Residential architects report healthy business conditions
Washington, D.C. – March 23, 2017 – Business conditions remain healthy for residential architects as homeowners explore new options for kitchen and bathroom products and features. Though the desired size of a home’s kitchen may not be growing, architects have seen an increase in demand for outdoor kitchens. These are among the major findings from the AIA’s
Home Design Trends Survey for the fourth quarter of 2016, which focused on kitchen and bath design trends.
“Homeowners continue to find new ways to add value to their homes by creating more functional space, which is apparent in the rise in popularity of outdoor kitchens,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Kitchens have become a hub for the home, now homeowners want to bring some of that activity to their outside space.”
|
Popular kitchen products and features* |
2016 | 2015 |
| Computer area / recharging stations: | 42% | 49% |
| Undercounter appliances | 38% | 33% |
| Larger pantry space: | 34% | 34% |
| Upper-end appliances: | 31% | 39% |
| Drinking water filtration systems: | 28% | 29% |
| Sensory faucets | 28% | 26% |
| Adaptability / universal design: | 27% | 25% |
| Double Island | 20% | 25% |
* Index score computed as % of respondents reporting increasing minus those reporting decreasing popularity; Q4-2016
“Bathroom adaptability and accessibility continue to be the primary focus for homeowners,” Baker added. “Increasing numbers of homeowners with disability concerns will drive trends in bath design for the foreseeable future.”
|
Popular bathroom products and features* |
2016 |
2015 |
| Doorless showers | 65% | 64% |
| Adaptability/universal design | 61% | 62% |
| Stall shower without tub | 57% | 65% |
| Large walk-in showers | 54% | 64% |
| Radiant heated floors | 30% | 40% |
| Water saving toilets | 25% | 31% |
| Upscale Shower | 21% | 32% |
* Index score computed as % of respondents reporting increasing minus those reporting decreasing popularity; Q4-2016
Housing market business conditions
AIA Home Design Survey Index for Q4 2016 (any score above 50 is positive)
• Billings: 57.5
• Inquiries for new projects: 58.3
Baker added, “With billings and inquiries remaining healthy, business conditions for residential architects will continue to strengthen.”
|
Specific construction segments |
2016 |
2015 |
| Additions / alterations | 54% | 61% |
| Kitchen and bath remodeling | 51% | 54% |
| Custom / luxury home market | 27% | 25% |
| Move-up home market | 17% | 26% |
| First-time buyer / affordable home market | 12% | 8% |
| Townhouse / condo market | 7% | 15% |
| Second / vacation home market | -10% | -8% |
* Index score computed as % of respondents reporting increasing minus those reporting decreasing popularity; Q4-2016
About the AIA Home Design Trends Survey
The AIA Home Design Trend Survey is conducted quarterly with a panel of more than 500 architecture firms that concentrate their practice in the residential sector. Residential architects are design leaders in shaping how homes function, look, and integrate into communities and this survey helps to identify emerging trends in the housing marketplace. Business conditions are also monitored on a quarterly basis. Future surveys will focus on overall home layout and use (June 2017) specialty rooms and systems (September 2017) and community design trends (December 2017).
About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The 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. Visit
www.aia.org.
Contacts:
Matt Tinder
202-626-7462
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