Demand for Larger Homes Increased Over Last Year, Says AIA

Washington, DC, July 6, 2021 – For the first time in five years, homeowner interest in larger homes increased over the last 12 months, according to new data from the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey.

The Home Design Trends Survey for the second quarter of 2021-focusing on home and property design-also found a sharp rise in demand for accessory dwelling and rental units. Other trends to emerge from the pandemic include a robust uptick in demand for finishing spaces like basements, attics, and garages.

While outdoor living space has been popular in recent years, demand dramatically increased since last year. The popularity of outbuildings-like sheds, barns, and pool houses-also expanded precipitously.

“Since households are doing more at home, they have been looking for more space during the pandemic. This has included focusing more activities outdoors, and adding other buildings to their property,” said AIA chief economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “The overall strength of the residential market has driven project backlogs at residential architecture firms to pre-pandemic levels.”

Findings of the report also revealed residential architecture firm business conditions for Q2 2021, which included:

* All custom residential sectors reported unprecedented growth, with home improvement reporting the strongest gains.

* Project billings were 68.4 (any score above 50 indicates growth in firm billings.)

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