As a child, Alex Fu dreamed of becoming an astronaut. While he didn’t end up exploring outer space, he’s found a different frontier to discover: artificial intelligence (AI). Based in Taiwan, Alex works as a software engineer on Houzz’s AI team, pioneering new ways to transform how pros work by taking repetitive tasks off their plates. For him, the thrill is the same – exploring the unknown, solving complex problems and opening up new possibilities for pros using Houzz Pro.

What’s your role at Houzz?
As a software engineer, I’m focused on machine learning and vision tools. Most recently, I’ve been working to automate activities within Takeoffs in Houzz Pro.

Takeoffs allow pros to measure materials and quantities directly from a floor plan. On larger plans, there can be hundreds of identical symbols – such as electrical outlets or light fixtures – that need to be counted one by one. These counts inform the estimate, so accuracy is vital. We’ve developed functionality that lets pros select a symbol once and AI does the rest, instantly finding and counting all the matches. It saves an incredible amount of time and removes one of the most tedious and error-prone parts of the process.

You mentioned wanting to be an astronaut as a child. Do you see any overlap between that dream and your work now?
Definitely! What connects the two is the spirit of exploration. As an astronaut, you’d be exploring the unknown, solving problems on the fly. With AI, it’s similar – we’re experimenting with new models, pushing into areas where there isn’t a clear answer yet. I enjoy working on projects that are fresh and unfamiliar, because you can have a big impact.

Why did you choose to work for Houzz?
In 2021, I was looking for opportunities in Taiwan where I could work in an open, dynamic environment. Houzz really stood out. During my studies in the UK, I worked on AI projects with classmates from all over the world and I wanted to find that same mix of collaboration and freedom to try new ideas. Houzz offered exactly that.

What’s your favorite thing about working at Houzz?
Two things: the technical scope and the people. 

Technically, the range of AI opportunities is huge. The construction and design industry is full of time-consuming, repetitive tasks. These are exactly the types of problems AI is great at solving. That’s what excites me most: knowing the projects we work on have a direct, tangible impact on how pros experience their day-to-day work. For example, pros can create estimates more than twice as fast using the AutoMate AI for Estimates tool.

And then the people: we’re a truly global team. I’ve learned a lot from working across cultures and communication styles. Often, the best new ideas come out of conversations with team members all around the world.

I’ve always wanted to be a critical piece of the puzzle. At Houzz, I feel like I’m achieving that – contributing to projects that make a real impact for our community, the company and the industry at large.

What’s your favorite Houzz Pro feature?
I’d say Takeoffs and the 3D Floor Plan, and not just because I’ve spent so much time working on the AI functionality.

Both features are such a critical tools in a pros’ workflow. And now being able to hand over repetitive tasks to AI means it frees up their time to focus on higher value activities, like providing clients with exceptional service and focusing on growing their business.

What advice would you give to someone starting out at Houzz?
Keep an open mind and take the time to explore Houzz Pro thoroughly.

What makes Houzz special is its open structure. If you notice opportunities in the product itself or something sparks your interest, you’re encouraged to pursue it. In some large companies, you might need years of seniority before you can take on complex challenges. Here, you’re trusted to jump in, experiment and try out new ideas from the start. That freedom means you can quickly find projects that excite you and see your work make it into production.

What excites you about the future of Houzz?
It’s exciting to hear the new ideas and features we want to bring to Houzz Pro. I know we’re working on projects that will really shape the future of this industry – boosting productivity and accuracy for pros and creating a smoother, more satisfying experience for homeowners.

What do you enjoy outside of work?
I like jogging, cycling and playing basketball. Exercise helps me release stress and often sparks new ideas. I also enjoy camping with my three kids. We sometimes even bring our two cats along for the adventure!

Have you used Houzz yourself?
Yes, my favorite feature is the Schedule tool. I use it to prioritize my own work and keep track of scattered tasks. It’s practical, simple and really helps with day-to-day organization. Using it myself gives me a firsthand sense of how valuable it is for business owners – I can see exactly why it’s so popular with Houzz Pro users.