New survey results show growing demand for smart devices in the home

by Marcy Marro | 9 September 2019 12:00 am

Results from The American Institute of Architects[1] (AIA) third quarter Home Design Trends Survey shows a sizeable increase in demand for automated home systems, including smart thermostats, window covering and security devices.

The latest survey results—focusing on home features—also reveals the demand for au pair/in-law suites and outdoor living spaces continuing to grow and topping the list of special function rooms.

“Outdoor living areas and au pair suites have been popular for years, but the growth in demand for dedicated home automation systems is indicative of the increasing availability of smart home features,” notes AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Ph.D., Hon. AIA. “As the list of home automation options grows, architects will continue to see demand for integrating these products and systems into the broader design approaches.”

Other findings from the third quarter survey, include:

53 percent of respondents reporting increasing demand for accommodations that can house multiple generations of family members, while fewer than one percent reported declining interest. This score is up five percentage points from 2018.
Almost 53 percent of respondents report increased popularity for ramps and elevators, while only three percent report declining interest, which is up seven percentage points from 2018.
Low maintenance materials continue to remain popular and topped this year’s product category.
Smart thermostats were the second most popular feature for products as part of the survey.

In addition to surveying popular home features and products, the Home Design Trends Survey also provides insights into residential architecture firm business conditions. Any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings. Third quarter results are:

Billings: 57.8
Inquiries for new projects: 59.3
Regional averages: Northeast (63.6), South (60.0), West (54.1), Midwest (51.8)

The AIA Home Design Trends Survey is conducted quarterly with a panel of more than 500 architecture firms that concentrate their practice in the residential sector.

More information on the latest survey results can be reviewed on AIA’s website[2].

Endnotes:

The American Institute of Architects: http://www.aia.org
AIA’s website: http://info.aia.org/AIArchitect/2019/0906/aia-interactive/index.html

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