We recently released new visualization tools for our Houzz Pro business and marketing management solution, including an augmented reality (AR) room measurement tool in the Houzz Pro app that instantly creates floor plans which pros can modify with the Houzz Pro 3D floor planner (learn more here). Shay Rom leads our mobile 3D projects on our Android team, and had an integral role in developing this tool for our community. When he’s not working, Shay enjoys the outdoors with his family, hiking, camping and playing sports.

Why did you choose to become a developer?
I studied electrical engineering in school, but found that I have a passion for computers, so I decided to focus on software development. Initially I worked in computer development using C++, then I moved into mobile phone development to create and manage apps. 

I also have a passion for problem solving and programming is a great outlet for that, where I can really get creative. The first piece of software that I ever wrote was for my father-in-law, who likes to play SUDOKU. Some of the puzzles were unsolvable due to a creation error, so he would spend hours trying to solve the puzzle only to be disappointed. I created an app where he could write in the given numbers and find out whether it was a solvable puzzle or not before he began. 

What brought you to Houzz? 
It’s important for me as an AR developer to streamline the technology and make it available and easy for people to use. I was attracted by the opportunity to work on cutting edge technology at Houzz to do just that. 

How would you describe what you do at Houzz? 
My team is responsible for ensuring that our community has an excellent mobile experience. I oversee the development and delivery of 3D/AR features for our mobile Houzz apps.

What is the development process like at Houzz?
We typically work in two week sprints for average features or app updates. We begin by outlining the key features we want to release into the app, then we work with the design team to shape how the feature will behave and what it will look like. Next, our mobile and quality assurance (QA) teams determine how we’ll implement the new features. We have one week to develop the feature and run it through QA and then we release it to our community. The process is more involved and takes longer for larger features such as the visualization tools.

What are the visualization tools that Houzz has rolled out for Houzz Pro? 
We recently released an AR room measurement tool that instantly creates floor plans which home professionals can modify with the Houzz Pro 3D floor planner tool. It empowers pros to help their customers envision their newly designed space with updates like removing a wall, adding new furniture, and more.

How have Houzz’s AR tools evolved? 
There have been a few generations of AR technology at Houzz. Our first AR experience was through the View in My Room 3D tool, where you can visualize products in your home before you purchase them on the Houzz Shop. Then, we applied our AR technology to the development of floorplans, but it’s output was as a static PDF. The big jump we’ve accomplished with our latest tool, is that we can create a 3D model from the floorplan.