New AIA Home Design Trends Survey reports decreases in eco-friendly materials, new condos, and vacation homes as economic tradewinds brighten

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Camas Prairie by Koch Architects in Fairfield, Idaho. Image credit: Tory Taglio Photography

The American Institute of Architects has published an updated report on inbound trends within residential design. The latest AIA Home Design Trends Survey for Q4 2024 indicated an increase in stylistic diversity, the desire for “simpler” exterior details, and a continued shift away from the “Modern Farmhouse” trends that predominated in the previous decade.

Comparing the findings to Q4 of 2023, there was a marked increase in the popularity of high-density development and multi-generational housing (55%), walkable neighborhoods (46%), and dedicated open space (34%) over the previous quarter of 2024.

Popular home styles recorded in the latest AIA survey. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

In terms of Home Styles, an upswing of front/side porches (34%), single-story homes (22%), and an increase in clients’ queries for replicated mid-century styles (15%).

Popular home exteriors trends recorded in the latest AIA survey. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

The findings from the same period of 2023 were mostly unchanged within the Home Exteriors category, though a decline in the number of respondents reporting the increased use of metal finishes and sustainable/eco-friendly building materials were recorded at 24% and 22%, respectively from Q3 to Q4.

Trends in project billings, inquiries, and design contracts. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

In terms of business conditions, the report says that, despite the continued decrease in billings and the overall value of design contracts through the end of Q3, the amount of inquiries into new projects did increase for the first time since 2022.

Project backlog trends. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

A backlog was also reported to have “held steady” for the quarter, while remodels of both additions/alterations and kitchen/bath were reported to increase by 39% and 42% by the survey. Negative trends were also recorded for townhouse/condo projects (-6%), second/vacation homes (-16%), and primary residence “move-up” homes (-9%) as well.

Economic conditions by US region. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

The region most impacted by the latent economic downturn in architecture was shown to be the West, while, conversely, all others recorded a steady amount of growth above the baseline score of 50.0.

The AIA’s latest survey comes after the release of December’s Architecture Billings Index, which indicated that demand for design services declined following two consecutive months of flat readings.