AIA Home Design Trend Survey: Slow housing market and emphasis on access to job opportunities changing location preferences

Washington, D.C. – December 7, 2010 – Over the last several years there has been increasing demand for housing options within close proximity to public transit, employment centers, retail and entertainment options, and access to open space for recreation. Houses with porches that allow for more neighborhood connection, durable and low-maintenance products for home exteriors, sustainable features and solar reflective roofs also remain popular. The housing and economic downturn, along with the growing number of immigrant households, has led to a rise demand for multi-generational housing.

Residential architecture firms continue to report weak business conditions, but with remodeling activity showing a sharp increase over the same period a year ago. These findings are from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the third quarter of 2010 that focused on community and neighborhood design.

“There are a number of factors at play that have encouraged a shift towards smaller infill projects,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “There has been a resurgence in urban living in general, but economic realities like high foreclosure rates, increased commuting time and costs, and a renewed interest in affordability are key drivers in altering the residential real estate landscape.”

Baker added, “Recently, numerous organizations have issued reports linking the health benefits of living in transit-oriented communities. There is a strong correlation between a design strategy tailored towards access to public transportation and job centers that can reduce sprawl, dependence on automobiles and foreign oil, encourages physical activity and leads to an overall more vibrant and healthy community.”

AIA Home Design Trends Survey highlights

Community design elements	2010		2009
Infill development	65%		69%
Access to public transportation	58%		55%
Mixed-use facility	53%		48%
Dedicated open space	47%		45%
Multigenerational housing	47%		41%
Popular Home Exteriors Features
Durable exterior materials	75%		75%
Porches	57%		53%
Sustainable roofing	52%		47%
Solar reflective roofs	39%		n/a
Tubular skylights	30%		24%

(% respond. report. popularity of feature “increasing” minus % report. “decreasing”; Q3)

Housing market business conditions

The residential market continues to struggle. The national billings index was 42 for the third quarter of 2010 (any score below 50 indicates a decline in activity), up slightly from the previous quarter’s mark of 41. Inquiries for new projects were 49, showing minimal improvement compared to the score of 47 in the second quarter of the year.

Specific construction segments	2010		2009
Kitchen and bath remodeling	43%		27%
Additions / alterations	42%		26%
First-time buyer / affordable home market	-35%		-2%
Move-up home market	-34%		-30%
Townhouse / condo market	-39%		-43%
Custom / luxury home market	-43%		-48%
Second / vacation home	-65%		-70%

(% of respondents reporting sector “improving” minus % reporting “weakening”; Q3)