SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS Alex Rollinger
ArtiCAD builds momentum with AI and connected KBB solutions
BKU’s Matt Broughton speaks with ArtiCAD Group Field Marketing Manager Alex Rollinger about a strong first half of 2026, award recognition, AI-powered design tools and the company’s growing end-to-end software proposition for KBB retailers
industry recognition, major exhibitions and new software developments all contributing to a positive start to the year. “The first half of 2026 has been a positive and
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productive period for ArtiCAD,” says Alex. “Whilst we recognise that market conditions remain challenging for many across the KBB industry, we have been encouraged by the continued confidence, support and engagement of our customers and industry partners.” Face-to-face engagement has been an
important part of that momentum. A prominent presence at both KBB Birmingham and InstallerSHOW allowed the team to strengthen existing relationships while introducing new businesses to the wider ArtiCAD proposition. Industry recognition also marked a significant
moment for the company. ArtiCAD was named Best CAD Solution at the BKU Awards, while the founders received a Lifetime Achievement Award following their retirement in 2025. “Winning Best CAD Solution at this year’s BKU
Awards was a fantastic recognition for the wider team,” Alex says. “Our founders receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award was an especially proud and emotional moment.”
A connected proposition at InstallerSHOW InstallerSHOW provided an opportunity for ArtiCAD to demonstrate how its software offering is expanding beyond design into a more connected, end-to-end workflow. “InstallerSHOW was a success for ArtiCAD,”
Alex explains. “It gave us the opportunity to showcase our expanding end-to-end software suite and introduce two new solutions designed to digitise and streamline the installation process while enhancing the end-consumer experience.” Visitors were also given an exclusive preview of
upcoming AI-powered technologies, while supplier partners demonstrated how their products integrate within the ArtiCAD platform. One of the most notable developments is the
introduction of ArtiCAD AI Presenter, a new tool designed to enhance existing designs by refining lighting, adding accessories and creating more immersive imagery. “Designers can choose from a library of ready-to-use prompts, optimised to deliver
34 BKU AUGUST 2026
he first half of 2026 has given ArtiCAD plenty to build on, with
consistently strong results,” Alex says. “It further enhances ArtiCAD’s already ultra-realistic visuals, removing the need for additional third-party software.” Rather than adding complexity, the aim is to
reduce effort and improve presentation quality. “The aim is not to add complexity, but to
reduce effort, improve presentation quality and help retailers deliver a faster, more engaging customer experience,” Alex explains. For Alex, the wider role of AI in the KBB
industry is about supporting designers rather than replacing them: “Rather than replacing designers, AI is best used to streamline repetitive tasks, improve presentation quality and support faster, more collaborative sales journeys,” he says. “That gives designers more time to focus on creativity, technical expertise and understanding their customer’s needs.” He also notes that consumers are increasingly
arriving in showrooms with AI-generated ideas already in mind, which is changing the nature of the sales conversation. “The conversation is shifting from ‘What could
my room look like?’ to ‘Can this work, what will it cost and how do we make it happen?’” Alex says.
Joining design, pricing and business management Alongside its design software, ArtiCAD is continuing to strengthen the role of KBBConnect within the wider group proposition. “KBBConnect is ArtiCAD’s sister company and
a key part of the ArtiCAD Group, with more than 25 years’ experience helping KBB businesses work smarter, sell more effectively and operate more profitably,” Alex explains.
The platform connects retailers with more than
600 global suppliers and over 2,000 real-time price lists, while also bringing together quoting, CRM, ordering, invoicing, project management, stock control, installations, remedials, reporting and financial management. Its integration with ArtiCAD is designed to
make the workflow more seamless for retailers. “Live Pricing works directly within the ArtiCAD design screen, updating the project pricing instantly as products are added, edited or deleted,” Alex says. By combining design, pricing and business
management in one connected platform, the group aims to help retailers improve efficiency, protect margins and deliver a better customer experience. Looking ahead, ArtiCAD’s priority is to build
on the progress made in the first half of the year and convert that momentum into practical value for customers. “A key priority is introducing the AI capabilities
and officially launching the new software solutions unveiled at this year’s exhibitions,” Alex says. He also hints at a new partnership currently in
development. “An exciting new partnership is in development
that will create a powerful proposition for the industry,” Alex says. “We cannot reveal the details just yet, but there will be much more to share soon.” With AI, connected workflows and retailer
efficiency all moving higher up the agenda, ArtiCAD is positioning itself as a broader technology partner for KBB businesses as they adapt to changing customer expectations.
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