Archinect - News

Major uptake in artificial intelligence use across creative industries, Autodesk survey finds

2024-04-10T11:53:00-04:00

Autodesk has released a report on the state of digitization and technological adoption across creative industries. The 2024 State of Design & Make Report found that companies see artificial intelligence “as a current tool rather than a futuristic pipe dream.”

The report’s findings were derived from survey results of 5,400 industry companies and figures across architecture, engineering, construction, design, manufacturing, media, and entertainment. Among the findings was a high level of optimism, with 73% of companies believing they were prepared to handle unforeseen economic or geopolitical changes.

76% of professionals said they trust AI in their industry, with application areas including productivity and sustainability. “More than half of companies say they are approaching or have already achieved their goal of incorporating AI,” Autodesk said about the report findings. “While AI adoption is high, we still have a long way to go to maximize AI’s potential.”

Related on Archinect: Au...

RIBA's new Artificial Intelligence Report features revelatory findings about AI within architectural practice

2024-02-29T18:56:00-05:00

The newly published RIBA Artificial Intelligence Report has revealed statistics detailing the architecture industry’s turn towards AI within professional practice using findings from a recent survey of 500+ members. The study also gives clues about the technology’s future and feedback on how new software tools have impacted the design process.

According to the report, 41% of architects in the UK have begun using AI software at least occasionally, with another 43% stating their opinions that it has made the design process "more efficient."

"Our findings show architects are curious and open-minded about AI, and some of us are true pioneers," RIBA President Muyiwa Oki summarized. "By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and a culture of responsible innovation, we can harness the power of AI to create a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable built environment. There’s no turning back."

Residential business conditions weaken while remodeling remains popular, says AIA Home Design Trends Survey

2023-12-06T11:54:00-05:00

The American Institute of Architects has published its latest quarterly report on residential design in the United States. The AIA Home Design Trends Survey for Q4 2023 focused on the theme ‘neighborhood and community design,’ and revealed a desire among clients for simpler detailing on home exteriors and more windows.

Home exterior trends from the latest AIA survey. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

According to data from architects on client expectations, ‘contemporary home styles’ remain the most popular feature, mentioned by 51% of clients. ‘Simpler detailing on exteriors’ was requested by 29% of clients, and ‘front/side porches’ by 27% of clients.

On home exteriors, ‘low maintenance/durable exteriors’ was the most popular request, mentioned by 59% of clients. A focus on ‘windows (number and size) was cited by 48% of clients and ‘metal finishes’ by 35%.

Neighborhood/community trends from the latest AIA survey. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

On a neighb...

20% of landscape architects expect to see greenhouse gas emissions budgets in future projects, ASLA survey finds

2023-08-22T17:08:00-04:00

The American Institute of Landscape Architects has published the results of a members' survey on the role of landscape architecture products in aiding decarbonization and biodiversity in the built environment. Insights were garnered from 454 landscape architects, designers, and educators out of the ASLA’s member base of approximately 15,000.

A significant 55% of respondents stated that their clients do not establish a greenhouse gas emissions budget for their projects. However, 20% foresee it as a potential future requirement. When asked about the data that would assist in accounting for emissions, 51% prioritized embodied carbon factors for materials, closely followed by 50% wanting projected carbon sequestration details for tree species specification.

Regarding accessing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and emissions assessments, 55% advocated for a curated register of baseline data, possibly developed by ASLA or a similar body. When procuring from manufacturers, 34% of p...

Residential business conditions are slowing, says latest AIA Home Design Trends Survey

2023-03-31T11:44:00-04:00

The American Institute of Architects has published its latest quarterly report on residential design. The AIA Home Design Trends Survey for Q1 2023 revealed evolving trends in kitchen and bathroom design, where homeowners have moved toward electric appliances and are making decisions based on long-term value.

Popular bathroom features from the latest AIA survey. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

33% of architects responding to the survey reported an increase in the number and size of bathrooms in their design proposals. The most desirable bathroom feature from clients was larger walk-in showers which saw a 60% increase in popularity from the previous year.

Other popular features were adaptability/universal design (52%), spa-like design (44%), and more daylight and natural lighting (38%). Popular products, meanwhile, included doorless/no threshold showers (60%), and smart toilets (27%).

Popular kitchen features from the latest AIA survey. Image credit: American Institute ...

Harvard students' survey finds most architectural tasks can be done remotely

2023-03-13T08:00:00-04:00

Students from the Harvard Graduate School of Design have published the results of their survey into the question of whether architecture can be practiced remotely. Launched in November 2022, the survey received 221 responses from across the profession and has led organizers to conclude that “architects believe that the vast majority of architectural tasks can be done ‘entirely or almost entirely remotely’”.

