Changes
Delete redundant sentence.
{{Infobox dot-com company
| name = Houzz
| logo = Houzz logo.png
| company_type =
| traded_as =
| foundation =
| dissolved =
| location = [[Palo Alto|Palo Alto, CA, USA]]
| locations =
| incorporated =
| area_served = Worldwide
| founder = Adi Tatarko <br> Alon Cohen
| chairman =
| chairperson =
| CEO =
| president =
| MD =
| GM =
| key_people =
| industry = [[Remodeling]] <br> [[Interior design]]
| products =
| services =
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| assets =
| equity =
| owner =
| num_employees = 1,000+
| parent =
| divisions =
| subsid =
| company_slogan =
| url = {{url|www.houzz.com}}
| ipv6 =
| alexa = {{DecreasePositive}} 1,517 (June 2018)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/houzz.com | title=Alexa - Houzz | publisher=[[Alexa Internet]] | accessdate=October 21, 2013}}</ref>
| website_type =
| advertising =
| registration =
| num_users = 40 million+
| language =
| launch_date = {{Start date and age|2009|02|df=yes/no}}
| current_status =
| screenshot =
| caption = ''The New Way to Design Your Home''
| footnotes =
| intl =
}}
'''Houzz''' is a website and online community about [[architecture]], [[interior design]] and decorating, [[landscape design]] and [[home improvement]].
The Houzz platform and mobile apps<ref name=NYT>{{cite web|title=Before Tearing Out a Wall, Check Your Phone|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/19/technology/personaltech/mobile-apps-help-with-home-improvement-projects.html?_r=1|work=Personal Tech|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=30 January 2012|author=BOB TEDESCHI|date=18 January 2012}}</ref> feature photos, articles, product recommendations, and a user forum. <ref>{{cite news|last1=Lim|first1=Jason|title=Houzz Launches A Localized Version To Renovate Australia's Home Design Market|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jlim/2014/08/26/houzz-launches-a-localized-version-to-renovate-australias-home-design-market/|publisher=Forbes|date=August 26, 2014}}</ref> It was founded in 2009 and is based in [[Palo Alto]], [[California]], [[United States]].
==History==
Houzz co-founders Adi Tatarko and Alon Cohen launched the site in February 2009 as a result of their own remodeling project.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/22/garden/the-home-that-inspired-the-web-site-houzz.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 | title=Houzz Proud | publisher=[[New York Times]] | date=March 21, 2012 | accessdate=December 28, 2012 | author=Kurutz, Stevens}}</ref> In addition to finding it difficult to communicate their vision for their home,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Meier|first1=Aliz|title=Home Design Ideas|url=http://www.tegel.xyz|publisher=Tegel|date=October 14, 2015}}</ref> the founders found it difficult to find the right professionals for their project.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ryall|first1=Jenni|title=Houzz Launches In Australia, Home Renovators Get Excited|url=http://mashable.com/2014/08/28/houzz-launches-in-australia/|publisher=Mashable|date=August 28, 2014}}</ref> What started as a side project to help with Tatarko and Cohen's own home remodel soon spread by word-of-mouth and they began to receive emails from homeowners and home professionals outside the San Francisco Bay Area asking them to open more categories on Houzz and expand to other areas.<ref name="Mashable">{{cite news|last1=Ang|first1=Sarah|title=Houzz Helps You Make Your House a Home|url=http://mashable.com/2013/12/11/houzz-video/|publisher=Mashable|date=December 11, 2013}}</ref> Houzz became a company in the fall of 2010.<ref name="Mashable"/>
In November 2010, Houzz released an app for the [[iPad]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/11/11/houzz-funding-ipad-app/ | title=Heads Up, Home Design Freaks: Houzz Launches New iPad App, Raises $2M | publisher=[[TechCrunch]] | date=November 11, 2010 | accessdate=December 28, 2012 | author=Wauters, Robin}}</ref> The Android version of the app was released in December 2012.<ref name="HouzzstatsDec2012">Carney, Michael (August 27, 2013). [http://pandodaily.com/2013/08/27/the-numbers-say-houzz-has-lit-a-fire-under-the-home-remodeling-market/ "The numbers say Houzz has lit a fire under the home remodeling market"]. PandoDaily. Retrieved September 16, 2013.</ref> By August 2013, the iPhone/iPad apps had been downloaded millions of times<ref name="LardinoisFred">Lardinois, Frederic (September 10, 2013). [https://techcrunch.com/2013/09/10/adi-tatarko-of-houzz-bootstrapping-was-the-best-thing-that-ever-happened-to-us/ "Adi Tatarko of Houzz: Bootstrapping Was The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Us"]. TechCrunch.</ref> and the website featured millions of images.<ref name="LardinoisFred" /> In January 2014, Houzz announced that it had opened offices and hired local managers in the UK, Germany and Australia to accelerate its global expansion; 35% of the company's site traffic already came from outside the U.S.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carney|first1=Michael|title=Houzz and international expansion go together like peas and carrots|url=https://pando.com/2014/01/15/houzz-and-international-expansion-go-together-like-peas-and-carrots/|publisher=PandoDaily|date=January 15, 2014}}</ref> In December 2014, Houzz announced its expansion to the rest of Europe and into Asia, starting with Japan, given the demand for its platform and the success of its first international launches.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carney|first1=Michael|title=With rabid overseas demand, home design favorite Houzz looks to triple its international reach in 2015|url=https://pando.com/2014/12/19/with-rabid-demand-from-overseas-home-design-favorite-houzz-looks-to-triple-its-international-reach-in-2015/|publisher=PandoDaily|date=December 19, 2014}}</ref>
As of July 2015, a localized Houzz platform was available in UK, Australia, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, Italy and Spain.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mendez|first1=Fran|title=Houzz: la empresa que revolucionó las reformas|url=http://forbes.es/actualizacion/4231/houzz-la-empresa-que-revoluciono-las-reformas|publisher=Forbes.es|date=July 23, 2015}}</ref> By the end of 2015, Houzz was also live in Sweden and Denmark and cited over 35 million monthly unique users and over one million active home professionals including contractors, designers, architects, etc.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz Brings New Collaboration Tools To Its iOS Apps|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/12/10/houzz-brings-new-collaboration-tools-to-its-ios-apps/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=December 10, 2015}}</ref> Houzz launched its first national advertising campaign in August 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jardine|first1=Alexandra|title=First TV Ads for Houzz Show How You Know When it's Time to Redecorate|url=http://creativity-online.com/work/houzz-from-dream-to-home--kitchen/43062|publisher=Creativity|date=August 21, 2015}}</ref> In April 2016, Houzz launched localized platforms and apps for both Ireland<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gallagher|first1=Alanna|title=Houzz that: designing your home online|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/interiors/houzz-that-designing-your-home-online-1.2603668|publisher=Irish Times|date=April 9, 2016}}</ref> and Singapore <ref>{{cite news|last1=Shu|first1=Catherine|title=Home improvement platform Houzz enters Singapore, its second Asian market|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/04/11/home-improvement-platform-houzz-enters-singapore-its-second-asian-market/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=April 12, 2016}}</ref> and said it had more than 40 million monthly unique users worldwide. It launched a localized experience for New Zealand in May 2016<ref>{{cite news|last1=Anthony|first1=John|title=Home reno giant targets NZ|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/79403553/houzz-launching-new-zealand-website-for-renovation-inspiration|publisher=Fairfax|date=May 1, 2016}}</ref> and for India in November 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz comes to India|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/11/02/houzz-comes-to-india/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=November 2, 2016}}</ref>
== Company ==
===Community===
Houzz started as a side project, with twenty parents from Adi and Alon’s kid’s school, and a few architects and designers from the Bay Area as its first users.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lim|first1=Jason|title=Houzz Launches A Localized Version To Renovate Australia's Home Design Market|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jlim/2014/08/26/houzz-launches-a-localized-version-to-renovate-australias-home-design-market/2/#1b9fcd36f5f6|publisher=Forbes Asia|date=August 26, 2014}} </ref> “The site has become the biggest residential remodeling community online, and has grown to this point entirely through word of mouth.”<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carney|first1=Michael|title=Houzz's torrid growth comes down to the three C's: Content, Commerce, and Community|url=https://pando.com/2013/03/01/houzzs-torid-growth-comes-down-to-the-three-cs-content-commerce-and-community/|publisher=PandoDaily|date=March 1, 2013}}</ref> As of December 2015, this community had grown to over 35 million monthly unique users and over 1 million active home professionals globally.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz Brings New Collaboration Tools To Its iOS Apps|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/12/10/houzz-brings-new-collaboration-tools-to-its-ios-apps/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=December 10, 2015}}</ref> Houzz has focused on the needs of homeowners and home professionals and “on fostering a community among them.”<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carney|first1=Michael|title=Houzz's torrid growth comes down to the three C's: Content, Commerce, and Community|url=https://pando.com/2013/03/01/houzzs-torid-growth-comes-down-to-the-three-cs-content-commerce-and-community/|publisher=PandoDaily|date=March 1, 2013}}</ref>
=== Business Model ===
Houzz has a home products marketplace where it collects a 15% commission from sellers on transactions. Houzz also has a premium subscription service for home professionals, and brands advertise on the platform.<ref>{{cite news|title=11. Houzz|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/05/12/houzz-disruptor-50.html|publisher=CNBC.com|date=May 12, 2015}}</ref>
==== Houzz Pro+ Subscription ====
In January 2013, Houzz announced the launch of its Pro+ platform for professionals in a select number of metro areas in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Home Remodeling Platform Houzz Raises $35M Series C Round Led By NEA And GGV Capital, Launches Paid Pro+ Accounts|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/01/29/home-remodeling-platform-houzz-raises-35m-series-c-round-led-by-nwa-and-ggv-capital-launches-paid-pro-accounts/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> While listings for professionals are free, the optional “Pro+ program gives professionals additional visibility in their local area and allows them to highlight their work to attract new customers for an annual subscription.” In March 2013, Houzz announced that it had expanded the service from 12 markets in the U.S. to 425 new markets in the U.S. and Canada and launched new Pro+ Dashboard analytics tools.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz Expands Its Pro+ Service For Remodeling And Design Professionals To 425 Markets, Launches New Analytics Tool|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/03/12/houzz-launches-new-analytics-tool/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> The metrics dashboard gives professionals “additional insight into how their photos are doing on the site and includes real-time data about the total number of photo impressions, the number of clicks on them, click-through rates and add rates (how many people saved a photo to their Houzz ‘ideabooks’).”<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz Expands Its Pro+ Service For Remodeling And Design Professionals To 425 Markets, Launches New Analytics Tool|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/03/12/houzz-launches-new-analytics-tool/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> In July 2015, Houzz announced the rollout of Houzz Pro+ to its first market outside of North America in the UK.<ref>{{cite news|title=Houzz launches UK professional marketplace|publisher=KBBDaily.com|date=July 24, 2015}}</ref> By June 2018, the service was available in 12 of 14 countries where Houzz has launched localized platforms outside the U.S.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Don |title=Houzz.com grows through international expansion and mobile technology |url=https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2018/06/07/houzz-com-grows-through-international-expansion-and-mobile-technology/ |publisher=Digital Commerce 360 |date=June 7, 2018}}</ref>
