As the once struggling residential market continues to steadily improve, the size of homes has grown in response. This is the case for both high-end and custom homes as well as additions to existing homes. In addition, preferences for accessible spaces in homes-such as open-space layouts and single-floor design-also continue to rise.
Led by continued improving consumer confidence in the housing market, business conditions at residential architecture firms are at their strongest growth levels since the economic downturn. These findings are from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the first quarter of 2013, which focuses specifically on overall home layout and the use of interior and exterior space.
|
Residential elements (% of respondents that reported increases) |
2013 |
2012 |
|
Volume |
24 |
20 |
|
Square footage |
12% |
8% |
|
Lot size |
3% |
5% |
|
In-home accessibility |
64% |
64% |
|
Open space layout |
56% |
55% |
|
Informal space |
60% |
51% |
|
Access in/out of home |
55% |
47% |
|
Single-floor plan |
46% |
45% |
Outdoor living and landscaping trends
|
Residential elements (% of respondents that reported increases) |
2013 |
2012 |
|
Low irrigation landscaping |
61% |
65% |
|
Outdoor living space |
63% |
64% |
|
Blended indoor / outdoor living |
55% |
53% |
|
Rainwater catchment |
52% |
48% |
|
Exterior / security lighting |
35% |
33% |
Housing market business conditions
AIA Home Design Survey Index for Q1 2013 (any score above 50 is positive)
- Billings: 67
- Inquiries for new projects: 74
|
Specific residential segments* |
2013 |
2012 |
|
Kitchen and bath remodeling |
63 |
53 |
|
Remodeling additions / alterations |
63 |
51 |
|
Custom / luxury home market |
16 |
-2 |
|
Move-up homes |
32 |
-3 |
|
First-time buyer / affordable home market |
21 |
-7 |
|
Townhouse / condo market |
7 |
-17 |
|
Second / vacation home market |
-15 |
-36 |
* Index score computed as % of respondents reporting improving minus % reporting weakening conditions