The survey, authored by students Su In Kim, Yun Ki Cheung, and Pedro Rodríguez-Parets as part of the “Frameworks of Practice” course, was designed to reflect NCARB's structure for the ARE, specifying 36 tasks across 6 project phases to create what the organizers considered a typical workflow from project inception to completion as well as practice management. For each of the 36 tasks, the survey asked respondents to respond ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the question of whether the specific task could be done “almost entirely or entirely remotely.”

Graph via the "Can Architecture be practiced...

Gensler sets the record as the first-ever architecture firm to reach 3,000 employees globally

2023-01-23T14:45:00-05:00

Gensler has set a new record for firm size after the 2023 Building Design WA100 survey listed its total design staff at just over 3,000 for the first time in history.

After losing its founder in May of 2021, Gensler grew by 14% over the last year to breach the 3,000-employee threshold. The company now employs some 3,069 architects globally, according to the UK-based publication.

That figure makes the international giant more than twice the size of HDR, whose architectural staff was listed at 1,404 globally. Aecom, Sweco, and Japan’s Nikken Sekkei were the only other companies with totals numbering over 1,000. Perkins Eastman, which has acquired three smaller firms since the beginning of 2021, ranked behind them with 832 architects.

The survey also noted firms’ reluctance to commit to downsizing efforts in spite of the assumed recession. Overall, half of...

Billings for residential work remain strong but slower times ahead, suggests AIA Home Design Trends Survey

2022-12-20T15:29:00-05:00

The American Institute of Architects has released their latest quarterly report into residential design. The AIA Home Design Trends Survey (Q4) revealed a contraction in the demand for residential design inquiries and design contracts, despite billings for residential projects continuing to increase.

Stylistically, the survey found that ‘contemporary’ home styles continue to be the most popular among clients, with 52% of architects reporting client popularity in the style increasing. Other styles or stylistic elements that saw popularity among clients included ‘front/side porches’ (38%), ‘simpler detailing on exterior’ (23%), and ‘modern farmhouse’ (19%).

Extract from AIA Home Design Trends Survey. Image credit: American Institute of Architects

The survey results also offer an insight into the most popular client requests for external elements. 62% of architects noted a demand for ‘Low maintenance/durable exteriors’ from clients, while 40% shared a client desire for higher quantity ...

AIA releases study on student debt and its impact on demographic groups within the industry

2022-12-07T12:30:00-05:00

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has released a new study examining the impact of student debt across different demographic groups in the architecture industry.

The organization used the research company Ipsos to conduct an interview survey of over 700 members who provided insights on how everything from employment to life choices was affected by the repayment of educational loans.

AIA EVP and CEO Lakisha Ann Woods said: "This data provides critical insight into how student debt is harming the profession. Through a better understanding of how debt impacts different demographic groups among our membership, this data will help us break barriers to the profession that disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Our goal is to propel all architects to new professional heights."

Among other data, the survey found:

Nearly three-quarters (73%) of all AIA membe...

New Harvard online survey asks: Can architecture be practiced remotely?

2022-11-18T12:02:00-05:00

As the global COVID-19 pandemic approaches the end of its now third calendar year, the architecture industry is once again in a state of adjustment, seeking to find that sweet spot between various available remote, hybrid, and in-person working arrangements. Continuing shifts in technological, health, and cultural standards have forced architectural practice, as well as employment models, to adapt to the post-pandemic challenges at hand.

A new research project at the Harvard Graduate School of Design is looking to study these trends within architectural practice at a time when an increasing number of firms choose to return the office.

Led by instructor Jacob Reidel under the banner of "Frameworks of Practice," the initiative aims to "understand how architects have designed new ways of practicing in direct response to crises ranging from economic collapse to structural racism to natural disaster to global pandemic."

Through a brief online survey with simple rating questions, the st...

Survey: Nearly half of industrial workers report stress on the job

2022-10-21T14:17:00-04:00

It’s probably no surprise to those who make their career in the construction industry: Many construction workers are feeling a lot of pressure. In fact, 47% of construction worker respondents to a survey by StrongArm Technologies said they are currently stressed on the job.

The report, titled the Industrial Athlete Workforce Report, by Brooklyn-based safety technology company StrongArm Technologies surveyed more than 600 workers in construction, manufacturing, and warehouse and transport industries about their jobs. Top stressors for workers included not being paid enough, difficulty recruiting new employees, and a lack of advancement opportunities.

