Washington, D.C., August 31,
2005 — The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announces the results
of the Home Design Trends Survey for the second quarter of 2005.
The rise in telecommuting and the continuing escalation in the
price of gasoline have led to home offices becoming the most
popular special function room that architects are being asked to
design, with almost half of the survey respondents saying that they
are increasing in demand. The drop in price and the increased
availability of audio and video technology options has translated
into a surge in popularity for home theaters as well.
“The overall theme that was discovered from these survey
results is that home features are now emphasizing convenience and
informality. Upscale entryways and hallways have waned a great deal
in popularity, while home features such as siding, decking,
countertops, and floor and wall finishes are being designed for
flexibility and ease-of-use,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit
Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA.
Click here for the full report: http://www.aia.org/econ_designsurvey_results
Cognizant of ever-increasing energy costs, consumers are also
becoming increasingly sensitive to energy usage within the home.
Over 40% of survey respondents reported an increase in the
popularity of efficient energy-management building principles and
materials, such as solar, geothermal, and renewable electrical
energy sources.
Home Design Trends Survey Highlights:
Special function rooms
- Hobby / game rooms: 30% of firms reported an increase in
popularity
- Au pair / in-law suites: 22% of firms reported an increase in
dedicated wings or additions for in-home child care providers, and
for bringing elderly parents into the home (reflective of an aging
population)
Special systems
- Security systems: 32% of firms reported an increase in
popularity
- Fire-safety: 23% of firms reported an increase in
popularity
Housing market business
conditions
- Remain strong at residential architecture firms; almost 40% of
respondents claimed that billings increased in the second quarter,
while only 10% reported a decline
- Conditions strongest in the South for second consecutive
quarter; weakest in the Northeast
Baker also stated that, “An encouraging bit of
news for the continued health of the housing market overall, in
addition to the reported increase in billings at residential
architecture firms, is the fact that 42% of survey respondents
reported an increase in inquiries for new projects during the
second quarter, which is indicative of future construction activity
in this sector.”
The AIA Home Design Trend Survey is conducted quarterly with a
panel of 600 architecture firms that concentrate their practice in
the residential sector. The next survey will cover emerging design
trends (design of communities, use of technology in the home, new
residential products), with results being made available the first
week of November 2005, followed by a survey on kitchen and bath
features and products, with those results available the first week
in February 2006.
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: The business conditions
findings can be broken down on a regional, but not state-by-state
basis. AIA architects who comprise the Home Design Trends Survey
Advisory Panel are available to speak about specific residential
trends and their implications. For 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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