The American Institute of Architects conducts a quarterly Home Design Trends Survey with a panel of 500 architecture firms that concentrate their practice in the residential sector. For the third quarter of 2008, AIA’s survey found that proximity to public transportation, rather than privacy, has become a major consideration of consumers, as consumer preferences drift away from remote areas and towards "infill" sites that are closer to public transport, entertainment options, notable schools and other resources. The survey, which focused on community and neighborhood design, also noted that consumers are paying more attention to making sure their homes’ exteriors are constructed of durable, environmentally friendly materials than to decorating lavishly indoors.

Future AIA Home Design Trends surveys will focus on kitchen and bath trends, overall home layout and use and specialty rooms and systems.

For the full report for the third quarter of 2008, visit www.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek08/1205/1205b_hdtsq3.cfm

– Sarah Binder