==== Home Products Marketplace ====
Houzz launched the beta of its home products marketplace in October 2014. The Marketplace allows users to buy products directly on the Houzz site. The service launched with over one million products from “a large variety of sellers.”<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz Raises $165M Series D Funding Round Led By Sequoia To Fuel International Expansion|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/10/01/houzz-raises-165m-series-d-led-by-sequoia-to-fuel-international-expansion/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=October 1, 2014}}</ref> Houzz does not handle shipments or inventories but has its own customer service team “to make sure that users of the Houzz marketplace get the best possible shopping experiences and have an advocate if anything goes wrong.”<ref>{{cite news|last1=Anders|first1=George|title=Houzz Tops $2 Billion Valuation, Opens Million-Item Marketplace|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgeanders/2014/10/01/houzz-tops-2-billion-valuation-opens-million-item-marketplace/#4f55f35687a6|publisher=Forbes|date=October 1, 2014}}</ref> Houzz collects a 15% commission from merchants that sell on the site.<ref>{{cite news|title=Meet the 2015 CNBC Disruptor 50 companies|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/05/12/houzz-disruptor-50.html|publisher=CNBC.com|date=May 12, 2015}}</ref> "Since Houzz announced the beta launch of its home products marketplace in fall 2014, the platform has grown to more than five million products and over 10,000 merchants."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz opens its Commerce API to third-party vendors|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/03/22/houzz-opens-its-commerce-api-to-third-party-vendors/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=March 22, 2016}}</ref> In June 2017, the company launched the Houzz Trade Program to provide industry professionals with multiple ways to profit from purchasing and recommending products in the Houzz Marketplace.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Martin|first1=Alison|title=Houzz Launches New Trade Program|url=https://www.lightinganddecormag.com/houzz-launches-new-trade-program?q=houzz-launches-new-trade-program|publisher=Lighting & Decor Magazine|date=June 6, 2017}}</ref> Houzz launched its home products marketplace in the UK in January 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Farley |first1=Paul |title=Houzz launches online shop in UK |url=https://www.furniturenews.net/news/articles/2018/01/319049666-houzz-launches-online-shop-uk |publisher=Furniture News |date=January 25, 2018}}</ref>
=== Product & Technology ===
“The Houzz product is made up of five interconnected parts” inclusive of photos, products, find a pro, ideabooks (editorial) and community advice.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lim|first1=Jason|title=Houzz Launches A Localized Version To Renovate Australia's Home Design Market|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jlim/2014/08/26/houzz-launches-a-localized-version-to-renovate-australias-home-design-market/#2b18eeaedf66|publisher=Forbes Asia|date=August 26, 2015}}</ref>
In July 2013, Houzz introduced the Real Cost Finder, an interactive tool that helps users plan home renovations and total costs. The tool is based on data collected from the Houzz community.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ecker|first1=Shana|title=Houzz's Real Cost Finder Helps You Figure Out How Much That Renovation Will Set You Back|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/08/houzz-real-cost-finder_n_3563189.html|publisher=Huffington Post|date=July 8, 2013}}</ref> In February 2014, Houzz launched Site Designer, a free website building and publishing tool for home professionals. Websites are connected to a pro’s Houzz profile, “which allow them to easily pull in their images, reviews and other information from their existing profiles.”<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz Launches Site Designer, Offers Free Websites For Home Professionals|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/02/05/houzz-launches-site-designer-offers-free-websites-for-home-professionals/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=February 5, 2014}}</ref> In May 2015, Houzz introduced Houzz TV to empower homeowners through video content. “My Houzz” was the company’s first video series and featured Ashton Kutcher as he renovated his mother’s basement in the first episode.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sidibe|first1=Nana|title=Houzz: Disrupting and empowering|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/05/14/houzz-disrupting-and-empowering.html|publisher=CNBC.com|date=May 14, 2015}}</ref> In November 2015, Houzz introduced its app for Apple TV.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McGarry|first1=Caitlin|title=Must-see Apple TV: Our 15 favorite tvOS apps|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3000946/streaming-services/best-apple-tv-apps.html#slide9|publisher=Macworld|date=November 5, 2015}}</ref> In December 2015, Houzz introduced Sketch, a feature that lets users upload their own photos or choose any from the platform to add products from the Houzz Marketplace. Users can also draw on photos or add stickers and text, as well as collaborate with others on their ideas simultaneously.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz Brings New Collaboration Tools To Its iOS Apps|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/12/10/houzz-brings-new-collaboration-tools-to-its-ios-apps/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=December 10, 2015}}</ref> Houzz introduced Sketch for Android in January 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fuller|first1=Daniel|title=Houzz Interior Decorating App Gets Sketch Feature|url=http://www.androidheadlines.com/2016/01/houzz-interior-decorating-app-gets-sketch-feature.html|publisher=AndroidHeadlines|date=January 13, 2016}}</ref> Sketch is also available as a web experience.<ref>{{cite news|title=Houzz Introduces Sketch for the Web|url=https://www.kbbonline.com/news/business/houzz-introduces-sketch-web/|publisher=Kitchen & Bath Business|date=June 23, 2017}}</ref> In February 2016, Houzz introduced View in My Room within its app for iOS and Android that lets users virtually place products from the Houzz Marketplace in their homes before buying.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Korducki|first1=Kelli|title=You Can Now *Virtually* Try Out Furniture Before You Buy|url=http://www.brit.co/houzz-app/|website=BRIT+CO}}</ref> In March 2016, Houzz announced that it had opened its Commerce API to third party partners, with Shopify as a first point of integration, to make it easier for merchants to sell and manage their inventory on Houzz.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz opens its Commerce API to third-party vendors|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/03/22/houzz-opens-its-commerce-api-to-third-party-vendors/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=March 22, 2016}}</ref> In September 2016, Houzz launched Visual Match, a new visual recognition tool that "uses deep learning technology to analyze more than 11 million home photos on Houzz. Furniture and decor that looks similar to the six million products on the Houzz Marketplace is then surfaced for users to browse (and hopefully buy)."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chang|first1=Lulu|title=Find furniture that suits your style with Houzz’s new visual match tool|url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/home/houzz-visual-match/|publisher=Digital Trends|date=September 14, 2016}}</ref> In May 2017, Houzz introduced a new tool for its iPhone and iPad app, View in My Room 3D, that allows people to preview over 300,000 products in 3D within the context of their own rooms.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stein|first1=Megan|title=Never Fear Furniture Shopping Again: This 3D Tool Shows You How Things Will Looks in Your House|url=http://people.com/home/houzz-releases-new-furniture-preview-app/|publisher=People.com|date=May 4, 2017}}</ref> With the launch of iOS 11 from Apple in September 2017, Houzz introduced an upgraded version of its 3D AR tool within its app for iPhone and iPad, which lets people see and move 500,000 products in their rooms.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lunden|first1=Ingrid|title=A new ARKit app from Houzz brings 500,000 objects to moveable life|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/19/a-new-arkit-app-from-houzz-brings-500000-objects-to-moveable-life/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=September 19, 2017}}</ref> The Houzz App for Andorid devices was updated with ARCore support in March 2018, enabling users to "place virtual representations of furniture and other home decor items anywhere in their home to see how they would look." <ref>{{cite news |last1=Diaz |first1=Justin |title=Houzz App Updated With ARCore Support |url=https://www.androidheadlines.com/2018/03/houzz-app-updated-arcore-support.html |publisher=AndroidHeadlines |date=March 21, 2018}}</ref>
=== "My Houzz" Series ===
In March 2017, Houzz launched Season 1 of its "My Houzz" series, which "includes five episodes documenting public figures as they surprise a close family member with a renovation, using Houzz as a resource." The episode featured actress [[Kristen Bell]], who renovated her sister Sara's home outside of Detroit. <ref>{{cite news|last1=Washington|first1=Julie|title=Kristen Bell on 'My Houzz'|url=http://www.cleveland.com/insideout/index.ssf/2017/03/pond_clinic_and_cactus_show_ho.html|publisher=The Plain Dealer|date=March 13, 2017}}</ref> In the second episode of the 2017 series, actress [[Jenna Fischer]] secretly renovates her sister's kitchen, living room and dining room in St. Louis.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stein|first1=Megan|title=The Office's Jenna Fischer Surprises Her Sister with the Most Amazing Home Makeover: 'She Is One of Those People Who Is Always Giving to Others'|url=http://people.com/home/jenna-fischer-surprises-sister-emily-with-home-makeover/|website=People.com|accessdate=10 April 2017}}</ref> The third episode features actress [[Mila Kunis]] as she surprises her parents with a renovation to the condominium where she grew up and her parents still live today.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stein|first1=Megan|title=Mila Kunis Surprises Her Parents with Home Makeover: 'I Desperately Want to Give Them Something That I Think They Deserve'|url=http://people.com/home/mila-kunis-surprises-parents-with-home-makeover/|website=People.com|accessdate=25 April 2017}}</ref> In the fourth episode, recording artist and actor Chris "[[Ludacris]]" Bridges secretly updates his mother Roberta's home in Atlanta, the first house Bridges bought when he became successful as the rapper Ludacris.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stein|first1=Megan|title=Ludacris Remodels His Mom's House for the Ultimate Mother's Day Surprise: 'It Makes Me Feel That I’m Blessed Beyond Belief'|url=http://people.com/home/ludacris-surprises-mom-with-home-makeover/|publisher=People.com|date=May 12, 2017}}</ref> [[Kyrie Irving]] renovates his father Drederick's home in West Orange, NJ in the fifth episode.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stein|first1=Megan|title=Try Not to Cry After Seeing Cavaliers All-Star Kyrie Irving Surprise His Father with a Home Renovation: 'He Really Was Super Dad'|url=http://people.com/home/cleveland-cavaliers-kyrie-irving-surprises-dad-with-home-remodel/|website=People.com|accessdate=13 June 2017}}</ref>
