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Washington, D.C., June 15,
2005 — The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announces the results
of its first-ever Home Design Trends Survey. Reflective of an aging
population and the “baby boomer” generation approaching
retirement, the survey results highlight an increasing demand for
greater accessibility and single-floor design which promotes easier
mobility within the home. Fueled by a strong housing market,
architecture firms working in the residential sector have reported
favorable business conditions; with 44% of respondents indicating
that their overall billings increased by more than 5% in the first
quarter of 2005, while only 10% reported declines in billings from
the fourth quarter of 2004.
“Our data demonstrates that the remodeling market, for both
additions/alterations and kitchen/bath renovations, were the
strongest sectors in the residential market for the first quarter
of 2005,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon.
AIA. “Additionally, the condominium and town house market was
nearly as strong, with over half of firms reporting improving
conditions for these units. We have found that the primary drivers
in this particular market are young adults and empty-nesters who
are interested in moving into urban neighborhoods.”
Click here for the full report: http://www.aia.org/econ_designsurvey_results
Baker also stated that, “There has been a significant shift
in consumer preference from formal living and dining rooms towards
more ‘informal spaces’ featuring an open space layout of
family rooms, dens, and activity rooms.”
Key residential design trend
findings:
• Accessibility: 62% of firms reported that
homes are becoming more accessible with features such as wider
hallways, fewer steps, and the growing popularity of single-floor
design
• Informal space: 66% of firms reported that
“informal space” is increasing, along with a trend
towards an open space layout in the home
• Home size: 40% of firms reported square
footage of homes is still increasing, while only 13% report
declines
• Home layout: 49% of firms reported that
finished basements and attics are increasing in popularity, as
owners of older homes are looking to increase their living
space
• Outdoors: 48% of firms reported upscale
landscaping is on the increase, as is the popularity of outdoor
living space with features such as decks, porches, and patios
• Amenities: 30% of firms reported the
increase in other outdoor amenities including swimming pools,
tennis courts, and gazebos
Firms in all regions reported positive business conditions, with
those in the South experiencing the greatest gains and those in the
Midwest lagging behind the other regions. Another contributing
factor to the continued health of the housing market is the backlog
of projects that firms have reported. The average project backlog
of work under contract necessary to keep an entire staff fully
employed is five to five and one-half months. This figure is
especially significant due to the relatively short design period
and tight schedules of many residential projects.
The AIA Home Design Trend Survey is conducted quarterly with a
panel of 600 architecture firms that concentrate their practice in
the residential sector. Future surveys will cover home features
(special function rooms and special features in homes), emerging
design trends (design of communities, use of technology in the
home, new residential products), and kitchen and bath features and
products.
About The American Institute of Architects
Since 1857, the AIA has represented the professional interests of
America's architects. As AIA members, nearly 75,000 licensed
architects, emerging professionals and allied partners express
their commitment to excellence in design and livability in our
nation's buildings and communities. Members adhere to a code of
ethics and professional conduct that assures the client, the
public, and colleagues of an AIA-member architect's dedication to
the highest standards in professional practice.
EDITOR’S NOTE: These findings can be
regionalized, and AIA architects who comprise the Home Design
Trends Survey Advisory Panel are available to speak about specific
residential trends and their implications. For graphic images or to
schedule an interview with Kermit Baker or a panel member please
contact, Scott Frank at 202-626-7467 or sfrank@aia.org.
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