Anne BildArtificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just a buzz phrase anymore—it’s becoming a daily reality across every industry. One of the most talked-about sessions at IWCE 2025 was AI Rising: The Future of Window Treatments, where leaders in design, manufacturing and technology came together to break down what artificial intelligence really means for the window covering world. Moderated by Jenna Gaidusek, founder and CEO of AI for Interior Designers, the discussion tackled everything from workflow optimization to ethical concerns. “The goal isn’t just to adopt AI for the sake of it,” she said during the session. “It’s about using it to free up time, enhance creativity and better serve the people at the heart of your business: your clients.”
Embracing AI, One Tool at a Time
For many professionals, their introduction to AI started with familiar platforms like ChatGPT, Canva and Otter.ai. Window covering designer and strategy consultant Deb Barrett shared how she uses AI for research, meeting transcription and visual mood boards. Dave Burnett of Sampling International described how AI is revolutionizing staff training through digital humans—simulated customers that can role-play with sales teams at any time.
“AI isn’t about replacing us, it’s about removing the repetitive tasks that take us away from what we love to do,” Barrett said.
Others agreed. At Bloomin’ Blinds, CEO Jeff Wharton noted that his team is developing a proprietary AI-driven operating system to streamline every step of the customer experience, from marketing to CRM management to in-home sales. Chris Merck, CTO of Bond Home, added that AI has significantly accelerated software development across his engineering teams. “With the latest agentic coding tools, we’ve probably doubled our speed,” he said. “Even accounting for risk and review, we’re now rolling out features faster and more efficiently.” For Bond Home, the goal isn’t flashy integrations but using AI behind the scenes to improve compatibility and responsiveness across motorized systems.
Scanning Spaces, Saving Time
Beyond basic productivity, panelists highlighted how AI is changing the customer experience. Technologies like Canvas and RoomScapes now allow users to scan entire rooms with up to 99% accuracy using a smartphone, producing detailed 3D models that can be imported directly into design programs. Gaidusek, who teaches designers how to incorporate AI into their workflows, noted how quickly these tools are evolving. “Designers are now using LIDAR-based apps to scan spaces in minutes, replacing hours of manual measuring,” she said. “But we still need to double-check those dimensions—especially in our industry, where an inch off can be the difference between blackout and blowout.”
Merck agreed on the promise—and the limits—of emerging scanning tools. “The sensors are capable, but much of the challenge lies in the software that renders point cloud data into usable floor plans or drawings,” he said. “It’s evolving fast, but designers should still test for precision.” Looking ahead, innovations like holographic displays and AI-driven image recognition could allow customers to virtually “try on” window treatments in their space—instantly customizing colors, fabrics and motorization options without ever leaving home.
Changing Customer Expectations
Today’s customers expect immediate answers, seamless experiences and personalized service and AI is increasingly the engine behind that shift. Burnett noted that customer service innovation now matters more to consumers than product innovation itself. Wharton added that younger generations, who have grown up in a digital world, are far less concerned about data sharing—yet that makes transparency even more important for businesses. “They may not always be thinking about privacy, but we have a responsibility to protect it for them,” he said. Gaidusek agreed, adding that many clients don’t even realize how much AI is embedded in their day-to-day experiences. “They’re already interacting with AI whether it’s a chatbot, a recommendation engine or voice control,” she said. “Designers and dealers need to catch up to where the customer already is.”
Big Trends on the Horizon
The panelists outlined several major trends shaping the next wave of innovation:
- Predictive Analytics: AI will increasingly anticipate customer needs, predicting preferences in style, color and even installation timing based on past behaviors and collective consumer data.
- POE (Power Over Ethernet): A game-changer for motorized shades and smart home devices, POE allows low-voltage cables to deliver both power and communication, simplifying installation and reducing reliance on licensed electricians.
- Matter and Thread Protocols: These emerging communication standards promise to create truly interconnected smart homes, where devices from different manufacturers seamlessly work together.
“Soon, your home will anticipate your needs—lights, shades, temperature—without lifting a finger,” Wharton said.
Merck offered a note of caution amid the buzz around interoperability: “There’s real promise in standards like Matter and Thread, but adoption is slow because coordination across manufacturers is incredibly complex,” he said. “For now, look at what your customers need most and build from reliable systems that actually work.”
Moving Forward Responsibly
While the potential of AI is undeniable, the panel closed with a thoughtful reminder: Every new tool carries new responsibilities. Mental health experts are already tracking the emotional impacts of 24/7 AI accessibility from the addictive nature of endless chat-based conversations to the pressures of always on digital environments. As Burnett put it, “At some point, you have to remember to step away. Take a breath. Go for a walk. Technology should enhance your life, not overwhelm it.”
On the privacy front, panelists urged that businesses must take ownership of how they collect, store and use customer data. Even free AI tools, like ChatGPT’s public version, can train on user data unless privacy settings are carefully managed.
When starting your AI journey, Barrett advised that you should, “Start small, pick two or three tools and build from there. Have a clear strategy for what you want to achieve. Be clear about your data. Stay curious but stay responsible.”
The pace of change has never been faster and it’s only accelerating. Yet the message from the panel was clear: AI isn’t something to fear. It’s a tool to harness. Those who embrace it thoughtfully—leveraging it to strengthen creativity, deepen customer service and streamline operations—will be the ones leading the industry forward. The future isn’t coming. It’s already here and those who act today will help shape what comes next.
Meet the Experts
Moderator: Jenna Gaidusek
Founder/CEO, AI for Interior Designers
An educator and advocate for AI adoption in the design world, Jenna leads training and development for designers looking to integrate technology into their workflow.
Jeff Wharton
CEO, Bloomin’ Blinds
With more than 15 years of experience in the window covering industry, Jeff brings insight from both manufacturing and franchise leadership. At Bloomin’ Blinds, he’s leading the development of a proprietary AI operating system designed to enhance customer experience and streamline operations from lead capture to installation.
Deb Barrett
Designer & Window Fashion Expert
A veteran of the industry with more than 30 years of experience, Deb specializes in trend forecasting, design strategy and education. She regularly explores how emerging technologies like AI can enhance creativity, project management and the customer experience in design.
David Burnett
President, Sampling International
With deep roots in the window covering industry, David now focuses on connecting the physical and digital through sampling and sales solutions. His current work includes training teams using AI-powered digital humans and exploring how smart tools can accelerate product education and customer support.
Chris Merck
CTO, Bond Home
As chief technology officer at Bond Home, Chris leads the development of control systems that unify motorized products across brands. He’s focused on how AI can accelerate development timelines, improve home automation and enable privacy-first smart solutions.
Editor’s Note: This panel discussion was recorded and transcribed in real time using the AI-powered app Otter.ai, which made capturing insights—and writing this story—a whole lot easier.
Article by: Lindsay Brown, Managing Editor Window Fashion VISION
Original article is published in the May/June 2025 issue of Window Fashion VISION, found HERE.