Houzz kicked off "My Houzz" Season 2 in January 2018 with an episode featuring chef [[Gordon Ramsay]] as he surprises fellow chef and FOX's "Hell's Kitchen" Season 10 winner Christina Wilson with a kitchen, living room and dining room renovation in her Philadelphia home.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Izon |first1=Juliet |title=Gordon Ramsay Tells Us What He Learned Gut-Renovating Chef Christina Wilson’s Kitchen |url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/gordon-ramsay-tells-us-what-he-learned-gut-renovating-chef-christina-wilsons-kitchen |website=Architectural Digest}}</ref> Green Bay Packer [[Clay Matthews III]] secretly renovates his brother and sister-in-law's home in Cleveland in the second episode.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stein |first1=Megan |title=Green Bay Packers Linebacker Clay Matthews Surprises His Older Brother with a Home Makeover |url=https://people.com/home/green-bay-packers-linebacker-clay-matthews-surprises-his-older-brother-with-a-home-makeover/ |website=People.com}}</ref> In episode three, television host and actor [[Mario Lopez]] secretly builds an addition of an expansive dance and fitness studio over his sister's garage.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hines |first1=Ree |title=Mario Lopez surprises his sister with amazing garage 'oasis' — see the pics! |url=https://www.today.com/home/mario-lopez-surprises-his-sister-amazing-garage-oasis-see-pics-t126843 |website=Today.com}}</ref> The fourth episode features actress [[Olivia Munn]] as she surprises her mom with a new kitchen, living room, dining room and pantry.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Haas |first1=Brian |title=Olivia Munn Surprises Mom With a Home Makeover |url=https://www.etonline.com/olivia-munn-surprises-mom-with-a-home-makeover-101932 |website=ET Online}}</ref> [[Tony Hawk]] renovates his longtime friend's home in Wilmington, N.C. in the fifth episode.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schmidt |first1=Mackenzie |title=Tony Hawk Remodels Home for the Widow of His Best Friend, Who Died Tragically |url=https://people.com/home/tony-hawk-remodels-home-for-the-widow-of-his-best-friend-who-died-tragically/ |publisher=People.com |date=July 17, 2018}}</ref>
=== Industry Partnerships ===
In June 2014, Houzz entered a strategic partnership with The American Institute of Architects (AIA).<ref>{{cite web|title=Houzz and The American Institute of Architects Enter Strategic Partnership|url=http://www.aia.org/press/releases/aiab104185|website=www.aia.org|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref> In 2015, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) partnered with Houzz “to increase public awareness on the impact and value of interior designers.”<ref>{{cite web|title=Houzz Partnership|url=https://www.asid.org/designers/houzz-partnership#.VszieZMrJE9|website=www.aia.org|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref> In January 2016, The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Houzz announced a strategic alliance to “help NAHB members use Houzz’s technology and marketing capabilities to connect with a community of 35 million users interested in building or renovating their homes.”<ref>{{cite web|title=NAHB, Houzz Form Alliance|url=http://nahbnow.com/2016/01/nahb-houzz-form-alliance/|website=NAHBNow|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref> In November 2016, the company launched Houzz Scholarships, a program that supports the next generation of students studying architecture, interior design and landscape architecture.<ref>{{cite news|title=Houzz establishes scholarship program|url=http://www.lawnandlandscape.com/article/ll-110916-houzz-scholarship-program/|publisher=Lawn & Landscape|date=November 9, 2016}}</ref>
=== Research ===
In February 2012, Houzz launched its "Houzz & Home Survey," an annual survey of residential remodeling, building and decorating activity among Houzz users. The 2012 survey had nearly 30,000 respondents in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Otto|first1=Bridget|title=Interior design news & notes: Shower designs; Houzz poll on priorities; and an ombre dresser|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/2012/05/interior_design_news_notes_sho.html|publisher=The Oregonian|date=May 12, 2012}}</ref> The 2015 survey had nearly 260,000 respondents globally (170,000 in the U.S.). The 2015 study found that nearly two-thirds of Houzz users in the U.S. completed a remodeling or redecorating project in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Grant|first1=Kelli|title=How much will that renovation cost you?|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/12/how-much-will-that-home-renovation-cost-you.html|publisher=CNBC.com|date=June 14, 2015}}</ref>
In February 2015, Houzz introduced the Houzz Barometer, a quarterly index that “tracks confidence in the home renovation market among industry professionals.” The inaugural study found that the majority of professionals were bullish about 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Esler|first1=Bill|title=Houzz Barometer of Home Renovators Seeing Strong Start in 2015|url=http://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/wood-market-trends/woodworking-industry-news/custom-woodworking-news/Houzz-Barometer-of-Home-Renovators-Seeing-Strong-Start-in-2015-295341361.html|publisher=Woodworking Network|date=March 6, 2015}}</ref> The Q4 2015 Renovation Barometer, released in January 2016, found continued confidence in”year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter gains in business activity.”<ref>{{cite news|last1=Webb|first1=Craig|title=Remodelers Vary Sharply on 2016 Outlook, 2015 Performance|url=http://www.remodeling.hw.net/benchmarks/economic-outlook-rri/remodelers-vary-sharply-on-2016-outlook-2015-performance_o|publisher=Remodeling Magazine|date=January 19, 2016}}</ref>
Houzz released the findings of its 6th annual "Houzz & Home Survey" of renovation activity in May 2017, a study that had more than 100,000 respondents in the U.S. alone. "This year is set to be another banner year, according to the survey, with more than half of homeowners on Houzz saying they plan to start renovations in 2017. They're looking to spend 4 percent more than in 2016." The company's "Renovation Barometer," found that firms are equally bullish about 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rooney|first1=Kate|title=Millennials and first-time homebuyers are spending a lot more on renovations, survey finds|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/04/millennials-and-first-time-homebuyers-spend-lots-more-on-renovations-survey.html|publisher=CNBC.com|date=May 4, 2017}}</ref>
The 7th annual "Houzz & Home Survey" with more than 130,000 respondents, released in June 2018, "was extremely positive for remodeling activity; 51% of respondents said they were either planning to begin or continue renovations this year at a median price of $15,000."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wallisch |first1=Sean |title=Remodeling Keeps Booming--Especially After Disasters--Annual Houzz and Home Survey Suggests |url=http://www.remodeling.hw.net/news/remodeling-keeps-booming-especially-after-disasters-annual-houzz-and-home-survey-suggests_o |publisher=Remodeling Magazine |date=June 27, 2018}}</ref>
===Funding===
In September 2010, Tatarko and Cohen secured $2 million in first-round funding<ref>{{cite web|title=Heads Up, Home Design Freaks: Houzz Launches New iPad App, Raises $2M|url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/11/11/houzz-funding-ipad-app/|work=TechCrunch|accessdate=30 January 2012|author=Robin Wauters|date=11 November 2011}}</ref> and began hiring a staff for their office in Palo Alto. The round was led by Oren Zeev,<ref>{{cite web|title=Oren Zeev|url=http://www.crunchbase.com/person/oren-zeev-2|work=People|publisher=CrunchBase|accessdate=30 January 2012}}</ref> from Orens Capital who joined Houzz's Board of Directors. In 2011, Houzz secured $11.6 million in a Series B round led by [[Sequoia Capital]] and other investors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Exclusive: Houzz Brings Home $11.6 Million in Series B Funding|url=http://allthingsd.com/20111219/exclusive-houzz-brings-home-11-6-million-in-series-b-funding/|work=All Things D|publisher=Dow Jones & Company Inc.|accessdate=30 January 2012|author=Lauren Goode|date=19 December 2011}}</ref> [[Alfred Lin]], a VC at Sequoia and former senior executive at Zappos, joined Houzz’s board of directors. In 2013, Houzz announced a Series C of $35 million led by NEA and GGV capital, with participation by [[Sequoia Capital]], Comcast Ventures, KPCB and David Sacks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Exclusive: Home Remodeling Platform Houzz Raises $35M Series C Round Led By NEA and GGV Capital, Launches Paid Pro+ Accounts|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/01/29/home-remodeling-platform-houzz-raises-35m-series-c-round-led-by-nwa-and-ggv-capital-launches-paid-pro-accounts/|work=TechCrunch|publisher=AOL|accessdate=29 January 2013|author=Fredric Lardinois|date=29 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Houzz's Unconventional Route to the Big Leagues|url=http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2013/05/31/houzz/|work=Fortune|publisher=Dow Jones|accessdate=22 October 2013|author=Colleen Leahey|date=31 May 2013|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029212421/http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2013/05/31/houzz/|archivedate=29 October 2013|df=}}</ref> In 2014, Houzz announced it had closed a $165 million financing round, led by Sequoia with participation from existing investors Oren Zeev, New Enterprise Associates (NEA), GGV Capital and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB), as well as new participants DST Global and T. Rowe Price.<ref>https://techcrunch.com/2014/10/01/houzz-raises-165m-series-d-led-by-sequoia-to-fuel-international-expansion/</ref> In June 2017, Houzz announced that it has closed a $400 million Series E financing led by ICONIQ Capital. Other new investors include Wellington Management Company, while existing investors Sequoia, Zeev Ventures and GGV Capital also participated in the financing.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Magistretti|first1=Berenice|title=Houzz raises $400 million, doubling valuation to $4.3 billion|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/06/23/houzz-raises-400-million-doubling-valuation-to-4-3-billion/|publisher=VentureBeaet|date=June 23, 2017}}</ref>
=== Acquisitions ===
Houzz made its first acquisition in 2015, "buying gardening and home advice site GardenWeb from NBCUniversal."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rao |first1=Leena |title=Home design company Houzz makes its first acquisition |url=http://fortune.com/2015/08/25/houzz-buys-gardenweb/ |publisher=Fortune |date=August 25, 2015}}</ref> In February 2018, Houzz announced that it had acquired IvyMark, a startup that has built a business management tool for interior designers and other design companies. The tool "offers project management, furniture delivery scheduling and more." <ref>{{cite news |last1=Hinchliffe |first1=Emma |title=Houzz acquires interior design business management startup IvyMark |url=https://www.inman.com/2018/02/06/houzz-acquires-interior-design-business-management-startup-ivymark/ |publisher=Inman News |date=February 6, 2018}}</ref>
==Home design photo database==
As of December 2014, there were millions of images of home interiors and exteriors on Houzz.<ref>[http://pando.com/2014/12/19/with-rabid-demand-from-overseas-home-design-favorite-houzz-looks-to-triple-its-international-reach-in-2015/ with-rabid-demand-from-overseas-home-design-favorite-houzz-looks-to-triple-its-international-reach-in-2015]</ref> Homeowners browse photos by room, style and location, and bookmark photos in personal collections the site calls “ideabooks.” Images had been added to ideabooks hundreds of millions of times.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carney|first1=Michael|title=The numbers say Houzz has lit a fire under the home remodeling market|url=https://pando.com/2013/08/27/the-numbers-say-houzz-has-lit-a-fire-under-the-home-remodeling-market/|publisher=PandoDaily|date=August 27, 2013}}</ref> Users can click on an image to learn more about the designer, ask a question, and learn about products tagged in the photos.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hickey|first1=Shane|title=Houzz: the website that speaks the language of home improvement|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/dec/28/houzz-home-improvement-adi-tatarko-alon-cohen|publisher=The Guardian|date=December 28, 2014}}</ref>
As of August 2015, there were more than 7 million high-quality photos of interiors, exteriors and gardens.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rodriguez|first1=Samuel|title=Houzz Android app launches in Spain|url=http://ecommerce-news.es/mobile/apps/houzz-lanza-su-aplicacion-de-android-en-espana-29869.html|publisher=ecommerce News|date=August 14, 2015}}</ref> Houzz now has more than 15 million home photos on its platform.
