Architizer, the globe’s largest database for architecture and sourcing building products, has just closed a strategic round of financing, which will fund continued expansion of Source Marketplace, its network that connects architects with building product manufacturers across the United States. The platform was launched in January 2016, and since then, has been used by some $3 billion worth of projects, executing $200 million worth of product searches for clients including Gang, FXFOWLE, IA Interior Architects and WEISS/MANFREDI. Building product manufacturers include ASSA ABLOY, Hunter Douglas, Porcelanosa, Herman Miller and Delta Light.
Architizer’s new investors include architects Bjarke Ingels, J.Mayer H., Wendy Evans Joseph and WorkAC; developer Ironstate; and Katerra, a construction company. The round of funding also includes Architizer’s existing investors August Capital, Handel Architects and Series A investor SHoP Architects.
David Barry of Ironstate calls Source “a no-brainer. From the developer’s perspective, we want our architects making product decisions that don’t have to be rethought at every phase of the project. Source creates market transparency so that our architects can make smart decisions the first time.”
“There should be no difference between specifying architectural aluminum panels and buying a salad spinner on Amazon,” says Marc Kushner, Architizer CEO. “If architects could comparison shop, read colleague reviews and compare products, the building product industry would be leaping to innovate. Better products mean better buildings, and market transparency is the fastest way to a better future.”