Additionally, about a third of workers said it’s challenging to take time off for vacation, with about the same share saying their job had negative impacts on their mental and physical health. Three key actionable takeaways were listed in the report, which include the impact workplace stress has on home life, the lack of on-job training, and the need to further prioritize worker safety.

These are the ‘Best Firms to Work For’ in 2022, according to new AEC industry survey

2022-08-08T12:50:00-04:00

The Zweig Group consultancy has returned with its annual list of 'Best Firms to Work For' in the AEC industry.

Recognized companies were selected based on their “workplace practices, employee benefits, [and] employee retention rates,” among other factors. Zweig says their employees' survey accounted for 80% of the rankings.

Three firms were added to last year's list of 11. The winning firms in the Architecture category are as follows:

The winners will be honored during the 2022 Elevate AEC Conference & Awards Gala in Las Vegas from September 14–16. This year’s full list of winners in each category can be found here.

San Francisco now tops the most expensive cities to build in the world, new survey finds

2022-07-13T18:30:00-04:00

Turner and Townsend’s latest annual International Construction Market Survey names disruptions in the global supply chain, triggered in part by lockdowns in China due to COVID-19, and rising commodity costs following the invasion of Ukraine as key stress factors for construction markets worldwide.

According to the survey, the 2022 ranking is led by these cities, including four U.S. markets among the top ten:

San Francisco ($4,728.5/sqm)
Tokyo ($4,664.8/sqm)
Osaka ($4,558.5/sqm)
New York City ($4,517.3/sqm)
Geneva ($4,332.2/sqm)
Zurich ($4,285.8/sqm)
Hong Kong ($4,236.5/sqm)
Boston ($3,998.4/sqm)
Los Angeles ($3,981.8/sqm)
London ($3,909.8/sqm)

Driven by strong demand from tech corporations, a strengthening of the U.S. dollar as well as higher material and labor costs, San Francisco moved up from its third place position last year and surpassed Tokyo and Hong Kong as the priciest market for construction with an average cost of $4,728.50 per square meter ($439.29 per square foot).

Many more No...

AIA Home Design Trends Survey shows demand for larger homes remaining strong despite shortages

2022-07-01T10:00:00-04:00

The latest data from the American Institute of Architects shows a continued increase in a homebuilding trend that began in the throes of the pandemic and has not abated in the face of supply-chain shortages and several countervailing trends in the residential construction market.

According to the AIA’s newly-released Home Design Trends Survey, interest in larger homes has grown for a second consecutive year after remaining largely stagnant for a period of five.

Extract of the AIA Home Design Trends Survey. The full survey is available here.

ADUs and micro apartment designs saw slight decreases in demand but remain popular. Other trends, including aging-in-home options for seniors, saw increases as pandemic worries and a dramatic shift in working conditions caused a spike in demand for converted features like finished basements and garage spaces. The Q2 statistics also revealed a large number of blended indoor-outdoor areas being requested as well.

Extract of the AIA Home Design Tre...

More than half of UK architects have not worked on net-zero projects in the past year

2022-04-04T13:42:00-04:00

A surprising number of new British construction projects are not in line with the country’s supposedly stringent sustainability mandates, according to a new industry poll published by the product information platform NBS.

The survey revealed that just 14% of respondents worked on projects that always had pre-set sustainability goals, although a total of 69% said they had worked on projects with such guidelines at least “some of the time.” Only 4% reported working on net-zero projects exclusively.

A total of 52% of those surveyed said the main culprit was a lack of client demand. Costs and an overall dearth of government regulation were also blamed. Paradoxically, 97% of respondents said sustainability was important to them personally.

Image from the 2022 Sustainable Futures Survey, courtesy NBS.

Christian Dimbleby, chair of the Climate Action Team for a group called Architype, told AJ he found the results to be a “depressing reading,” that “illustrates quite powerfully that the indu...

New survey reveals the usage of 3D printers among American college students

2022-02-02T13:54:00-05:00

A new study published by Primary Research Group has been released examining American college students and their use of 3D printers.

The survey looks closely at how many and which students are using 3D printers at their colleges, along with how much they are using them. The report also collected students’ opinions on the value of 3D printers and how aware they are of their availability in their academic settings. The report aims to assist college and university officials to estimate the current and future level of demand for 3D printing and the source of demand. Data was collected through a representative sample of 1,076 students attending four-year colleges in the United States.