<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz now uses deep learning to help you find and buy products in its photos|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/14/houzz-now-uses-deep-learning-to-help-you-find-and-buy-products-in-its-photos/?ncid=rss|publisher=TechCrunch|date=September 14, 2016}}</ref>
==Editorial content==
An editorial staff in Palo Alto and contributors write daily design articles for the Houzz homepage and newsletters.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://info.houzz.com/growth1.13| title=Houzz: A Year in Review | publisher=''Houzz | date=February 23, 2013 | accessdate=October 22, 2013 | author=Houzz}}</ref> Content is tailored to each country where Houzz has launched a localized platform. For example, in Australia the “tailored experience is designed to overcome problems such as seeing northern hemisphere Winter Christmas ideas, during Australia’s Summer time; or reading American terms such as ‘countertop’ instead of ‘benchtop’.”
<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lim|first1=Jason|title=Houzz Launches A Localized Version To Renovate Australia's Home Design Market|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jlim/2014/08/26/houzz-launches-a-localized-version-to-renovate-australias-home-design-market/#19c59150df66|publisher=Forbes Asia|date=August 26, 2014}}</ref>
==Professional directory==
Houzz has a directory of home improvement professionals who use the site to connect with homeowners. The platform can be used for consumers to search through different types of professionals for hire, view their previous projects, and begin a discussion with them with questions and inquiries, to ultimately hire them.<ref name="Wall Street Journal">{{cite web|title=Professional Decorating Ideas in the Houzz|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303816504577321702299401424?KEYWORDS=houzz|work=The Digital Solution|publisher=Wall Street Journal|accessdate=20 April 2012|author=KATHERINE BOEHRET|date=4 April 2012}}</ref><ref name=Businessweek>{{cite web|title=An Online Antidote to the Housing Bust|url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-03-14/an-online-antidote-to-the-housing-bust|work=Profiles|publisher=Bloomberg Businessweek|accessdate=20 April 2012|author=NICK LEIBER|date=14 March 2012}}</ref>
==Reception==
''CNN'' named Houzz the App of the Week, calling it "The Wikipedia of interior and exterior design sites".<ref>{{cite web|title=Houzz on CNN |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSTdDSMnadk |work=YouTube |accessdate=30 January 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914215222/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSTdDSMnadk |archivedate=September 14, 2015 }}</ref> The magazine ''[[Real Simple]]'' called Houzz "the online equivalent of clipping décor images from magazines".<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Real Simple|date=September 2010|pages=60}}</ref>
''[[Bloomberg Businessweek]]'' called Houzz "An online antidote to the housing bust."<ref name=Businessweek />
''[[Architectural Digest]]'' wrote, "This app will stoke your imagination."<ref>{{cite web|title=Design Apps on Tap|url=http://www.architecturaldigest.com/resources/features/2011/09/home-renovation-smartphone-apps-slideshow#slide=6|work=Architectural Digest|publisher=Condé Nast Digital|accessdate=30 January 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330063433/http://www.architecturaldigest.com/resources/features/2011/09/home-renovation-smartphone-apps-slideshow#slide=6|archivedate=30 March 2012|df=}}</ref> ''[[TechCrunch]]'' wrote, "Houzz appears to be a decent idea that's been executed well."<ref>{{cite web|title=Heads Up, Home Design Freaks: Houzz Launches New iPad App, Raises $2M|url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/11/11/houzz-funding-ipad-app/|work=CrunchBase|publisher=AOL Inc.|accessdate=30 January 2012|author=Rob Wauters|date=11 November 2010}}</ref> [[San Jose Mercury News|''The Mercury News'']] wrote, "You'll find ... ideas for your swipe file there that you and your architect can both contribute to and comment on."<ref>{{cite web|title=How to talk to an architect|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/real-estate/ci_17949611?nclick_check=1|work=MercuryNews.com|publisher=San Jose Mercury News|accessdate=30 January 2012|author=Richard Taylor Zillow|date=28 April 2011}}</ref> ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' said “Houzz is ... a well of inspiration at the tip of your swiping fingers" and asserted that the app is one of the few nongame apps on [[iOS]] that have a 5 star rating.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/19/technology/personaltech/mobile-apps-help-with-home-improvement-projects.html | title=Before Tearing Out a Wall, Check Your Phone | publisher=''[[New York Times]] | date=January 18, 2012 | accessdate=December 28, 2012 | author=Tedeschi, Bob}}</ref>
TIME included the Houzz App in its 2014 list of "essential software every iPad owner should download."<ref>{{cite news|title=The 50 Absolute Best iPad Apps|url=http://time.com/3582443/best-ipad-apps-2014/|publisher=TIME|date=November 12, 2014}}</ref> In 2015, Fast Company named Houzz to its "Most Innovative Companies List" for being "a one-stop design shop" and noted that "unlike many tech companies that try to lather on unnatural business models, Houzz is so strong because its revenue streams grew out of customer demand." <ref>{{cite news|last1=Sacks|first1=Danielle|title=Most Innovative Companies 2015|url=http://www.fastcompany.com/3039574/most-innovative-companies-2015/houzz|publisher=Fast Company|date=February 2015}}</ref> Also in 2015, CNBC named Houzz to its 2015 Disruptor 50 List, noting that "Pros use the Houzz platform to build their brands, collaborate on projects and connect with homeowners. Consumers love the site because they can click on thousands of different ideas for remodeling and renovating their homes and research and hire professionals. Houzz's online marketplace lets customers buy the furniture and home accessories they see, rather than having to toggle over to individual retailers and manufacturers."<ref name="The List: Disruptor 50">{{cite news|title=The List: Disruptor 50|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/05/12/houzz-disruptor-50.html|publisher=CNBC|date=May 12, 2015}}</ref> Houzz was named to CNBC's Disruptor 50 List again in 2016<ref>{{cite news|title=Houzz: Open for Renovations|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/06/06/houzz-2016-disruptor-50.html|publisher=CNBC.com|date=June 7, 2016}}</ref>, in 2017, where the company ranked #6 <ref>{{cite news|title=6. Houzz|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/15/houzz-2017-disruptor-50.html|publisher=CNBC.com|date=May 16, 2017}}</ref>, and in 2018. <ref>{{cite news |title=Houzz. Improving home improvement. |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/22/houzz-2018-disruptor-50.html |publisher=CNBC |date=May 22, 2018}}</ref>
===Awards===
In May 2016, Houzz won "Best App" at Google's inaugural Play Awards. "User experience and high star ratings" were among the factors considered by Google's panel.<ref>{{cite news|last1=D'Onfro|first1=Jillian D'Onfro Senior Reporter Jillian D'Onfro|title=The best Android apps in the world, according to Google|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/apps-that-won-google-play-awards-2016-2016-5|publisher=Business Insider|date=May 20, 2016}}</ref> In May 2018, Houzz was named the 40th Annual Entrepreneurial Company of the Year by the Harvard Business School Association of Northern California.<ref>{{cite web |title=Entrepreneurial Company of the Year |url=http://www.hbsanc.org/s/1738/cc/index2.aspx?sid=1738&gid=5&pgid=59253&content_id=85238 |website=HBS Association of Northern California}}</ref>
== Controversy ==
In October 2015, Houzz settled a lawsuit to, "to resolve allegations that the company violated California privacy laws by recording incoming and outgoing telephone calls without notifying all parties on the call that they were being recorded".<ref name="Office of the Attorney General">{{cite press release |title=Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Announces Settlement with Houzz, Inc. Over Privacy Violations |date=October 2, 2015 |url=https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-kamala-d-harris-announces-settlement-houzz-inc-over-privacy |publisher=Office of the [[California Attorney General|Attorney General]], [[California Department of Justice|State of California Department of Justice]] |accessdate=February 2, 2015|ref=Office of the Attorney General}}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.houzz.com}}
* [https://www.facebook.com/houzz Houzz on Facebook]
* [https://twitter.com/Houzz Houzz on Twitter]
* [https://plus.google.com/+houzz Houzz on Google+]
* [https://renomania.com Renomania website]
* [https://hometriangle.com Home Triangle website]
* [https://propisor.com Propisor website]
* [https://www.papertostone.com Paper to Stone website]
[[Category:American websites]]
[[Category:Interior design]]
[[Category:Architectural design]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 2009]]
[[Category:Virtual communities]]
[[Category:Companies based in Palo Alto, California]]
| name = Houzz
| logo = Houzz logo.png
| company_type =
| traded_as =
| foundation =
| dissolved =
| location = [[Palo Alto|Palo Alto, CA, USA]]
| locations =
| incorporated =
| area_served = Worldwide
| founder = Adi Tatarko <br> Alon Cohen
| chairman =
| chairperson =
| CEO =
| president =
| MD =
| GM =
| key_people =
| industry = [[Remodeling]] <br> [[Interior design]]
| products =
| services =
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| assets =
| equity =
| owner =
| num_employees = 1,000+
| parent =
| divisions =
| subsid =
| company_slogan =
| url = {{url|www.houzz.com}}
| ipv6 =
| alexa = {{DecreasePositive}} 1,517 (June 2018)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/houzz.com | title=Alexa - Houzz | publisher=[[Alexa Internet]] | accessdate=October 21, 2013}}</ref>
| website_type =
| advertising =
| registration =
| num_users = 40 million+
| language =
| launch_date = {{Start date and age|2009|02|df=yes/no}}
| current_status =
| screenshot =
| caption = ''The New Way to Design Your Home''
| footnotes =
| intl =
}}
'''Houzz''' is a website and online community about [[architecture]], [[interior design]] and decorating, [[landscape design]] and [[home improvement]].
