Pandemic Consumer Demands Continue to Influence Residential Architecture

While some COVID-era design trends have been thrown to the wayside as homeowners revert back to their pre-pandemic hobbies, interests, and lifestyles, other pandemic-inspired amenities are here to stay, says Forbes. A Q2 2022 study by the American Institute of Architects reveals that rather than downsizing as many homeowners were before the pandemic, Americans are now upgrading to larger homes for added space and comfort.

Along with increased square footage, homeowners are also prioritizing outdoor living amenities and added accessibility for aging in place, though construction for outbuildings is declining in some areas sue to high temperatures and more extreme weather. Surprisingly, the survey shows a significant decrease in demand for bonus spaces like ADUs and additional rental space likely because of labor shortages and increased materials prices.

There was a slight decrease in outdoor living spaces from 2021 to 2022, and in outbuildings (e.g., pool houses, sheds). Given increasing temperatures in many regions of the country, there are more architectural houseplans with pools. Outdoor security lighting has also markedly increased, likely tied to national crime trend concerns.

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