Show Summary:
In this engaging episode of To the Trade, Laurie Laizure sits down with Guy Ailion, founder of Mattoboard and a practicing architect, to explore how technology is revolutionizing the material sourcing process for interior designers. Drawing from his two decades of experience in high-end residential and hospitality design, Guy shares how his firsthand frustrations with physical sample libraries led him to develop Mattoboard, a 3D digital platform for virtual sampling and material concepting.
Laurie and Guy dive deep into the inefficiencies of traditional sampling, such as disorganization, discontinued materials, and slow turnaround times, which hinder creativity and productivity. Guy introduces Mattoboard as a solution designed by and for designers, allowing them to mix, match, and present high-fidelity 3D material boards with accurate lighting, scale, and texture, thus eliminating much of the waste and inefficiency tied to physical samples.
The episode also touches on the psychological differences between architects and interior designers, the future of AI-assisted design tools, and the environmental implications of excessive sampling. Guy gives a sneak peek into Mattoboard’s evolving capabilities, such as Design Stream and team collaboration features, emphasizing how the platform supports creativity while reducing logistical burdens.
Ultimately, the conversation underscores how tools like Mattoboard empower designers to iterate faster, work more sustainably, and present more compelling client visuals. This points to a future where technology complements, not replaces, the creative process.
Time Stamp-
00:00 – Introduction to Guy Ailion and how Laurie discovered Matterboard
01:00 – Guy’s background in architecture and luxury interior design
03:00 – Challenges with traditional sample libraries and sourcing
06:00 – The shift to digital-first workflows and opportunity for innovation
08:00 – What Matterboard is: 3D virtual material boards explained
10:00 – Visual and spatial thinking; intro to Design Stream and future tools
14:00 – Decision paralysis in sourcing and how Matterboard simplifies it
17:00 – Environmental waste and the ROI problem of physical sampling
22:00 – Laurie confirms over-sampling trend from manufacturers’ feedback
25:00 – Removing friction and increasing sustainability with virtual tools
28:00 – Real-time material swapping and faster iteration with clients
30:00 – New collaboration features for teams and firm-wide libraries
32:00 – Visualization-first design process and AI as a support tool
36:00 – Why human designers can’t be replaced by AI
39:00 – How Matterboard works for luxury, custom, and high-end clients
42:00 – Editing materials in-platform for custom design ideas
43:00 – Final thoughts, Laurie’s endorsement, and what’s coming next
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