The Houzz platform and mobile apps<ref name=NYT>{{cite web|title=Before Tearing Out a Wall, Check Your Phone|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/19/technology/personaltech/mobile-apps-help-with-home-improvement-projects.html?_r=1|work=Personal Tech|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=30 January 2012|author=BOB TEDESCHI|date=18 January 2012}}</ref> feature photos, articles, product recommendations, and a user forum. <ref>{{cite news|last1=Lim|first1=Jason|title=Houzz Launches A Localized Version To Renovate Australia's Home Design Market|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jlim/2014/08/26/houzz-launches-a-localized-version-to-renovate-australias-home-design-market/|publisher=Forbes|date=August 26, 2014}}</ref> It was founded in 2009 and is based in [[Palo Alto]], [[California]], [[United States]].
==History==
Houzz co-founders Adi Tatarko and Alon Cohen launched the site in February 2009 as a result of their own remodeling project.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/22/garden/the-home-that-inspired-the-web-site-houzz.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 | title=Houzz Proud | publisher=[[New York Times]] | date=March 21, 2012 | accessdate=December 28, 2012 | author=Kurutz, Stevens}}</ref> In addition to finding it difficult to communicate their vision for their home,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Meier|first1=Aliz|title=Home Design Ideas|url=http://www.tegel.xyz|publisher=Tegel|date=October 14, 2015}}</ref> the founders found it difficult to find the right professionals for their project.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ryall|first1=Jenni|title=Houzz Launches In Australia, Home Renovators Get Excited|url=http://mashable.com/2014/08/28/houzz-launches-in-australia/|publisher=Mashable|date=August 28, 2014}}</ref> What started as a side project to help with Tatarko and Cohen's own home remodel soon spread by word-of-mouth and they began to receive emails from homeowners and home professionals outside the San Francisco Bay Area asking them to open more categories on Houzz and expand to other areas.<ref name="Mashable">{{cite news|last1=Ang|first1=Sarah|title=Houzz Helps You Make Your House a Home|url=http://mashable.com/2013/12/11/houzz-video/|publisher=Mashable|date=December 11, 2013}}</ref> Houzz became a company in the fall of 2010.<ref name="Mashable"/>
In November 2010, Houzz released an app for the [[iPad]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/11/11/houzz-funding-ipad-app/ | title=Heads Up, Home Design Freaks: Houzz Launches New iPad App, Raises $2M | publisher=[[TechCrunch]] | date=November 11, 2010 | accessdate=December 28, 2012 | author=Wauters, Robin}}</ref> The Android version of the app was released in December 2012.<ref name="HouzzstatsDec2012">Carney, Michael (August 27, 2013). [http://pandodaily.com/2013/08/27/the-numbers-say-houzz-has-lit-a-fire-under-the-home-remodeling-market/ "The numbers say Houzz has lit a fire under the home remodeling market"]. PandoDaily. Retrieved September 16, 2013.</ref> By August 2013, the iPhone/iPad apps had been downloaded millions of times<ref name="LardinoisFred">Lardinois, Frederic (September 10, 2013). [https://techcrunch.com/2013/09/10/adi-tatarko-of-houzz-bootstrapping-was-the-best-thing-that-ever-happened-to-us/ "Adi Tatarko of Houzz: Bootstrapping Was The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Us"]. TechCrunch.</ref> and the website featured millions of images.<ref name="LardinoisFred" /> In January 2014, Houzz announced that it had opened offices and hired local managers in the UK, Germany and Australia to accelerate its global expansion; 35% of the company's site traffic already came from outside the U.S.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carney|first1=Michael|title=Houzz and international expansion go together like peas and carrots|url=https://pando.com/2014/01/15/houzz-and-international-expansion-go-together-like-peas-and-carrots/|publisher=PandoDaily|date=January 15, 2014}}</ref> In December 2014, Houzz announced its expansion to the rest of Europe and into Asia, starting with Japan, given the demand for its platform and the success of its first international launches.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carney|first1=Michael|title=With rabid overseas demand, home design favorite Houzz looks to triple its international reach in 2015|url=https://pando.com/2014/12/19/with-rabid-demand-from-overseas-home-design-favorite-houzz-looks-to-triple-its-international-reach-in-2015/|publisher=PandoDaily|date=December 19, 2014}}</ref>
As of July 2015, a localized Houzz platform was available in UK, Australia, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, Italy and Spain.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mendez|first1=Fran|title=Houzz: la empresa que revolucionó las reformas|url=http://forbes.es/actualizacion/4231/houzz-la-empresa-que-revoluciono-las-reformas|publisher=Forbes.es|date=July 23, 2015}}</ref> By the end of 2015, Houzz was also live in Sweden and Denmark and cited over 35 million monthly unique users and over one million active home professionals including contractors, designers, architects, etc.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz Brings New Collaboration Tools To Its iOS Apps|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/12/10/houzz-brings-new-collaboration-tools-to-its-ios-apps/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=December 10, 2015}}</ref> Houzz launched its first national advertising campaign in August 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jardine|first1=Alexandra|title=First TV Ads for Houzz Show How You Know When it's Time to Redecorate|url=http://creativity-online.com/work/houzz-from-dream-to-home--kitchen/43062|publisher=Creativity|date=August 21, 2015}}</ref> In April 2016, Houzz launched localized platforms and apps for both Ireland<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gallagher|first1=Alanna|title=Houzz that: designing your home online|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/interiors/houzz-that-designing-your-home-online-1.2603668|publisher=Irish Times|date=April 9, 2016}}</ref> and Singapore <ref>{{cite news|last1=Shu|first1=Catherine|title=Home improvement platform Houzz enters Singapore, its second Asian market|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/04/11/home-improvement-platform-houzz-enters-singapore-its-second-asian-market/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=April 12, 2016}}</ref> and said it had more than 40 million monthly unique users worldwide. It launched a localized experience for New Zealand in May 2016<ref>{{cite news|last1=Anthony|first1=John|title=Home reno giant targets NZ|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/79403553/houzz-launching-new-zealand-website-for-renovation-inspiration|publisher=Fairfax|date=May 1, 2016}}</ref> and for India in November 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz comes to India|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/11/02/houzz-comes-to-india/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=November 2, 2016}}</ref>
== Company ==
===Community===
Houzz started as a side project, with twenty parents from Adi and Alon’s kid’s school, and a few architects and designers from the Bay Area as its first users.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lim|first1=Jason|title=Houzz Launches A Localized Version To Renovate Australia's Home Design Market|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jlim/2014/08/26/houzz-launches-a-localized-version-to-renovate-australias-home-design-market/2/#1b9fcd36f5f6|publisher=Forbes Asia|date=August 26, 2014}} </ref> “The site has become the biggest residential remodeling community online, and has grown to this point entirely through word of mouth.”<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carney|first1=Michael|title=Houzz's torrid growth comes down to the three C's: Content, Commerce, and Community|url=https://pando.com/2013/03/01/houzzs-torid-growth-comes-down-to-the-three-cs-content-commerce-and-community/|publisher=PandoDaily|date=March 1, 2013}}</ref> As of December 2015, this community had grown to over 35 million monthly unique users and over 1 million active home professionals globally.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz Brings New Collaboration Tools To Its iOS Apps|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/12/10/houzz-brings-new-collaboration-tools-to-its-ios-apps/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=December 10, 2015}}</ref> Houzz has focused on the needs of homeowners and home professionals and “on fostering a community among them.”<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carney|first1=Michael|title=Houzz's torrid growth comes down to the three C's: Content, Commerce, and Community|url=https://pando.com/2013/03/01/houzzs-torid-growth-comes-down-to-the-three-cs-content-commerce-and-community/|publisher=PandoDaily|date=March 1, 2013}}</ref>
=== Business Model ===
Houzz has a home products marketplace where it collects a 15% commission from sellers on transactions. Houzz also has a premium subscription service for home professionals, and brands advertise on the platform.<ref>{{cite news|title=11. Houzz|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/05/12/houzz-disruptor-50.html|publisher=CNBC.com|date=May 12, 2015}}</ref>
==== Houzz Pro+ Subscription ====
In January 2013, Houzz announced the launch of its Pro+ platform for professionals in a select number of metro areas in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Home Remodeling Platform Houzz Raises $35M Series C Round Led By NEA And GGV Capital, Launches Paid Pro+ Accounts|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/01/29/home-remodeling-platform-houzz-raises-35m-series-c-round-led-by-nwa-and-ggv-capital-launches-paid-pro-accounts/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> While listings for professionals are free, the optional “Pro+ program gives professionals additional visibility in their local area and allows them to highlight their work to attract new customers for an annual subscription.” In March 2013, Houzz announced that it had expanded the service from 12 markets in the U.S. to 425 new markets in the U.S. and Canada and launched new Pro+ Dashboard analytics tools.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz Expands Its Pro+ Service For Remodeling And Design Professionals To 425 Markets, Launches New Analytics Tool|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/03/12/houzz-launches-new-analytics-tool/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> The metrics dashboard gives professionals “additional insight into how their photos are doing on the site and includes real-time data about the total number of photo impressions, the number of clicks on them, click-through rates and add rates (how many people saved a photo to their Houzz ‘ideabooks’).”<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz Expands Its Pro+ Service For Remodeling And Design Professionals To 425 Markets, Launches New Analytics Tool|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/03/12/houzz-launches-new-analytics-tool/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=March 12, 2013}}</ref> In July 2015, Houzz announced the rollout of Houzz Pro+ to its first market outside of North America in the UK.<ref>{{cite news|title=Houzz launches UK professional marketplace|publisher=KBBDaily.com|date=July 24, 2015}}</ref> By June 2018, the service was available in 12 of 14 countries where Houzz has launched localized platforms outside the U.S.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Don |title=Houzz.com grows through international expansion and mobile technology |url=https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2018/06/07/houzz-com-grows-through-international-expansion-and-mobile-technology/ |publisher=Digital Commerce 360 |date=June 7, 2018}}</ref>
==== Home Products Marketplace ====
