Share this on

Results of AIA Home Design Trends Survey Released

The survey also shows that special function rooms, such as home offices, are losing favor.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 9/22/2008 6:54:00 AM

There’s good news, and bad news, in the American Institute of Architect's Home Design Trends Survey for the second quarter of 2008.

First, the bad news: A grim housing market, and energy costs that remain at near record highs. But here’s the good news: The survey shows that this has led to an increase in the number of homeowners who utilize energy management systems and sustainable design elements to help alleviate the financial burden of high utility bills.

"There is strong demand for green home design features and products like solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and water reclamation systems," says AIA chief economist Kermit Baker.

He adds that as homeowners sharpen their focus on making homes more energy-efficient, “There is less emphasis on investing in special function rooms, such as home offices and games rooms."

The survey also finds that the national billings index for architects was 38 for the second quarter, the lowest score in the three-and-a-half-year history of the survey. Any score below 50 indicates a decline in activity. Inquiries for new projects also dropped to a historic low of 37.