Homeowners Place High Premium on Walkable Communities and Mixed-use Developments

WASHINGTON (December 16, 2013) – A pronounced shift in housing and neighborhood preferences has occurred during the last decade, with strong and growing demand for infill development, mixed-use projects, access to public transportation and high-density development. There is also an emerging desire for communities that promote a healthy lifestyle through more pedestrian-friendly design and increased access to recreational activities.

Residential architecture firms across the country are reporting steadily improving business conditions, with remodeling activity leading the way, followed by improvement in every building sector with the exception of second homes and vacation housing. These findings are from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the third quarter of 2013 that focused on community and neighborhood design.

“With a revival in interest in urban living, there has been a marked transition in what people are looking for in their communities” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Providing easy access to retail, entertainment, transportation, employment, and other elements associated with urban living environments will be a key factor as to whether communities can maintain their relevance and appeal.”

AIA Home Design Trends Survey highlights

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

Housing market business conditions

AIA Home Design Survey Index for Q3 2013 (any score above 50 is positive)

• Billings: 63
• Inquiries for new projects: 68

Baker noted, “These are the best conditions at residential architecture firms since prior to the housing bubble bursting. The increased project activity has also generated growing levels of project backlogs that can keep current staff fully employed without any new work coming in.”

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