Work smarter: How AI and 3D tools can help you save time and boost profits

We sat down with Liza Hausman, VP of industry marketing at Houzz, to talk about how KBB professionals can use AI and 3D tech to save time, impress clients and grow their business.

Q: AI and 3D tech sound exciting, but a bit overwhelming. Why should we be paying attention?
A: Now’s a really exciting time for our industry. AI and 3D tech are already helping trade professionals sell more effectively, save time, and deliver a better client experience. They’re changing how retailers and designers work day-to-day, from speeding up admin tasks to helping clients actually see what their finished space will look like. It’s about more than just efficiency – it’s about making the job more enjoyable and delivering a better experience.

Q: Let’s start with AI. How should trade professionals get started? 
A: Start where it makes your life easier. AI is great for the stuff that eats up time – organising daily logs, creating initial project schedules, writing emails. Many people are using voice-to-text features on their phones to handle updates on the go, or tapping into AI tools that generate estimates or client follow-ups in seconds.

Q: And 3D? That still sounds like a big lift.
A: It used to be. But now, with tools like Houzz Pro, you can scan a space using your phone and get a 2D floor plan in minutes. From there, AI turns that into a 3D floor plan you can customise and design, no special equipment or other software needed. It’s especially powerful in kitchen and bathroom projects, where clients often struggle to visualise their finished space. When you can show them a photorealistic image of how their home will look, it builds trust and speeds up decision-making. Designers tell us it makes a big impression. Scanning a space on-site and sharing a 3D concept shortly after helps their business stand out as modern, professional and detail-oriented.

Q: What about adoption? Are trade professionals actually using these tools?
A: Yes, and use is growing and deepening quickly. One in 3 firms we surveyed has already brought AI into their business workflows. Most are starting with administrative tasks like writing help for social posts and planning documents. Construction professionals are more likely to use it for project management tasks, while designers are leaning into content creation to support sales and marketing. And it’s not just experimentation; those who’ve integrated AI into their processes are seeing real results. On average, our survey found they’re saving more than 3 hours a week, with boosts in productivity, fewer manual tasks, and better overall organisation. 

Q: Is there anything to be cautious about?
A: A few things. First, be thoughtful about the tools you choose and where your data is going. Public AI platforms are great for experimentation, but they aren’t built for business privacy. And while AI can be incredibly helpful, it’s not infallible – you still need to review and edit. The best results come when you use AI to support your expertise, not replace it.

Q: What advice would you give those who are looking to build AI into their day-to-day work?
A: You don’t have to figure it all out at once. The key is to choose tools that fit into the way you already work. That’s why platforms like Houzz Pro are gaining traction – they integrate AI directly into the workflows KBB professionals are already using: estimating, messaging, scheduling and creating 3D models. You don’t need to bounce between apps or manually transfer data. The AI shows up when you need it, not as another system to learn. Start with something that makes an everyday task easier, and let the benefits build from there. Once you see how much time and friction it saves, you’ll wonder how you worked without it.