The Home Design Trends Survey reports consumer interest for pedestrian-friendly communities with mixed-use development grew from 45 percent in 2012 to 58 percent this year. Further, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) says preference for more access to recreational activities increased from 40 to 49 percent over the same period, as worldpropertychannel.com informs MHProNews. Chief Economist of AIA, Kermit Baker, says, “With a revival in interest in urban living, there has been a marked transition in what people are looking for in their communities.” He says nationwide architects are seeing an uptick in residential activity and in every building sector except second homes and vacation housing. “These are the best conditions at residential architecture firms since prior to the housing bubble bursting,” Mr. Baker said. “The increased project activity has also generated growing levels of project backlogs that can keep current staff fully employed without any new work coming in.”
