Ahead of their upcoming 2020 International Builders’ Show panel, "What's Next in Single Family Architecture," Cassie Cherry and John Danielian of Irvine, Calif.–based Danielian Associates Architects + Planners spoke with BUILDER about top characteristics, most-wanted features, and incoming and outgoing trends. Check out their insight below.
What are some top characteristics being incorporated in today’s production homes?
With affordability being so important in many market segments, open floor plans that feel spacious while weaving in flexible, customizable spaces is key. Indoor-outdoor living elements throughout the home are here to stay. Above all else today’s home buyers are all about ‘the experience’, and the architectural design and features throughout the home will reflect that.
How will new homes in 2020 differ from the ones before them?
The old adage ‘less is more’ is coming into play. Rethinking the home and homeowner relationship, right-sizing floor plans, creating opportunities for personalization, flexible/multipurpose spaces, and working hand in hand with your interior design team to seamlessly integrate the architectural design with the interior design of the home. Pricing challenges have forced us to look at all aspects of design with our builder clients, but the end results have yielded great products.
What trends are starting to fade and which are coming into the picture?
The growing trend of modern design aesthetics and minimalism has certainly been on the upswing for many years now, particularly in California. I think we are going to see that slowly begin to fade and return to a comfortable level of contemporary, along with more traditional style elements. Stark whites and cool grays are gone in favor of warmer colors and cozier interiors. Rethinking interior spaces and, with single-family homes, the relationship to the lot and surrounding neighborhood offer opportunities to stand apart from existing housing stock and provide the heightened living experience that buyers are looking for at competitive price points.
What are most-wanted home features for millennials? Active adults?
While there is cross-over in these market segments, there is one big differentiator—price. Right-sized, customizable spaces; a good location; a low-maintenance lifestyle; and pet-friendly places appeal to both markets, but the No. 1 purchase factor for millennials is price while active adult buyers require a heightened sense of luxury. The bones of these products may be similar, but builders should note the features, finishes, and upgrade options are different for these two buyer profiles.
The conversation will continue in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC - South 221) on Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 4:15 – 5:15 PM.