Key findings of the survey are:

46% of students majoring in engineering, mathematics, and computer science had ever used a 3D printer, the highest of any major or range of academic fields in the sample.
Older students aged 26 to 35 were much more likely than others to find a 3D printer valuable or very valu...

Survey finds AEC firms positive about growth in 2022, expect hybrid working to continue

2022-01-19T14:55:00-05:00

AEC firms are positive about industry growth in 2022 and expect to continue employing a hybrid workforce, according to a survey by Openasset. The AEC Industry Outlook Survey of 500 architecture, engineering, and construction professionals found that 78% believe their firm will experience positive growth in 2022.

46% of respondents said their firm would employ a hybrid workforce in 2022. Almost 25% expect their company to operate with a fully remote workforce, while 19% see a full return to the office for all staff. Maintaining a hybrid workforce was the largest challenge anticipated by respondents, with 54% identifying the shift as a challenge for 2022.

Other challenges highlighted by respondents included employee retention (mentioned by 42%), meeting tight deadlines (mentioned by 49%), and winning new business (mentioned by 42%).

The survey by Openasset is the latest insight into the AEC land...

New survey reveals the pandemic's mixed impact on AEC firms

2021-12-27T14:40:00-05:00

National consulting group Appleseed Strategy has released the results of their 2021 Financial & Economic Survey, a U.S. business study of AEC firms to gauge the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector.

43 individuals and 39 companies in architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and other consulting services, ranging in size from five people to over 1,000, were asked about their current situations compared to one year ago. They provided information about their current working environments and what they predict for the future.

Salary Reductions and Restored Salaries. Charts via the 2021 Financial & Economic Survey by Appleseed Strategy.

The survey reports that nearly 77% of respondents were back to pre-pandemic staffing levels, and approximately 9% were even larger than they had been in March 2020. Nearly 53% of respondents had implemented salary cuts in at least one staff category because of the pandemic. In addition, of the firms that received PPP loans or ot...

According to EIA survey results, U.S. commercial buildings are increasing and getting larger

2021-09-22T18:14:00-04:00

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) 2018 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) data is now available.

The CBECS is a national sample survey that collects information on the stock of U.S. commercial buildings, including their energy-related building characteristics and energy usage data. It defines commercial buildings as those in which at least half of the floorspace is used for a purpose that is not residential, industrial, or agricultural.

The survey provides building characteristics information for the estimated 5.9 million commercial buildings in the United States in 2018. The data includes the number of buildings and amounts of floorspace by characteristics including geographic region, building activity, size and age, employment and occupancy, energy sources used, and energy-related equipment.

According to the survey, the number of U.S. commercial buildings grew 6% from 2012 to 2018, and the total floorspace of commercial buildings increased ...

AIA survey shows impact of pandemic and climate on client design requests

2021-09-21T12:59:00-04:00

The AIA has released the latest edition of its Home Design Trends Survey, covering the category of “home features.” The report found that quarantines, working from home, and climate change are among the factors contributing to changing home design trends. Among the key findings from the report were an uptick in demand for outdoor living space, multiple home offices, and exercise space, and features such as solar panels, backup power generators, and hurricane-resistant design.

The demand for outdoor living spaces continues to grow, with a 70% increase in popularity compared to 2020. Home office popularity increased 69%, while a demand for multiple offices or spaces for virtual meetings increased 48%. There was also a 39% increase in demand for exercise rooms/yoga spaces. Over half of respondents noted either outdoor living spaces or home offices as being the most popular special function room demanded by clients.

Extract from the AIA Home Design Trends Survey.

The report shows a not...

Zweig Group announces list of best firms to work for in 2021

2021-08-20T17:39:00-04:00

AEC management consulting firm Zweig Group recently announced the winners of its 2021 Best Firms To Work For Awards. The program is one of six hosted by the company that together focus on architecture, engineering, planning, and environmental consulting firm achievement.

The Best Firms To Work For Awards recognizes excellent workplaces at AEC firms, evaluating them on culture, workplace practices, employee benefits, employee retention rates, professional development, and other qualities, from both management and staff perspectives. Awards were given in multiple categories based on firm size and discipline.

"This is more than a contest, it is a powerful look at what the employee experience looks like in today’s AEC firm," said Zweig Group CEO Chad Clinehens. "Firms can use this ranking and the data it yields as a powerful tool in the recruitment and retention of staff, which is the number one challenge for many AEC firms." He added: "The 2021 winners have a lot to be proud of, and ...

