Sure... if Houzz want's to dampen Pro interest, it could do so by making it even MORE labor intensive to post ideas.
Our (Select Hardwood) involvement is relatively simple... we post photos which usually have a brief description attached. If more info is desired, we're just a phone call or email away.
Builders & Interior Design Pros, on the other hand, would be taking on a "part time job" if they were expected to itemize multiple products/materials/services that are associated with their uploaded pics.
Not to mention the fact that (IMHO) it's a bit unreasonable to "REQUIRE" additional time & effort from the "Pro's", who are already invested and typically open to client inquiries... while the simple "general location" of the non-Pro Houzzer is deemed too intrusive.

I'd say Pro's could be encouraged, but not forced, to list materials, etc.

As the poster already states that many pros don't have time to respond to inquiries so requiring all this information would effectively eliminate many pros participation. That is a lot of work.

Making that a requirement would eliminate many of the photos on Houzz.

I'm sure there are times when a post should list materials, when it's relevant to the questions about that post. How much time do people waste asking what something is, in order to post an educated opinion on what to do next?

Seriously? Pros should not be treated like librarians who are paid through taxes to do patrons' research. Pros participate to showcase their scope of work and share some information that may elicit inquiries that may turn into projects. We all make individual choices to go to various lengths on a case by case basis.

Any color you see on a tablet, monitor, or computer screen is affected by actual lighting, time of day, shadows, surroundings, camera setting, camera, photo editing, color settings on your tablet or monitor, and so on, so that what you are seeing is pretty definitely not the actual color. So I generally find questions about colors used humorous.

It will never be good enough for some people. I saw someone ask where they got a dog in a photo, for cripes sake!

Require me to give out information..............?????

Why would I participate in helping people with designs if I were forced to take more time out of my day by following a prescribed format............?

I would simply stop participating...........
When I stop enjoying giving pro bono advice, then I just stop giving it...........

No, Houzz would probably lose many of us PRO's if we were required to follow a format....

I think there should be a section that the person can look at to find misc info. If it isn't there, that means the pro doesn't want to be bothered. I've read a billion post where people keep asking the same question 10 times.. what is the paint color.. what is paint color.. has to get annoying. I don't think it should be forced, but i think the website should make it easier for the ones who want to write it ..maybe have a "standard/universal" spot- where people can find it.

It is annoying, especially when the details of so many of these projects must be long gone from the mind of the pro who is working on new things, and given that both colours and materials used are often bespoke and/or to the trade. Poor Bud Dietrich (amongst other extremely patient responders) actually takes time out of his day on a regular basis to respond to dozens such requests, most often w " sorry, but I do not recall, or " the item belonged to the owners", etc. I would prefer a banner disclaimer from the site, more along these lines: Posters should be given to understand that the work of a pro is not under public domain, that all rooms are professionally photographed, and that your results will vary!"

No. Don't require professionals to give away trade secrets, only if they want to.

Why not turn this question on its head: one of the flags pro's could add to their photos could be a different colour, say pink, for pro's who post photos but don't want questions? That way we, the great unwashed non-pro's, don't waste OUR time asking endless interested questions of pro's who aren't inclined to follow up on their posts and return to Houzz to see who's looking at their work! They're losing a lot of potential business, imo.

I have HUGE respect and admiration for the fabulous, talented and generous pro's who answer questions again and again about their photos: a heartfelt thank you to all of you. Those who post then disappear, maybe not so much.....jmho!

I agree, Pros shouldn't have to provide information unless they want to...I have already been the grateful recipient of professional designer advice and help, I wouldn't want to make it any more onerous

I do not think that the pros should be required to add all those details. Just seeing rooms here is great inspiration to me. Yes, I have asked questions and been told it "is too late" etc., but more often than not these professionals have been willing to answer or give free advice to all of us, along with details regarding colors of paint.
Certainly we understand that custom made drapes, chairs, and rugs are not something we can or will run out and buy ourselves, but we can find similar ideas on a budget. That is a great resource. I wish I could find some of the furnishings I see and put in my idea books at my local discount furniture store, but I know that is not going to happen.
I think it would be helpful if the designers would note on their own pages/websites if they do consultations via email. I think that would help, but again the color thing online is an issue.

No. As an example, a designer may upload before and after pics, but it might have been the home owner that went out to get the couch, paint, rug, etc. In this case the designer doesn't have all the required info. For the most part, i'm here on houzz to see/get ideas, not to get product information