Demand for low maintenance and home automation products continues to grow

Washington, D.C. – September 18, 2017 – For the sixth consecutive year, outdoor living rooms have taken the top spot in terms of growing consumer interest among special function rooms. Following in second and third for special function rooms are mud rooms and home offices, respectively, as interest in these spaces has seemingly plateaued. These are some of the findings from The American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey covering activity during the second quarter of 2017 that focused on emerging home features, systems and technologies.

“Prior to the housing downturn, home offices maintained a solid hold as the most requested special function room,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA.  “Obviously new home technology offerings have influenced residential design trends, but the impact of the Great Recession can still be seen through homeowner interest in better use of existing space.”

All the data from this survey can be accessed in this infographic.

 “Not surprisingly demand for greater accessibility features continues to be strong,” Baker added. “Whether it’s a result of generally lower mobility or the aging baby-boomer population, homeowners are preparing for the future."

“As more automation products become available, homeowners continue to explore new ways to maintain their spaces with greater ease,” said Baker.

Housing market business conditions

AIA Home Design Survey Index for Q2 2017 (any score above 50 is positive)

Billings: 60

Inquiries for new projects: 66 Regional averages: South (64.7), West (63.1), Midwest (58.8), Northeast (48.7)

“Activity in the additions and remodeling segments are picking up pace. This is a positive sign for the greater housing market in 2018,” Baker concluded.

About the AIA Home Design Trends Survey

The AIA Home Design Trend Survey is conducted quarterly with a panel of over 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 community design trends (December 2017), and kitchen and bath trends (April 2018).

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, 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. 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.