San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles among the ten most expensive cities to build in the world, according to new survey

2021-08-03T19:38:00-04:00

Tokyo ranks as the most expensive city to build in the world, driven by the extensive pipeline of real estate and infrastructure projects pushing up demand for construction resources, according to the report. Following Tokyo are Hong Kong, San Francisco and New York. Boston and Los Angeles rank seventh and ninth, respectively, as both of these markets generally have high labor costs for construction.

According to Turner and Townsend’s 2021 International Construction Market Survey, the top 10 most expensive cities to build, in order, are:

Tokyo
Hong Kong
San Francisco
New York City
Geneva
Zurich
Boston
London
Los Angeles
Macau

With increased activity levels in construction markets in 2021 as the world recovers from the covid-19 pandemic, supply chain constraints are increasing and skill shortages are worsening, resulting in substantial construction cost inflation, as detailed by Turner and Townsend. International border closures have impacted the availability of imported labor, which has been detrimental to construction markets that depend on migrant workers.

Previously on Archinect: According to ABC chief economist, construction industry is rebounding despite high prices and lack of skilled labor

In addition, more than a third of respondents to the survey said the pandemic has had a high or significant impact on their supply chains. This is evident in increased material costs, such as st...

New national study reveals post-Covid campus facility trends

2021-08-03T17:52:00-04:00

In a new national study conducted by the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) and Buro Happold’s higher education consulting group, brightspot, a series of notable findings reveal the major impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on how universities and colleges are planning for new facilities.

Called the Campus Facilities Inventory (CFI), the survey is used to provide facilities benchmarking data to colleges and universities in order to better inform their planning efforts. It asks institutions to provide space data as categorized by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and Facilities Inventory and Classification Manual (FICM). It was last undertaken in 2007. In the 2021 edition, a group survey of 88 higher-education institutions across the U.S. was conducted, gathering data on their buildings, as well as recent and planned changes to their facilities. The research also details changes over the last year and plans for the next three years.

Map of institu...

AEC proposal activity continues to grow rapidly in second quarter of 2021 according to the PSMJ Quarterly Market Survey

2021-07-09T17:19:00-04:00

According to the Professional Services Management Journal (PSMJ) Resources’ Quarterly Market Survey, proposal activity for AEC firms continued to grow at a rapid pace in quarter two of 2021.

The survey’s net plus/minus index (NPMI) was 52% for overall proposal activity, which was the highest in any second quarter in the 18-year history of the survey and the 5th highest of all time for any quarter. The NPMI expresses the difference between the percentage of firms reporting an increase in proposal activity and those reporting a decrease. In addition, revenue and backlog indicators were also at record-high rates in the survey of PSMJ member firms.

The PSMJ Quarterly Market Forecast of proposal activity NPMI from third quarter 2003 to second quarter 2021. Image: PSMJ

“The increase in A/E industry revenues that began in Q1 of this year has accelerated significantly in Q2, as has the increase in backlog,” said PSMJ Senior Principal David Burstein, PE, AECPM. “Looking to the future, propo...

Demand for larger homes increased for first time in 5 years, says AIA survey

2021-06-29T11:16:00-04:00

Client interest in larger homes has increased over the past 12 months for the first time in five years, according to the newly published Home Design Trends Survey carried out by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The survey results, free to view here, also note a sharp rise in demand for rental units and accessory dwelling units (independent dwellings located on the same lot as an existing dwelling).

Other notable trends include a significant increase in demand for the finishing of unfinished spaces such as basements, attics, and garages, and a dramatic increase in the popularity of outbuildings such as sheds, barns, and pool houses.

Extract of the AIA Home Design Trends Survey. The full survey is available here.

The number of respondents noting an increase in the square footage of housing projects rose 27% from 2020, with particular emphasis on custom/luxury/upper-end homes and additions/remodels. Meanwhile the popularity of rental units and accessory dwellings rose 20...

Survey discovers few architecture firms seem to care what users think of their buildings

2020-07-22T11:41:00-04:00

The 2020 AJ100 survey found that post-occupancy evaluation is ‘always’ done by just 4 percent of AJ100 practices and ‘frequently’ done by 22 percent, while a quarter of firms never do so and around half (48 percent) only seek to evaluate the performance of their projects ‘occasionally’.

Philip Watson, director at HLM Architects, reflected on the survey, writing, "Too often it seems, architects want to design a building, take pictures prior to its occupation – without the messy inconvenience of having people and their clutter in them – and move on to the next project." Post occupancy evaluations allow architects to understand the implications of their design to the user. This, Watson argues, would be a powerful way to utilize an evidence-based approach to understand the value of design, which in turn could aid architects in communicating that value to clients.

