AI isn't here to replace you—it's here to release you from the repetitive, time-sucking tasks that drain your creativity and cut into your margins. In this episode, you'll discover how the most successful designers are already leveraging AI to reclaim hours in their week, streamline operations, and ignite their creative process—all while keeping the human touch at the forefront of their design business.

Melissa breaks down the 15 most impactful ways you can use AI right now across four essential areas of your practice: design discovery, administration, marketing, and design delivery. You'll walk away with actionable strategies and inspiring ideas to automate smarter, serve your clients better, and create more space to enjoy your life and business. AI isn't the future—it's your secret weapon now.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:23) How AI can enhance your design discovery process without losing your personal intuition
• (07:32) Why admin is costing you time, energy, and profit—and how AI can take it off your plate
• (16:33) An invite to the VIP Designer Branding and Marketing Reboot Retreat in Scottsdale
• (18:21) The best AI tools for content ideation, SEO, and video script support that match your tone
• (24:40) How AI can accelerate rendering and visualization while enhancing your design process
• (29:11) Use AI for FF&E specs and product recommendations to save hours on sourcing

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• Inbox Zapper
• Unroll.Me
• VIP Designer Branding and Marketing Reboot Retreat

When you're ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

In this essential episode, you're diving into the new frontier of AI-powered search and learning exactly how to make your interior design firm not just visible but preferred by ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other AI search tools. Melissa walks you through why traditional SEO is no longer enough and shares the top 10 strategies to ensure your design business shows up when future clients ask AI who the best designer in their city is.

You'll discover the importance of authority language, consistent branding, optimized metadata, and content that educates (not just inspires). Melissa also shares how to audit your online presence and provides a simple way to test your current AI visibility. With the rapid evolution of AI, you've got a narrow window to get ahead—and this episode is your roadmap to owning that competitive edge.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (04:08) Why AI search is fundamentally different from Google—and what it means for designers
• (07:37) The 10 keys to getting your design firm found by AI, starting with brand positioning
• (09:00) How weak language (like "help") is killing your credibility and visibility
• (14:19) The power of location anchoring and why geography now matters more than ever
• (15:13) How press and media mentions now signal authority to AI tools
• (23:43) Why AI-readable assets like transcripts and consistent formatting boost your searchability

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• MelissaGalt.com/events — VIP Designer Branding Retreat and Marketing Reboot in Scottsdale, November 12–14, 2025

When you're ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

In this insightful episode of Design Business Freedom, Melissa challenges the growing trend of over-automation in interior design businesses. While automating certain processes can be a major time-saver, she reminds you that design is a high-touch, sensory-driven, and deeply personal service. Melissa walks you through how automation can subtly erode client trust and connection if you're not using it with intention.

You'll learn how to strike the right balance between efficient systems and meaningful moments that foster client loyalty and emotional impact. From the three critical phases where automation should take a back seat to her powerful Five Senses Framework, this episode is your call to reintroduce the magic of real human connection in your design process.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:01) Why automation should enhance efficiency—not erase intimacy—in your design business
• (02:34) The truth behind what clients are really investing in (hint: it's not convenience)
• (03:13) Three high-touch phases in your process where automation should step aside
• (04:43) How to use personal check-ins, video walkthroughs, and voice notes to deepen client connection
• (07:09) The Five Senses Framework to elevate every reveal and create unforgettable client experiences
• (11:07) A simple 10-minute audit to evaluate if you've gone too far with automation

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• VIP Designer Branding Retreat and Marketing Reboot – November 12–14, Scottsdale, AZ

When you're ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.