Demand for larger homes continues to grow

WASHINGTON – June 30, 2022 – Homeowner interest in larger homes, which grew in 2021 for the first time in five years, continued to increase over the last 12 months, according to new data from the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey.

The Home Design Trends Survey for the second quarter of 2022—focusing on home and property design—also found that rental units/accessory dwellings and micro-housing options continue to remain popular, but demand has waned since 2021. Other trends maintaining demand post-pandemic include finished spaces like basements, attics, and garages.  Additional design trend highlights:

• Accessibility and overall designs for aging in place continued to remain a focus of a home’s layout, growing in popularity.
• Emphasis on outdoors continued to remain popular, with outdoor living spaces, blended indoor/outdoor spaces, and outdoor firepits topping the list.

“The fervor in demand created by homeowners wishing to have the ability to isolate at home has lessened a bit, however the overall demand has elevated project backlogs to their highest level since the survey began in 2005,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Supply chain issues continue to exacerbate the problem of inflation in the construction industry, which has particularly affected affordable housing options. While residential billings remain healthy, virtually all remodeling and residential construction sectors are seeing slower growth.”

Other findings of the report:

• Business conditions in all regions remained healthy in Q1.
• Project billings were 65.4 (any score above 50 indicates growth in firm billings.)

The AIA Home Design Trends Survey is conducted quarterly with a panel of more than 300 architecture firms that concentrate their practice in the residential sector. More information on the latest survey results can be reviewed on AIA’s website.

About AIA

Founded in 1857, AIA consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing.

AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards.