Collaboration awarded $730,000 in grant funding to build software like no other
Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE) and Metric Design have joined forces in an exciting collaboration to transform the interior design industry. This homegrown AI project seeks to create cutting-edge software utilizing digital twin and generative AI technology, revolutionizing how interior design work is approached and executed.
“I’ve been searching for ways to automate and streamline certain elements of the interior design process, which are often cumbersome, time-consuming and subject to error,” says Tamara Bowman, owner and creative director at Metric Design. “While there are project management and time-tracking tools available in the industry, none focus on accelerating the product specification and procurement process. Our goal in working with DICE is to build software to streamline and simplify this part of the interior design process. As far as we know, there is no other interior design software like this.”
With the support of DICE, Metric Design has secured significant funding to embark on two digital projects that will be run in parallel starting this fall. The team has been awarded multiple Applied Research and Development (ARD) grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Mitacs. The large ARD grant amounts to $150,000 from NSERC and $75,000 from Mitacs per year for three years, focusing on machine learning and generative AI systems. Additionally, a smaller ARD grant totalling $40,000 from NSERC and $15,000 from Mitacs for up to one-year concentrates on building software that will allow Metric Design to create a digital twin of spaces being designed. This impressive funding totals $730,000, with Mitacs funding supporting two student interns for the three-year AI project and one student intern for the one-year digital twin project.
Metric Design, based in Saskatoon and renowned for its residential and commercial interior design and renovation services, is leveraging this collaboration to create interior design software using digital twin and generative AI technology. “There is already software available that can scan a room and provide precise measurements. Using digital twin technology, we will be able to scan or measure a space, then create a digital twin of the room that allows us to initiate the design process quickly and efficiently,” shares Bowman.
A digital twin is a virtual representation of an object or system designed to accurately reflect the physical object. “The digital twin project will focus on the physical layout of the room being designed, enabling us to adjust windows and walls without the need for redesigning in a CAD/CAM program,” says Dr. Cyril Coupal, DICE research manager.
“The digital twin will accurately replicate the client’s space, ensuring the virtual version has the same dimensions. From this we can add materials, adjust lighting and play around a bit with the space to accurately represent the true effects of the outcome. The second project involves using machine learning to train an AI model to incorporate the client’s and designer’s preferences into the design process, enabling us to use the results to auto-select products and furniture from various vendors that will fit the space and achieve the desired look and feel,” says Bowman. “With millions of products available, narrowing down the options can be overwhelming. This software will also help address that interior design challenge for both a consumer and a designer.”
By leveraging digital twin technology and generative AI, Metric Design seeks to provide clients with multiple virtually designed options, enabling customers to visualize and customize their spaces with ease and precision. “The new software will enable us to make real-time adjustments within the platform to align with the client’s budget, aesthetic and desired atmosphere. “We have a huge opportunity building this software with DICE. I’m an interior design professional and business owner, not a tech expert. Software can be a scary game. I feel so much more confident and secure with the opportunity to work with a knowledgeable, local partner. I know what I’d like as a result and I’m excited to work with DICE to get there.”
Coupal adds, “In a past life I did drafting for residential construction projects. It’s exciting to use that experience to develop this digital platform. I’ll be leading the DICE team to develop machine learning models that AI will use to generate the interior design options for clients. Over the next three years we will be entering millions of data records to train the AI system.”
The early stages of interior design often mean navigating through ambiguity, inaccuracy and inconsistency, which can lead to costly corrections. Designers often manually create digital prototype models for clients but this process is time-consuming, labour-intensive and costly. The generative AI approach will speed up design efforts, facilitate better communication of themes and concepts, and reduce or eliminate potential errors in the final product by removing human error with manually measuring space and specifying furniture.
“Another benefit of the program is that it will provide the client with a list of materials, furniture options and their prices,” says Coupal. “It takes the guesswork out of the interior design process and the costs involved.”
Metric Design’s end goal is using this technology to offer their virtual design services nationwide. “Our new software will reduce the per-project hours, making high-quality interior design more affordable and achievable for many,” says Bowman. “We don’t want to remove the artist from the process, we want to give them tools to be able to do a better job.”
“A lot of people choose not to work with a designer because it can be expensive and the result is unknown. This new technology will make our services more affordable and accessible,” adds Bowman. “This is an amazing opportunity and at the end of the day, Metric Design is able to keep all of the intellectual property. That is incredible.”
Organizations partnering with DICE gain access to exceptional computational facilities, faculty expertise, student researchers, research and development funding and a vast network of connections. DICE, funded by NSERC and Innovation Saskatchewan, is Saskatchewan's first Technology Access Centre (TAC) and specializes in applied research related to data manipulation, analysis, storage, transmission, and display. Learn more at saskpolytech.ca/dice.