The results of a fourth-quarter 2024 Home Design Trends survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) may be surprising, but it appears to reflect changing conditions and values in American life. Eschewing contemporary housing styles, today’s buyers are looking for smaller homes with simpler exterior features.

AIA surveys are conducted quarterly, gathering input from hundreds of architecture firms about current project data and emerging trends in residential design, as well as the key features owners and buyers want—and purchase.

What they reported in the fourth quarter 2024 was that 36% of home buyers want smaller, custom homes—up from 22% the previous year. Thirty-five percent of them also want simpler exterior detailing (up from 29%) and 31% want fewer or simpler materials (up from 22%).

Other things home buyers want include:

• Higher-density development (55%)
• Multigenerational housing (55%)
• Walkable neighborhoods (46%)
• Mixed-use facilities within developments (37%)
• Access to public transit, including buses, walking paths and bike lanes (31%)

All these percentages increased over the previous quarter. Kermit Baker, chief economist for AIA, believes it’s related to the increasing problem of housing affordability. This drives demand for smaller, simpler homes with greater density and access to public transit.

“Whether nestled in bustling cities or quieter suburbs, people increasingly seek communities that seamlessly combine convenient public transit access, walkable streets, proximity to employment hubs, vibrant retail options and generous open spaces—all fostering a well-connected and enriched lifestyle,” Baker said. Ultimately, he said this increasing preference for urban infill locations over far-flung exurbs continues to reshape our neighborhoods.