Houzz launched the beta of its home products marketplace in October 2014. The Marketplace allows users to buy products directly on the Houzz site. The service launched with over one million products from “a large variety of sellers.”<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz Raises $165M Series D Funding Round Led By Sequoia To Fuel International Expansion|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/10/01/houzz-raises-165m-series-d-led-by-sequoia-to-fuel-international-expansion/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=October 1, 2014}}</ref> Houzz does not handle shipments or inventories but has its own customer service team “to make sure that users of the Houzz marketplace get the best possible shopping experiences and have an advocate if anything goes wrong.”<ref>{{cite news|last1=Anders|first1=George|title=Houzz Tops $2 Billion Valuation, Opens Million-Item Marketplace|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgeanders/2014/10/01/houzz-tops-2-billion-valuation-opens-million-item-marketplace/#4f55f35687a6|publisher=Forbes|date=October 1, 2014}}</ref> Houzz collects a 15% commission from merchants that sell on the site.<ref>{{cite news|title=Meet the 2015 CNBC Disruptor 50 companies|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/05/12/houzz-disruptor-50.html|publisher=CNBC.com|date=May 12, 2015}}</ref> "Since Houzz announced the beta launch of its home products marketplace in fall 2014, the platform has grown to more than five million products and over 10,000 merchants."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz opens its Commerce API to third-party vendors|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/03/22/houzz-opens-its-commerce-api-to-third-party-vendors/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=March 22, 2016}}</ref> In June 2017, the company launched the Houzz Trade Program to provide industry professionals with multiple ways to profit from purchasing and recommending products in the Houzz Marketplace.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Martin|first1=Alison|title=Houzz Launches New Trade Program|url=https://www.lightinganddecormag.com/houzz-launches-new-trade-program?q=houzz-launches-new-trade-program|publisher=Lighting & Decor Magazine|date=June 6, 2017}}</ref> Houzz launched its home products marketplace in the UK in January 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Farley |first1=Paul |title=Houzz launches online shop in UK |url=https://www.furniturenews.net/news/articles/2018/01/319049666-houzz-launches-online-shop-uk |publisher=Furniture News |date=January 25, 2018}}</ref>
=== Product & Technology ===
“The Houzz product is made up of five interconnected parts” inclusive of photos, products, find a pro, ideabooks (editorial) and community advice.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lim|first1=Jason|title=Houzz Launches A Localized Version To Renovate Australia's Home Design Market|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jlim/2014/08/26/houzz-launches-a-localized-version-to-renovate-australias-home-design-market/#2b18eeaedf66|publisher=Forbes Asia|date=August 26, 2015}}</ref>
In July 2013, Houzz introduced the Real Cost Finder, an interactive tool that helps users plan home renovations and total costs. The tool is based on data collected from the Houzz community.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ecker|first1=Shana|title=Houzz's Real Cost Finder Helps You Figure Out How Much That Renovation Will Set You Back|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/08/houzz-real-cost-finder_n_3563189.html|publisher=Huffington Post|date=July 8, 2013}}</ref> In February 2014, Houzz launched Site Designer, a free website building and publishing tool for home professionals. Websites are connected to a pro’s Houzz profile, “which allow them to easily pull in their images, reviews and other information from their existing profiles.”<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz Launches Site Designer, Offers Free Websites For Home Professionals|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/02/05/houzz-launches-site-designer-offers-free-websites-for-home-professionals/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=February 5, 2014}}</ref> In May 2015, Houzz introduced Houzz TV to empower homeowners through video content. “My Houzz” was the company’s first video series and featured Ashton Kutcher as he renovated his mother’s basement in the first episode.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sidibe|first1=Nana|title=Houzz: Disrupting and empowering|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/05/14/houzz-disrupting-and-empowering.html|publisher=CNBC.com|date=May 14, 2015}}</ref> In November 2015, Houzz introduced its app for Apple TV.<ref>{{cite news|last1=McGarry|first1=Caitlin|title=Must-see Apple TV: Our 15 favorite tvOS apps|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3000946/streaming-services/best-apple-tv-apps.html#slide9|publisher=Macworld|date=November 5, 2015}}</ref> In December 2015, Houzz introduced Sketch, a feature that lets users upload their own photos or choose any from the platform to add products from the Houzz Marketplace. Users can also draw on photos or add stickers and text, as well as collaborate with others on their ideas simultaneously.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz Brings New Collaboration Tools To Its iOS Apps|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/12/10/houzz-brings-new-collaboration-tools-to-its-ios-apps/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=December 10, 2015}}</ref> Houzz introduced Sketch for Android in January 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fuller|first1=Daniel|title=Houzz Interior Decorating App Gets Sketch Feature|url=http://www.androidheadlines.com/2016/01/houzz-interior-decorating-app-gets-sketch-feature.html|publisher=AndroidHeadlines|date=January 13, 2016}}</ref> Sketch is also available as a web experience.<ref>{{cite news|title=Houzz Introduces Sketch for the Web|url=https://www.kbbonline.com/news/business/houzz-introduces-sketch-web/|publisher=Kitchen & Bath Business|date=June 23, 2017}}</ref> In February 2016, Houzz introduced View in My Room within its app for iOS and Android that lets users virtually place products from the Houzz Marketplace in their homes before buying.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Korducki|first1=Kelli|title=You Can Now *Virtually* Try Out Furniture Before You Buy|url=http://www.brit.co/houzz-app/|website=BRIT+CO}}</ref> In March 2016, Houzz announced that it had opened its Commerce API to third party partners, with Shopify as a first point of integration, to make it easier for merchants to sell and manage their inventory on Houzz.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz opens its Commerce API to third-party vendors|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/03/22/houzz-opens-its-commerce-api-to-third-party-vendors/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=March 22, 2016}}</ref> In September 2016, Houzz launched Visual Match, a new visual recognition tool that "uses deep learning technology to analyze more than 11 million home photos on Houzz. Furniture and decor that looks similar to the six million products on the Houzz Marketplace is then surfaced for users to browse (and hopefully buy)."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chang|first1=Lulu|title=Find furniture that suits your style with Houzz’s new visual match tool|url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/home/houzz-visual-match/|publisher=Digital Trends|date=September 14, 2016}}</ref> In May 2017, Houzz introduced a new tool for its iPhone and iPad app, View in My Room 3D, that allows people to preview over 300,000 products in 3D within the context of their own rooms.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stein|first1=Megan|title=Never Fear Furniture Shopping Again: This 3D Tool Shows You How Things Will Looks in Your House|url=http://people.com/home/houzz-releases-new-furniture-preview-app/|publisher=People.com|date=May 4, 2017}}</ref> With the launch of iOS 11 from Apple in September 2017, Houzz introduced an upgraded version of its 3D AR tool within its app for iPhone and iPad, which lets people see and move 500,000 products in their rooms.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lunden|first1=Ingrid|title=A new ARKit app from Houzz brings 500,000 objects to moveable life|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/19/a-new-arkit-app-from-houzz-brings-500000-objects-to-moveable-life/|publisher=TechCrunch|date=September 19, 2017}}</ref> The Houzz App for Andorid devices was updated with ARCore support in March 2018, enabling users to "place virtual representations of furniture and other home decor items anywhere in their home to see how they would look." <ref>{{cite news |last1=Diaz |first1=Justin |title=Houzz App Updated With ARCore Support |url=https://www.androidheadlines.com/2018/03/houzz-app-updated-arcore-support.html |publisher=AndroidHeadlines |date=March 21, 2018}}</ref>
=== "My Houzz" Series ===
In March 2017, Houzz launched Season 1 of its "My Houzz" series, which "includes five episodes documenting public figures as they surprise a close family member with a renovation, using Houzz as a resource." The episode featured actress [[Kristen Bell]], who renovated her sister Sara's home outside of Detroit. <ref>{{cite news|last1=Washington|first1=Julie|title=Kristen Bell on 'My Houzz'|url=http://www.cleveland.com/insideout/index.ssf/2017/03/pond_clinic_and_cactus_show_ho.html|publisher=The Plain Dealer|date=March 13, 2017}}</ref> In the second episode of the 2017 series, actress [[Jenna Fischer]] secretly renovates her sister's kitchen, living room and dining room in St. Louis.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stein|first1=Megan|title=The Office's Jenna Fischer Surprises Her Sister with the Most Amazing Home Makeover: 'She Is One of Those People Who Is Always Giving to Others'|url=http://people.com/home/jenna-fischer-surprises-sister-emily-with-home-makeover/|website=People.com|accessdate=10 April 2017}}</ref> The third episode features actress [[Mila Kunis]] as she surprises her parents with a renovation to the condominium where she grew up and her parents still live today.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stein|first1=Megan|title=Mila Kunis Surprises Her Parents with Home Makeover: 'I Desperately Want to Give Them Something That I Think They Deserve'|url=http://people.com/home/mila-kunis-surprises-parents-with-home-makeover/|website=People.com|accessdate=25 April 2017}}</ref> In the fourth episode, recording artist and actor Chris "[[Ludacris]]" Bridges secretly updates his mother Roberta's home in Atlanta, the first house Bridges bought when he became successful as the rapper Ludacris.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stein|first1=Megan|title=Ludacris Remodels His Mom's House for the Ultimate Mother's Day Surprise: 'It Makes Me Feel That I’m Blessed Beyond Belief'|url=http://people.com/home/ludacris-surprises-mom-with-home-makeover/|publisher=People.com|date=May 12, 2017}}</ref> [[Kyrie Irving]] renovates his father Drederick's home in West Orange, NJ in the fifth episode.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stein|first1=Megan|title=Try Not to Cry After Seeing Cavaliers All-Star Kyrie Irving Surprise His Father with a Home Renovation: 'He Really Was Super Dad'|url=http://people.com/home/cleveland-cavaliers-kyrie-irving-surprises-dad-with-home-remodel/|website=People.com|accessdate=13 June 2017}}</ref>