To address the issue, RIBA and the University of Reading have recently launched the Social Value Toolkit for Architecture to help the profession understand the social impacts of design.

Have you been laid off? Furloughed? Cut back in pay or hours? Tell us in this 2-minute questionnaire

2020-04-09T14:21:00-04:00

As COVID-19 related news floods the media, its effects on world health and the economy have left many feeling shaken. With the influx of information and resources out there, it may be challenging to sift through content that can provide a bit of reassurance and hope.

Here at Archinect, our team has been working to continuously report on the pandemic's impact within the architecture community. From construction updates, interviews with firm leaders, professional practice tips, and employment news, our office values the input from our community.

As we continue to stay informed, we want to hear from you. Stories of pay cuts, layoffs, and furloughs have left people worried. However, we want to provide our community with a platform to share. To provide the best and most accurate form of coverage, we're hoping you can share your experiences with us by participating in our latest Architecture Employment Survey. This enables us to gather and use the latest data from practicing professional...

2020 "most admired" architecture schools according to DesignIntelligence

2019-10-03T09:53:00-04:00

We also survey students, and this year two unexpected results stood out from the 4,000-plus responses we received. First was the 5 percent drop in architecture undergraduate students wishing to go on to graduate school. [...] The second standout was the answer to the following question: “If there were no barriers, what firm would you want to work for?” The No. 1 response overall was to be self-employed.

The DesignIntelligence 2020 architecture school rankings are out! The annual design industry survey asks hiring professionals two basic questions:

"What schools do you most admire for a combination of faculty, programs, culture, and student preparation for the profession?”
“From which schools have you hired the greatest number of (undergraduate or graduate) students in the last five years?”

The responses record the degree to which students have the ability to hit the ground running in their new jobs following graduation, among other factors. The survey, according to DesignIntelligence, assesses how recent graduates perform according to 12 skill areas encompassing knowledge of how buildings come together, communication and decision-making abilities, and digital technology skills. Using the accumulated responses, the organization tabulates top 10 rankings for both graduate and undergraduate programs, shown below.

The Top 10 Most Admired Architecture Undergraduate Programs

1. Cornell Un...

What Ikea is trying to tell us about 21st century living

2018-10-18T15:11:00-04:00

Two years ago, the company asked thousands of people about where they felt “most at home.” At the time, 20% of subjects said it wasn’t the space in which they lived. Two years later, they asked again, and found the number has risen by 15% among people who live in cities. In other words, 35% of people who live in cities don’t feel at home in their house or apartment.

Ikea, the largest furniture company in the world, may know a thing or two when it comes to styling a home. However, what many Ikea consumers may not know is that alongside its holding company INGKA Holding a yearly research report is conducted studying and identifying how people live. Since 2014, the "Life at Home" report consisted of data associated with kitchen routines, morning regiments, and overall interaction within living spaces. However, both companies decided to shift from their typical report guidelines and take a more reflective, existential approach.

Instead of focusing on relationships between consumers and products, the yearly report focused on topics such as belonging, loneliness, and what it's like living in a large city. The report indicated that in order for individuals to feel "at home", these five emotional needs must be met: privacy, security, comfort, ownership, belonging. After surveying over 22,000 people living in 2...

2018 top 10 architecture schools according to DesignIntelligence's new survey questions

2018-09-05T13:18:00-04:00

Each year for the past 19 years, DesignIntelligence has conducted the same survey across the design industry regarding architecture-school rankings. The number of valid responses from hiring managers of architecture and design-professional firms typically range between 2,600 and 3,200, year over year. But this year was markedly different: we had more than 4,500 valid responses, which may reflect the urgency of improving architectural education.

DesignIntelligence has been conducting a yearly design industry survey to rank architecture undergraduate and graduate programs for the past 19 years. For this year's ranking DI has changed their primary question of “Which programs are best preparing students for a future in the profession?” to asking two different questions:

"What schools do you most admire for a combination of faculty, programs, culture, and student preparation for the profession?”
“From which schools have you hired the greatest number of (undergraduate or graduate) students in the last five years?”

Through asking these two questions in the design industry DesignIntelligence has ranked the following schools in the top 10 for 2018.

The Top 10 Architecture Undergraduate Programs

1 Cornell University
2 Rice University
3 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (SLO)
4 Syracuse University
5 Cooper Union
6 Rhode Island School of Design
7 Pratt Institute
8 Virginia Tech
9 Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
10 University of...