John Gidding emerges as a distinguished Turkish-American architect, interior designer, and television personality, renowned for his innovative transformations on HGTV’s Curb Appeal franchise, where he masterfully reimagines residential exteriors to elevate curb appeal and market value.

Early Life and Education

John Gidding, an accomplished architect, interior designer, and television personality, entered the world on January 7, 1977, in Istanbul, Turkey.

Raised by his American father, Mr. Gidding, and Turkish mother, Mrs. Gidding, in a multicultural household, he attended American schools in Turkey and Switzerland, including Leysin American School, before relocating to the United States for higher education.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in architecture from Yale University in 1999, where he sang with the Yale Glee Club and Society of Orpheus and Bacchus, followed by a Master’s in architecture from Harvard Graduate School of Design.

His ethnicity reflects Turkish-American heritage, and his faith aligns with Christianity.

Career

John Gidding commenced his professional journey in modeling during graduate school in 2000, gracing runways for Armani, Gucci, and Hugo Boss under Wilhelmina Models, and serving as spokesmodel for Jhane Barnes in 2004–2005.

Transitioning to design, he worked two years at Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates before founding John Gidding Design, Inc., in New York City, specializing in residential renovations and landscape architecture.

His television debut came on ABC Family’s Knock First (2006), redecorating teen spaces, followed by lead designer on HGTV’s Designed to Sell (2006–2011).

He hosted Curb Appeal: The Block (2010–2011) and returned for Curb Appeal Xtreme (2021–present), transforming exteriors with $20,000 budgets.

Additional credits include HGTV Showdown (2008), Trading Spaces (2018), and consulting on global projects like the 2008 Beijing Olympics pavilion.

As founder and CEO of Gavl, a real estate app, and author of design guides, he extends his influence through speaking engagements at events like KBIS and ASLA.

Personal Life

John Gidding, an accomplished architect, interior designer, and television personality, at 48 years of age, measures 6 feet 2 inches and upholds discretion in personal matters.

He wed ballet dancer Damian Smith in 2013 following a swift courtship, but the union concluded in divorce; they share no children.

Openly gay, he maintains close ties with his parents—his mother in Turkey and father in Luxembourg—while residing in San Francisco, where he draws inspiration from the city’s inclusive community.

He channels leisure into travel, sketching design concepts, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ causes through GLAAD events.

Filmography

Knock First (2006) – Host/Designer (TV Series)

Designed to Sell (2006–2011) – Lead Designer (TV Series)

HGTV Showdown (2008) – Designer (TV Series)

Tournament of Roses Parade (2009–2016) – Designer/Contributor (TV Special)

Curb Appeal: The Block (2010–2011) – Host/Designer (TV Series)

Secret Guide to Fabulous (2012) – Guest Designer (TV Series)

Home Free (2014) – Guest Designer (TV Series)

Trading Spaces (2018) – Designer (TV Series)

Curb Appeal Xtreme (2021–present) – Host/Designer (TV Series)

Net Worth

John Gidding, an accomplished architect, interior designer, and television personality, commands an estimated net worth of $16 million USD.

This valuation principally arises from design firm revenues through John Gidding Design, Inc., global consulting fees on projects like Brooklyn Bridge Park, HGTV hosting salaries across Curb Appeal iterations, modeling residuals, and entrepreneurial ventures including the Gavl app, alongside speaking and authorship income.