Houzz kicked off "My Houzz" Season 2 in January 2018 with an episode featuring chef [[Gordon Ramsay]] as he surprises fellow chef and FOX's "Hell's Kitchen" Season 10 winner Christina Wilson with a kitchen, living room and dining room renovation in her Philadelphia home.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Izon |first1=Juliet |title=Gordon Ramsay Tells Us What He Learned Gut-Renovating Chef Christina Wilson’s Kitchen |url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/gordon-ramsay-tells-us-what-he-learned-gut-renovating-chef-christina-wilsons-kitchen |website=Architectural Digest}}</ref> Green Bay Packer [[Clay Matthews III]] secretly renovates his brother and sister-in-law's home in Cleveland in the second episode.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stein |first1=Megan |title=Green Bay Packers Linebacker Clay Matthews Surprises His Older Brother with a Home Makeover |url=https://people.com/home/green-bay-packers-linebacker-clay-matthews-surprises-his-older-brother-with-a-home-makeover/ |website=People.com}}</ref> In episode three, television host and actor [[Mario Lopez]] secretly builds an addition of an expansive dance and fitness studio over his sister's garage.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hines |first1=Ree |title=Mario Lopez surprises his sister with amazing garage 'oasis' — see the pics! |url=https://www.today.com/home/mario-lopez-surprises-his-sister-amazing-garage-oasis-see-pics-t126843 |website=Today.com}}</ref> The fourth episode features actress [[Olivia Munn]] as she surprises her mom with a new kitchen, living room, dining room and pantry.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Haas |first1=Brian |title=Olivia Munn Surprises Mom With a Home Makeover |url=https://www.etonline.com/olivia-munn-surprises-mom-with-a-home-makeover-101932 |website=ET Online}}</ref> [[Tony Hawk]] renovates his longtime friend's home in Wilmington, N.C. in the fifth episode.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schmidt |first1=Mackenzie |title=Tony Hawk Remodels Home for the Widow of His Best Friend, Who Died Tragically |url=https://people.com/home/tony-hawk-remodels-home-for-the-widow-of-his-best-friend-who-died-tragically/ |publisher=People.com |date=July 17, 2018}}</ref>
=== Industry Partnerships ===
In June 2014, Houzz entered a strategic partnership with The American Institute of Architects (AIA).<ref>{{cite web|title=Houzz and The American Institute of Architects Enter Strategic Partnership|url=http://www.aia.org/press/releases/aiab104185|website=www.aia.org|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref> In 2015, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) partnered with Houzz “to increase public awareness on the impact and value of interior designers.”<ref>{{cite web|title=Houzz Partnership|url=https://www.asid.org/designers/houzz-partnership#.VszieZMrJE9|website=www.aia.org|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref> In January 2016, The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Houzz announced a strategic alliance to “help NAHB members use Houzz’s technology and marketing capabilities to connect with a community of 35 million users interested in building or renovating their homes.”<ref>{{cite web|title=NAHB, Houzz Form Alliance|url=http://nahbnow.com/2016/01/nahb-houzz-form-alliance/|website=NAHBNow|accessdate=23 February 2016}}</ref> In November 2016, the company launched Houzz Scholarships, a program that supports the next generation of students studying architecture, interior design and landscape architecture.<ref>{{cite news|title=Houzz establishes scholarship program|url=http://www.lawnandlandscape.com/article/ll-110916-houzz-scholarship-program/|publisher=Lawn & Landscape|date=November 9, 2016}}</ref>
=== Research ===
In February 2012, Houzz launched its "Houzz & Home Survey," an annual survey of residential remodeling, building and decorating activity among Houzz users. The 2012 survey had nearly 30,000 respondents in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Otto|first1=Bridget|title=Interior design news & notes: Shower designs; Houzz poll on priorities; and an ombre dresser|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/2012/05/interior_design_news_notes_sho.html|publisher=The Oregonian|date=May 12, 2012}}</ref> The 2015 survey had nearly 260,000 respondents globally (170,000 in the U.S.). The 2015 study found that nearly two-thirds of Houzz users in the U.S. completed a remodeling or redecorating project in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Grant|first1=Kelli|title=How much will that renovation cost you?|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/12/how-much-will-that-home-renovation-cost-you.html|publisher=CNBC.com|date=June 14, 2015}}</ref>
In February 2015, Houzz introduced the Houzz Barometer, a quarterly index that “tracks confidence in the home renovation market among industry professionals.” The inaugural study found that the majority of professionals were bullish about 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Esler|first1=Bill|title=Houzz Barometer of Home Renovators Seeing Strong Start in 2015|url=http://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/wood-market-trends/woodworking-industry-news/custom-woodworking-news/Houzz-Barometer-of-Home-Renovators-Seeing-Strong-Start-in-2015-295341361.html|publisher=Woodworking Network|date=March 6, 2015}}</ref> The Q4 2015 Renovation Barometer, released in January 2016, found continued confidence in”year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter gains in business activity.”<ref>{{cite news|last1=Webb|first1=Craig|title=Remodelers Vary Sharply on 2016 Outlook, 2015 Performance|url=http://www.remodeling.hw.net/benchmarks/economic-outlook-rri/remodelers-vary-sharply-on-2016-outlook-2015-performance_o|publisher=Remodeling Magazine|date=January 19, 2016}}</ref>
Houzz released the findings of its 6th annual "Houzz & Home Survey" of renovation activity in May 2017, a study that had more than 100,000 respondents in the U.S. alone. "This year is set to be another banner year, according to the survey, with more than half of homeowners on Houzz saying they plan to start renovations in 2017. They're looking to spend 4 percent more than in 2016." The company's "Renovation Barometer," found that firms are equally bullish about 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rooney|first1=Kate|title=Millennials and first-time homebuyers are spending a lot more on renovations, survey finds|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/04/millennials-and-first-time-homebuyers-spend-lots-more-on-renovations-survey.html|publisher=CNBC.com|date=May 4, 2017}}</ref>
The 7th annual "Houzz & Home Survey" with more than 130,000 respondents, released in June 2018, "was extremely positive for remodeling activity; 51% of respondents said they were either planning to begin or continue renovations this year at a median price of $15,000."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wallisch |first1=Sean |title=Remodeling Keeps Booming--Especially After Disasters--Annual Houzz and Home Survey Suggests |url=http://www.remodeling.hw.net/news/remodeling-keeps-booming-especially-after-disasters-annual-houzz-and-home-survey-suggests_o |publisher=Remodeling Magazine |date=June 27, 2018}}</ref>
===Funding===
In September 2010, Tatarko and Cohen secured $2 million in first-round funding<ref>{{cite web|title=Heads Up, Home Design Freaks: Houzz Launches New iPad App, Raises $2M|url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/11/11/houzz-funding-ipad-app/|work=TechCrunch|accessdate=30 January 2012|author=Robin Wauters|date=11 November 2011}}</ref> and began hiring a staff for their office in Palo Alto. The round was led by Oren Zeev,<ref>{{cite web|title=Oren Zeev|url=http://www.crunchbase.com/person/oren-zeev-2|work=People|publisher=CrunchBase|accessdate=30 January 2012}}</ref> from Orens Capital who joined Houzz's Board of Directors. In 2011, Houzz secured $11.6 million in a Series B round led by [[Sequoia Capital]] and other investors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Exclusive: Houzz Brings Home $11.6 Million in Series B Funding|url=http://allthingsd.com/20111219/exclusive-houzz-brings-home-11-6-million-in-series-b-funding/|work=All Things D|publisher=Dow Jones & Company Inc.|accessdate=30 January 2012|author=Lauren Goode|date=19 December 2011}}</ref> [[Alfred Lin]], a VC at Sequoia and former senior executive at Zappos, joined Houzz’s board of directors. In 2013, Houzz announced a Series C of $35 million led by NEA and GGV capital, with participation by [[Sequoia Capital]], Comcast Ventures, KPCB and David Sacks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Exclusive: Home Remodeling Platform Houzz Raises $35M Series C Round Led By NEA and GGV Capital, Launches Paid Pro+ Accounts|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/01/29/home-remodeling-platform-houzz-raises-35m-series-c-round-led-by-nwa-and-ggv-capital-launches-paid-pro-accounts/|work=TechCrunch|publisher=AOL|accessdate=29 January 2013|author=Fredric Lardinois|date=29 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Houzz's Unconventional Route to the Big Leagues|url=http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2013/05/31/houzz/|work=Fortune|publisher=Dow Jones|accessdate=22 October 2013|author=Colleen Leahey|date=31 May 2013|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029212421/http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2013/05/31/houzz/|archivedate=29 October 2013|df=}}</ref> In 2014, Houzz announced it had closed a $165 million financing round, led by Sequoia with participation from existing investors Oren Zeev, New Enterprise Associates (NEA), GGV Capital and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB), as well as new participants DST Global and T. Rowe Price.<ref>https://techcrunch.com/2014/10/01/houzz-raises-165m-series-d-led-by-sequoia-to-fuel-international-expansion/</ref> In June 2017, Houzz announced that it has closed a $400 million Series E financing led by ICONIQ Capital. Other new investors include Wellington Management Company, while existing investors Sequoia, Zeev Ventures and GGV Capital also participated in the financing.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Magistretti|first1=Berenice|title=Houzz raises $400 million, doubling valuation to $4.3 billion|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/06/23/houzz-raises-400-million-doubling-valuation-to-4-3-billion/|publisher=VentureBeaet|date=June 23, 2017}}</ref>
=== Acquisitions ===
Houzz made its first acquisition in 2015, "buying gardening and home advice site GardenWeb from NBCUniversal."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rao |first1=Leena |title=Home design company Houzz makes its first acquisition |url=http://fortune.com/2015/08/25/houzz-buys-gardenweb/ |publisher=Fortune |date=August 25, 2015}}</ref> In February 2018, Houzz announced that it had acquired IvyMark, a startup that has built a business management tool for interior designers and other design companies. The tool "offers project management, furniture delivery scheduling and more." <ref>{{cite news |last1=Hinchliffe |first1=Emma |title=Houzz acquires interior design business management startup IvyMark |url=https://www.inman.com/2018/02/06/houzz-acquires-interior-design-business-management-startup-ivymark/ |publisher=Inman News |date=February 6, 2018}}</ref>
==Home design photo database==
As of December 2014, there were millions of images of home interiors and exteriors on Houzz.<ref>[http://pando.com/2014/12/19/with-rabid-demand-from-overseas-home-design-favorite-houzz-looks-to-triple-its-international-reach-in-2015/ with-rabid-demand-from-overseas-home-design-favorite-houzz-looks-to-triple-its-international-reach-in-2015]</ref> Homeowners browse photos by room, style and location, and bookmark photos in personal collections the site calls “ideabooks.” Images had been added to ideabooks hundreds of millions of times.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carney|first1=Michael|title=The numbers say Houzz has lit a fire under the home remodeling market|url=https://pando.com/2013/08/27/the-numbers-say-houzz-has-lit-a-fire-under-the-home-remodeling-market/|publisher=PandoDaily|date=August 27, 2013}}</ref> Users can click on an image to learn more about the designer, ask a question, and learn about products tagged in the photos.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hickey|first1=Shane|title=Houzz: the website that speaks the language of home improvement|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/dec/28/houzz-home-improvement-adi-tatarko-alon-cohen|publisher=The Guardian|date=December 28, 2014}}</ref>
As of August 2015, there were more than 7 million high-quality photos of interiors, exteriors and gardens.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rodriguez|first1=Samuel|title=Houzz Android app launches in Spain|url=http://ecommerce-news.es/mobile/apps/houzz-lanza-su-aplicacion-de-android-en-espana-29869.html|publisher=ecommerce News|date=August 14, 2015}}</ref> Houzz now has more than 15 million home photos on its platform.
