Intiaro Co-Founder Speaks About Product Visualization Evolution at AHFA Conference

September 2, 2025  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

Drawing from his extensive experience working with top furniture manufacturers, Stachowski provided context and actionable insights on leveraging visualization technologies to stay competitive. The session focused on helping brands formulate digital-first strategies that harness visual and AI-driven experiences to not only win at retail but futureproof their business.

"In a world where 47% of consumers say high-quality product images are the most influential factor in purchase decisions, how you present your products digitally isn't a nice-to-have – it's make or break," said Stachowski.

He set the stage by saying that simply having 3D images and tools does not equate to a strategy. With a variety of 3D tools used by marketers and designers now -- including photorealistic renders, real-time 3D and configurators, augmented reality, space planning, and fabrication tasks – it’s important to understand the reusability of each tool based on the company’s goals in order to get the best return on the investment.

"The trick is knowing which tool fits which job,” said Stachowski. “For example, real-time 3D and configurators offer high reusability, while photorealistic renders and space planning tools are lower in reusability.”

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a common thread throughout the one-and-a-half-day conference. Stachowski offered a balanced assessment of AI's current strengths and limitations in product visualization. He framed it as an eager, supercharged intern who needs guidance and rich product data and rules to work correctly.

A key takeaway – and what Stachowski calls the plot twist: Great product visualization without good product data is not enough because “if your product data is a mess, no one’s systems can talk to you – and SEO and AI can’t find your products.”

He concluded with offering some building blocks for the future: 

- Digitalize all your products

- Create as many visuals as possible: in the end, visuals close the sale

- Structure your data because unstructured and unlabeled images are invisible to the algorithms

- Experiment by creating a small innovation budget to pilot new tools

- Continuous adaptation

“No one knows exactly how the technology will unfold, but we do know that what you chose to do now will determine your ability to adapt as it evolves,” said Stachowski.

The session wrapped up one-and-a-half days of insightful talks that included consumer insights from Jaye Anna Mize of Future Snoops, how-to’s of applying CPG branding from Sol Garay of BDI Furniture, marketing tips for e-commerce from Josh Walter of Brand Jump, and strategies for survival in a world where marketers are being asked to do more with less by Katie Brown and Christina Rogers of luquire.

Pat Bowling, AHFA vice president of communications, said, “AHFA is proud to provide our members with relevant, up-to-date insights from furniture industry thought leaders, helping to fuel their success.”