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%).

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 and sizes of windows, as well as metal finishes to cladding. Meanwhile, 34% of architects reported a client demand for fire-resistive design in exterior materials.

At a neighborhood level, the survey found that ‘tear-downs’ continued to be among the most popular client requests, with 59% of architects reporting the trend. Services related to ‘infill development’ were also noted by 59% of architects, while ‘higher-density development’ was mentioned by 45%. Other styles reporting popularity at a neighborhood/community level included ‘mixed-use facilities within developments’ (45%), ‘multi-generational housing’ (44%), and ‘access to public transportation’ (40%).

Throughout the third quarter of 2022, project billings remained in positive territory at 51.4 points. In the AIA’s model, a score of 50 signifies no seasonally-adjusted change from the previous quarter, while a score above or below 50 signifies positive or negative growth respectively. Design inquiries for homes showed marginal negative growth at 48.6, while design contracts declined to a score of 43.6.

All four regions of the United States (Northeast, Midwest, South, and West) showed lower point scores for the third quarter versus the previous quarter; though firms in the Midwest and South continued to report healthy billings above 50 points. Meanwhile, all housing sectors reported declines in growth, including a collapse in the growth of first-time buyer/affordable homes. Remodeling projects continue to show the most promising signs of growth, with between 35% and 37% of architects reporting popularity in the sector.

The latest survey by the AIA comes in the same month that the institute released a separate study on student debt and its impact on demographic groups within the profession. In November, meanwhile, the AIA issued a guide to addressing issues in architectural education, while October saw the institute offer an update on the progress of AIA 2030 signatories in reducing energy use in buildings.