Business of Home

Fall 2026 | Issue 41

Taking stock of the tech landscape this year, one thing is undeniably clear: We are at a major inflection point—a moment of innovation, and also of lively debate about the role of these new capabilities in a firm’s workflow. As new digital tools and AI solutions are flooding the market, they are also rewiring industry norms. In this issue, we take a look at how designers are taking control of the transformation.

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Features

Why Dani Arps swears by this time-tracking app

Looking for digital shortcuts that actually work? We asked the New York designer to tell us what’s in her tech stack. From real-time virtual moodboarding to AI-generated photorealistic renderings, she shares the digital toolkit powering her firm.

BY Caroline Bourque

How Hema Persad built an AI C-suite

Searching for smart software shortcuts? We asked the Los Angeles–based Sagrada Studio founder to tell us what’s in her tech stack. She reveals how she pairs client portal software with AI assistant tools to analyze studio profitability.

BY Caroline Bourque

Why this Houston designer went all-in on one tech platform

Looking for digital tools that actually save time?We asked Nicole Zarr to tell us what’s in her tech stack. By committing fully to a single project management database, she shares how she eliminated administrative guesswork and boosted profitability.

BY Caroline Bourque

Why this Florida designer’s clients love her rendering software

Are you on the hunt for smart software tools that actually deliver results? We asked Rayana Schmitz of Firefinish Interiors to tell us what’s in her tech stack. She explains how integrated scheduling apps, automated meeting notes, and detailed digital checklists prevent costly mistakes.

BY Caroline Bourque

Why Dropbox is the ‘brain’ of Amy Meier’s business

Eager to upgrade your firm’s operations? We asked the California designer to tell us what’s in her tech stack. From deep Dropbox filing structures to curated Pinterest boards, she shares her firm’s systematic visual and administrative workflow.

BY Caroline Bourque

How this California designer vibe coded a custom dashboard for his firm

Looking for digital solutions to simplify your workflow? We asked Lucas Martinez to tell us what’s in his tech stack. The Santa Barbara designer explains how he leveraged AI to transform raw business data into visual trendlines and revenue forecasts.

BY Caroline Bourque

Tommy Zung’s tech stack starts with trace paper

Hoping to cut through the tech clutter and find digital shortcuts that streamline your business? We asked the Studio Zung founder to tell us what’s in his tech stack. He explains how searchable standard operating procedures and a software that specializes in flowcharts help him guide both luxury clients and internal teams.

BY Caroline Bourque

How Anne Corgan’s tech stack simplifies solopreneurship

Searching for the systems that will make running your design practice easier? We asked the Seattle designer to tell us what’s in her tech stack. She shares how leaning on a mix of project management software, custom tech and AI tools have given her more time for creative work.

BY Caroline Bourque

How this solo designer harnessed two platforms to maximize her time

As a firm of one, Laëtitia Wajnapel of Los Angeles based firm Cinquième Gauche needed solutions that allowed the occasional contract employee to jump into her workflow easily. She found the answer in a combination of project management software Programa and architectural drawing software Rayon. She tells us how she made the switch.

BY Haley Chouinard

How Canva became this designer’s most used tool

Betsey Hazard and her New Orleans–based team have embraced Canva for both project presentations and project management. She spoke with BOH about how the platform makes House of Hazard seem polished without adding layers of complexity.

BY Haley Chouinard

How one task management system transformed this designer’s firm

After trying a string of task management systems, Virginia designer DuVäl Reynolds started using Asana to manage his own to-dos. Impressed, he quickly implemented it across his firm for everything from client relations to onboarding new employees. After other platforms proved unfit for the task, he explains why Asana made the grade.

BY Haley Chouinard

How making Loom videos changed this designer’s client interactions

Using the screen-recording tool Loom started as a way for Lilse McKenna to train employees on internal tasks—but it didn’t take long for the Connecticut designer to see how it could be useful for client relations, as well. She tells us how the videos help her team solicit feedback from clients on design changes that occur after their presentation.

BY Haley Chouinard

How a time-tracking app improved this solo designer’s invoices

As a solopreneur, Texas designer Eva Burns needed a more efficient means of keeping track of her hours. Her current system of jotting down her time spent on a project in her phone’s Notes app left a lot to be desired—not to mention money on the table. She shares how a subscription to Harvest has completely elevated her time management and improved her billing.

BY Haley Chouinard

Clients are making their own AI renderings. How should designers react?

Tools like Gemini, Midjourney and ChatGPT allow clients to endlessly tweak visualizations and floorplans. Fred Nicolaus explores how designers are learning to make the best of it.

BY Fred Nicolaus

10 simple ways to start using AI in your firm

Ready to see what AI can do for your design business? Here’s how to get started.

BY Aidan Taylor

Does your firm need an AI policy?

If you’re using AI in your firm, it may be time to put some guardrails in place. Here’s how to get started.

BY Hannah Hickok

These designers are saying no to AI. Here’s why

Unswayed by artificial intelligence’s promises, some principals see the technology as fundamentally incompatible with their work.

BY Hannah Hickok

Vibe coding lets designers make their own software. What are they building?

With platforms like Lovable, Claude Code and Codex, anyone can spin up a website, app or digital tool. Designers are experimenting, with intriguing results.

BY Fred Nicolaus

Design Dispatch

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This furniture designer is inspired by braid patterns and Delta blues guitars

Woodworker Robby Simon is reimagining Black American craft traditions—and the stories behind them—as contemporary collectible designs.

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How Studio Valle de Valle channeled Elsie de Wolfe to reinvent the bathroom

Giancarlo Valle and Jane Keltner de Valle transformed part of their primary suite into a sanctuary for the whole family.

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Want to learn how clients really see your firm? Hire it yourself

When Victoria Sass of Prospect Refuge Studio started a renovation of her family’s historic Minneapolis home, she became a client of her own firm. She explains where the experience led to surprising revelations, and how her business changed as a result.