<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lardinois|first1=Frederic|title=Houzz now uses deep learning to help you find and buy products in its photos|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/14/houzz-now-uses-deep-learning-to-help-you-find-and-buy-products-in-its-photos/?ncid=rss|publisher=TechCrunch|date=September 14, 2016}}</ref>
==Editorial content==
An editorial staff in Palo Alto and contributors write daily design articles for the Houzz homepage and newsletters.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://info.houzz.com/growth1.13| title=Houzz: A Year in Review | publisher=''Houzz | date=February 23, 2013 | accessdate=October 22, 2013 | author=Houzz}}</ref> Content is tailored to each country where Houzz has launched a localized platform. For example, in Australia the “tailored experience is designed to overcome problems such as seeing northern hemisphere Winter Christmas ideas, during Australia’s Summer time; or reading American terms such as ‘countertop’ instead of ‘benchtop’.”
<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lim|first1=Jason|title=Houzz Launches A Localized Version To Renovate Australia's Home Design Market|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jlim/2014/08/26/houzz-launches-a-localized-version-to-renovate-australias-home-design-market/#19c59150df66|publisher=Forbes Asia|date=August 26, 2014}}</ref>
==Professional directory==
Houzz has a directory of home improvement professionals who use the site to connect with homeowners. The platform can be used for consumers to search through different types of professionals for hire, view their previous projects, and begin a discussion with them with questions and inquiries, to ultimately hire them.<ref name="Wall Street Journal">{{cite web|title=Professional Decorating Ideas in the Houzz|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303816504577321702299401424?KEYWORDS=houzz|work=The Digital Solution|publisher=Wall Street Journal|accessdate=20 April 2012|author=KATHERINE BOEHRET|date=4 April 2012}}</ref><ref name=Businessweek>{{cite web|title=An Online Antidote to the Housing Bust|url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-03-14/an-online-antidote-to-the-housing-bust|work=Profiles|publisher=Bloomberg Businessweek|accessdate=20 April 2012|author=NICK LEIBER|date=14 March 2012}}</ref>
==Reception==
''CNN'' named Houzz the App of the Week, calling it "The Wikipedia of interior and exterior design sites".<ref>{{cite web|title=Houzz on CNN |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSTdDSMnadk |work=YouTube |accessdate=30 January 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914215222/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSTdDSMnadk |archivedate=September 14, 2015 }}</ref> The magazine ''[[Real Simple]]'' called Houzz "the online equivalent of clipping décor images from magazines".<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Real Simple|date=September 2010|pages=60}}</ref>
''[[Bloomberg Businessweek]]'' called Houzz "An online antidote to the housing bust."<ref name=Businessweek />
''[[Architectural Digest]]'' wrote, "This app will stoke your imagination."<ref>{{cite web|title=Design Apps on Tap|url=http://www.architecturaldigest.com/resources/features/2011/09/home-renovation-smartphone-apps-slideshow#slide=6|work=Architectural Digest|publisher=Condé Nast Digital|accessdate=30 January 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330063433/http://www.architecturaldigest.com/resources/features/2011/09/home-renovation-smartphone-apps-slideshow#slide=6|archivedate=30 March 2012|df=}}</ref> ''[[TechCrunch]]'' wrote, "Houzz appears to be a decent idea that's been executed well."<ref>{{cite web|title=Heads Up, Home Design Freaks: Houzz Launches New iPad App, Raises $2M|url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/11/11/houzz-funding-ipad-app/|work=CrunchBase|publisher=AOL Inc.|accessdate=30 January 2012|author=Rob Wauters|date=11 November 2010}}</ref> [[San Jose Mercury News|''The Mercury News'']] wrote, "You'll find ... ideas for your swipe file there that you and your architect can both contribute to and comment on."<ref>{{cite web|title=How to talk to an architect|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/real-estate/ci_17949611?nclick_check=1|work=MercuryNews.com|publisher=San Jose Mercury News|accessdate=30 January 2012|author=Richard Taylor Zillow|date=28 April 2011}}</ref> ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' said “Houzz is ... a well of inspiration at the tip of your swiping fingers" and asserted that the app is one of the few nongame apps on [[iOS]] that have a 5 star rating.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/19/technology/personaltech/mobile-apps-help-with-home-improvement-projects.html | title=Before Tearing Out a Wall, Check Your Phone | publisher=''[[New York Times]] | date=January 18, 2012 | accessdate=December 28, 2012 | author=Tedeschi, Bob}}</ref>
TIME included the Houzz App in its 2014 list of "essential software every iPad owner should download."<ref>{{cite news|title=The 50 Absolute Best iPad Apps|url=http://time.com/3582443/best-ipad-apps-2014/|publisher=TIME|date=November 12, 2014}}</ref> In 2015, Fast Company named Houzz to its "Most Innovative Companies List" for being "a one-stop design shop" and noted that "unlike many tech companies that try to lather on unnatural business models, Houzz is so strong because its revenue streams grew out of customer demand." <ref>{{cite news|last1=Sacks|first1=Danielle|title=Most Innovative Companies 2015|url=http://www.fastcompany.com/3039574/most-innovative-companies-2015/houzz|publisher=Fast Company|date=February 2015}}</ref> Also in 2015, CNBC named Houzz to its 2015 Disruptor 50 List, noting that "Pros use the Houzz platform to build their brands, collaborate on projects and connect with homeowners. Consumers love the site because they can click on thousands of different ideas for remodeling and renovating their homes and research and hire professionals. Houzz's online marketplace lets customers buy the furniture and home accessories they see, rather than having to toggle over to individual retailers and manufacturers."<ref name="The List: Disruptor 50">{{cite news|title=The List: Disruptor 50|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/05/12/houzz-disruptor-50.html|publisher=CNBC|date=May 12, 2015}}</ref> Houzz was named to CNBC's Disruptor 50 List again in 2016<ref>{{cite news|title=Houzz: Open for Renovations|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/06/06/houzz-2016-disruptor-50.html|publisher=CNBC.com|date=June 7, 2016}}</ref>, in 2017, where the company ranked #6 <ref>{{cite news|title=6. Houzz|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/15/houzz-2017-disruptor-50.html|publisher=CNBC.com|date=May 16, 2017}}</ref>, and in 2018. <ref>{{cite news |title=Houzz. Improving home improvement. |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/22/houzz-2018-disruptor-50.html |publisher=CNBC |date=May 22, 2018}}</ref>
===Awards===
In May 2016, Houzz won "Best App" at Google's inaugural Play Awards. "User experience and high star ratings" were among the factors considered by Google's panel.<ref>{{cite news|last1=D'Onfro|first1=Jillian D'Onfro Senior Reporter Jillian D'Onfro|title=The best Android apps in the world, according to Google|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/apps-that-won-google-play-awards-2016-2016-5|publisher=Business Insider|date=May 20, 2016}}</ref> In May 2018, Houzz was named the 40th Annual Entrepreneurial Company of the Year by the Harvard Business School Association of Northern California.<ref>{{cite web |title=Entrepreneurial Company of the Year |url=http://www.hbsanc.org/s/1738/cc/index2.aspx?sid=1738&gid=5&pgid=59253&content_id=85238 |website=HBS Association of Northern California}}</ref>
== Controversy ==
In October 2015, Houzz settled a lawsuit to, "to resolve allegations that the company violated California privacy laws by recording incoming and outgoing telephone calls without notifying all parties on the call that they were being recorded".<ref name="Office of the Attorney General">{{cite press release |title=Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Announces Settlement with Houzz, Inc. Over Privacy Violations |date=October 2, 2015 |url=https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-kamala-d-harris-announces-settlement-houzz-inc-over-privacy |publisher=Office of the [[California Attorney General|Attorney General]], [[California Department of Justice|State of California Department of Justice]] |accessdate=February 2, 2015|ref=Office of the Attorney General}}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.houzz.com}}
* [https://www.facebook.com/houzz Houzz on Facebook]
* [https://twitter.com/Houzz Houzz on Twitter]
* [https://plus.google.com/+houzz Houzz on Google+]
* [https://renomania.com Renomania website]
* [https://hometriangle.com Home Triangle website]
* [https://propisor.com Propisor website]
* [https://www.papertostone.com Paper to Stone website]
[[Category:American websites]]
[[Category:Interior design]]
[[Category:Architectural design]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 2009]]
[[Category:Virtual communities]]
[[Category:Companies based in Palo Alto, California]]
