Design survey reflects baby boomer trends

Reflecting the aging population as the baby boom generation approaches retirement, the quarterly survey results highlight growing demand for greater accessibility and single-floor design that promote mobility within the home.

Architecture firms working in the residential sector have reported favorable business conditions for 2005, one result of the strong housing market. Forty-four percent of respondents said their overall billings increased by more than 5 percent in the first quarter while only 10 percent reported declines in billings from fourth-quarter 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, Ph.D., in a news release.

“Additionally, the condominium and townhouse market was nearly as strong, with over half of firms reporting improving conditions for these units,” he said. “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.”

Baker also stated that, “There has been a significant shift in consumer preference from formal living and dining rooms toward more ‘informal spaces,’ featuring an open space layout of family rooms, dens and activity rooms.”

Survey results

Key findings from the Home Design Trends Survey include:

• Accessibility: 62 percent of firms reported that homes are becoming more accessible with wider hallways, fewer steps, and single-floor designs.

• Informal space: 66 percent of firms reported that “informal space” is increasing.

There is also a trend towards more open spaces in the layout of homes.

• Home size: 40 percent of firms reported square footage of homes is still increasing, while only 13 percent reported declines.

• Home layout: 49 percent of firms reported that finished basements and attics are increasing in popularity, as owners of older homes are looking to increase their living spaces.

• Outdoors: 48 percent of firms reported upscale landscaping is on the increase. The popularity of outdoor living space such as decks, porches and patios also continues to increase.

• Amenities: 30 percent of firms reported the increase in other outdoor amenities including swimming pools, tennis courts and gazebos.

Firms in all regions of the country reported positive business conditions, with those in the South experiencing the greatest gains and those in the Midwest lagging.

The AIA’s full report on the Home Design Trends Survey is available at www.aia.org/econ_designsurvey_results.

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.

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