EP 55: Measuring Success with Canvas I.O. and Sarah Bird
In this episode of the AI for Interior Designers podcast, host Jenna Gaidusek sits down with Sarah Bird, CEO of Canvas I.O. They dive into how Canvas I.O. is revolutionizing the design workflow by offering a tool for accurate field measurements without a tape measure.
Sarah shares her intriguing background and journey that led her to helm Canvas I.O., a company rooted in over a decade of LiDAR technology development and holding more than 20 patents. What started as a hardware-focused venture in 2008 with the goal of creating mobile LiDAR sensors (and even a successful Kickstarter campaign) has evolved into a powerful software solution. The shift became clear around 2022, recognizing that the core problem to solve was the laborious effort of manual measurements and modeling.
Learn how the Canvas I.O. app leverages your iPhone Pro or iPad Pro's LiDAR to quickly scan a physical space, instantly generating a 3D model and a draft CAD model. The real game-changer lies in their ability to transform this draft into a detailed, design-ready, tag-layered CAD model that is native to popular design software like Chief Architect, SketchUp, Revit, and 2020 Design.
Sarah emphasizes the crucial aspect of accuracy, explaining that for a single room (around 100 sq ft), measurements are typically within a half or quarter inch. For full floor plans, it might be within an inch, providing ample precision for most design needs, though she advises traditional field measurements for critical elements like windows, cabinets, and countertops.
The conversation also touches on the hybrid nature of Canvas I.O.'s technology, combining AI for initial extraction of walls and planes with human review and detailing to ensure unparalleled accuracy and inclusion of critical elements like outlets, light switches, and baseboards. This unique approach prioritizes reliability, ensuring that while the instant draft offers quick conceptualization, the final, detailed models are entirely trustworthy for structural design.
Discover the user-friendly process of using Canvas I.O.:
Download the free app from the Apple App Store.
Practice scanning at home (scanning is free for up to two projects a month).
Follow simple yet crucial tips like opening drapes and ensuring no moving objects during scanning to maximize accuracy.
Upload your scan (preferably on Wi-Fi) and select your desired native file format.
Receive your detailed, ready-to-use CAD file, typically with a cost estimate based on square footage (billing occurs only upon delivery).
Sarah and Jenna also delve into the broader implications of AI in interior design, highlighting how Canvas I.O. acts as the essential "real-world connection" for generative AI tools. They discuss the unique human elements of taste, understanding material textures, and client communication that AI simply cannot replicate, positioning designers to thrive in an increasingly automated world.
Tune in to learn how embracing technology like Canvas I.O. not only streamlines your workflow but also helps you present as a tech-forward firm, potentially winning more clients and freeing up valuable time for creativity or personal pursuits.
About Sarah Bird & Canvas IO
Sarah Bird serves as CEO of Canvas, an early-stage tech startup revolutionizing the construction, remodeling, and design industries through cutting-edge 3D capture and model technology. A seasoned and visionary CEO, board member, and investor, her expertise spans digital media, SaaS, and venture capital. She successfully secured multiple rounds of venture capital, managed over $100 million in annual revenue, and served a vast global customer base. Her previous venture-backed company, Moz, had a successful exit to a public company in 2021. Sarah is a sought-after keynote speaker and has been honored with several awards, including 3x CEO of the Year Finalist (Geekwire) and EY Entrepreneur of the Year
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