Artis Raises $7.3M to Help Residential Architects, Designers and Builders Focus on Their Craft
Artis, a brand partner supporting residential architects, interior designers and custom home builders in the high-end residential market, has announced a $7.3 million Seed funding round led by LiveOak Ventures, with participation from mark vc and Capital Factory. The company has also secured up to $3 million in revolving credit from Banc of California, bringing its total potential capital raised to $10.3 million.
The new funding will support Artis’ continued investment in its technology platform as the company expands beyond social media into websites, generative-engine optimization (GEO), artificial intelligence search visibility and other channels where residential practices establish their digital presence. The company will also use the capital to expand teams across executive leadership, client experience, sales and software engineering.
The funding announcement coincides with the public launch of Artis’ refreshed brand identity, reflecting the company’s mission to help creative professionals strengthen their businesses while spending more time focused on design and craftsmanship.
Founded in 2022, Artis has built a technology-driven platform designed specifically for residential design professionals. The company currently works with more than 60 firms, including several highly respected names in the industry such as McALPINE, Kligerman AD, Schafer & Company, Cravotta Interiors and Foursquare Builders.
Artis helps firms manage and improve the many ways their brands appear across digital channels. From websites and social media to AI-powered search experiences, every platform is built around a deeper understanding of each practice — including its unique voice, creative standards, design philosophy and the decisions behind every project.
Rather than creating generic marketing content, Artis develops an evolving intelligence system for each client. As partnerships continue, the platform learns more about the firm’s identity, allowing its digital presence to become more consistent, authentic and effective over time.
“The architects, designers, and builders I sit with feel personally accountable to spaces they’ll never live in, for moments they’ll never witness. They refuse to stop at good enough,” said Zach Rubin, Co-founder and CEO of Artis. “But they tell me only twenty percent of their day actually goes to the craft itself. The rest gets eaten by the marketing, the procurement, the coordination, and everything else it takes to run a practice. We take that on, so they can return to the craft.”
Rubin explained that Artis’ approach to artificial intelligence is not focused on replacing creative judgment but on supporting the expertise and vision of design professionals. The company aims to build AI tools that understand the unique perspective of each practice and help amplify the work behind every project.
Expanding Leadership and Industry Expertise
Alongside the funding announcement, Artis is strengthening its leadership team with two strategic hires. Melissa Fodo joins as Head of Brand & Marketing after building major brand strategies at McGarrah Jessee, where she contributed to the growth of recognized American brands including Yeti.
David Moon joins as Head of Client Partnerships, bringing extensive experience leading client experience teams at Austin-based software companies including Bazaarvoice, Accruent and Clover Sport, along with previous consulting experience at McKinsey & Company.
Artis was founded by Zach Rubin, Sahar Afrakhan and David Rubin, who continue to lead the company’s mission of combining technology, brand expertise and industry knowledge to support residential creative professionals.
“What we’re building is a team of brand partners armed with connected intelligence about each practice they serve: its voice, its standards, the decisions and craft behind every project,” said Sahar Afrakhan, Co-founder and Head of Product & Operations at Artis. “AI enables a level of depth that simply was not possible before. Today, that depth shapes their content, their website, and how they show up in AI search. Tomorrow, the way they run their practice.”
Helping Design Firms Build Stronger Brands
For many residential architects and designers, maintaining a strong brand presence can become a major challenge alongside managing projects, clients and construction details. Artis aims to solve that challenge by taking responsibility for the marketing and operational tasks that often distract professionals from their creative work.
Industry leaders have recognized the value of Artis’ approach. Gil Schafer III, Founding Partner of Schafer & Company, praised the company’s ability to understand and communicate the unique qualities of each design practice.
“Artis has a keen ear for what makes the voice of each brand they work with unique, and the talent to tell those stories with authenticity and panache,” said Schafer. “They make an outstanding partner for any company finessing the delicate art of reaching their target audiences and enhancing engagement.”
The company’s investors also believe Artis is positioned to create a new category within the intersection of artificial intelligence, branding and professional services.
“Architects, designers, and builders are among the most talented creative professionals in the world, yet only a fraction of their time actually goes to practicing their craft,” said LiveOak Ventures. “Artis takes on everything else, with AI that learns the voice, standards, and sensibility of each practice, delivers insights and solutions that compound with every engagement.”
With new funding, expanded leadership and a growing customer base, Artis is continuing to build technology that allows residential professionals to spend less time managing business demands and more time creating exceptional spaces.
Source Link:https://www.businesswire.com/
