additionally, it’s important to highlight the growing number of AI tools (Envato, Gpt Chat, Art List, Copilot, etc.) that can instantly transform a simple prompt into beautifully staged interiors—reflecting a broader shift toward fast, intuitive design generation.
Interviews
We’ll have two interview guides—one for homeowners/users and one for designers/architects/professionals—with 10 questions total, sample answers reflecting different age groups (based on the secondary research) , and sentiment around AI tools and connecting users with professionals.
“I’m passionate about interior design, but I don’t have the time to manage a full renovation. Pinterest gives me ideas, but it ends there. If AI could turn my inspiration into a real plan and connect me with a contractor, I’d use today.”
— Maria (41), Therapist
“I’ve been working as an architect for over 30 years. From drawing with rulers and pencils, we’ve arrived at instant remodeling. I still believe nothing beats pen and paper, but I’m open to new technologies.”
— Anna (62), Architect
“I remember how much time we used to spend on 3D renders and preparing proposals with detailed furniture descriptions! Today, I’m grateful to live in a time where new technology helps us move faster and work more efficiently!”
— Sarah (39), Interior Designer
Can AI help in the final stages of a project? That’s debatable. But for quick solutions—absolutely!”
— Alexander (44), Architect
“This feels like a natural next step in the world of design and architecture. Still, nothing can replace the creativity that comes from a human mind.”
— Marc (29), Landscape Designer
“I use AI for fast solutions. It helps me explain to clients more easily how their space could look based on their desired style.”
— Vanja (35), Contractor
“I enjoy using AI platforms like Envato for creative visuals. If there were a tool that could generate realistic designs for my own space and help me purchase the furniture directly, that would be a game-changer.”
— Peter (33), Software Developer
“Technology is already part of our everyday lives. If AI can spare me the hassle of calling ten different contractors and still deliver a great design, I would try it!”
— Ivan (45), Journalist
“Trying out different styles is super fun—I already play with similar apps. But if I could explore various designers and their work in one place, without scrolling endlessly through Instagram, I’d absolutely use it. Matching with someone who shares my taste? That’s the dream.”
— Nikola (51), Marketing Specialist
“I love the idea of designing my own space and discovering professionals nearby who share my aesthetic. That kind of match would make the process feel more personal.”
— Jelena, US
Personas
I started wondering: Are people really using AI for home remodeling? Could it ever replace Pinterest for inspiration? This is how I created Personas.
Thinks & Feel
“I want my home to look beautiful but I can’t picture it clearly.”
Feels overwhelmed by too many ideas online.
Wants a process that feels fun, not stressful.
See & Hear
Friends talking about how long and stressful
renovations can be.
Ads for contractors she doesn’t know whether to trust.
Sees influencer homes on social media and feels inspired but unsure where to start.
Say & Do
Tells friends she wants a “magazine-worthy” home on a budget.
Spends evenings scrolling Pinterest & Instagram for inspiration..
Buys small décor items impulsively online but avoids big commitments.
Thinks & Feels
Fear of making wrong design choices.
A single app to handle design ideas, budget, and professionals.
Faster decisions, less stress, and designs
tailored to her taste.
Thinks & Feel
Feels enthusiastic to adopt new tech tools to stay competitive.
Wants clients who are serious and ready to move forward.
Loves his work but doesn't likes spending days making making numerous solutions.
See & Hear“
I want to focus on creativity, not repetitive tasks.
Shares finished projects on Instagram for exposure.
Uses AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit & Houzz Pro but still spends too much time preparing initial concepts.
Say & Do
“I want to focus on creativity, not repetitive tasks.
Shares finished projects on Instagram for exposure.
Uses AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit & Houzz Pro but still spends too much time preparing initial concepts.
Pain & Gain
Built-in platform for lead generation and client connections.
Easier collaboration tools for real-time updates with clients & pros.
Wasted time on early-stage pitches that don’t convert.
Journey Maps 1: Style Discovery + Furniture Suggestions + Local Pros
Scenario: Emma wants to remodel her living room and needs both inspiration and professionals.
