At its most basic, architecture is a discipline focused on shelter, but constant societal change requires us to interrogate what architecture means in our current context. We spoke with nine renowned architects from firms across the United States about how trends impact their work and what their clients are requesting, and we asked them to hypothesize about how modern styles might continue to evolve in the future.
In our interviews, many architects suggested that clients are more informed now than they used to be, and that despite the trends disseminated across various social media platforms, people are craving highly personalized spaces that emphasize quality over universal appeal. Because technology empowers people to work and communicate constantly, architects are creating spaces for inhabitants to unwind and unplug, and connect with nature rather than a screen. Access to the outdoors and sustainability are important design priorities, and architects are using technology, salvaged objects, and food gardens to craft homes that reduce waste and contribute to an overall healthy home. Click through the slideshow to read what top architects are thinking about the present and future of contemporary design.
After working in San Francisco at various studios, Luke and Ani Wade launched their own practice called Wade Design Architects. Ani Wade brings a sharp clarity and sense of organization to the firm’s projects, which often tend toward a clean, California farmhouse style.
"One thing we are seeing (and wish there was more of) is a trend towards architecture that is older or made of older, reused structures. More and more clients are purchasing homes that have some history to them, that have inherent qualities that cannot be replicated. They're asking us to restore or modify the existing structures to suit their needs. People are really looking for a sense of history and depth in their homes, instead of just wanting something shiny and new. Very currently, our clients are asking for buildability. There is also a desire for structures that have permanence and feel protective, but which maintain a strong connection to the outdoors. Much of our work is in California’s Wine Country, or otherwise located in ‘wildland interface’ areas. These are areas that have a strong relation to nature and the great outdoors, and which sadly have been affected by fires in the last few years. People are really feeling the effect of the fires, but they are not running away from nature — there is a strong longing to be close to it, yet to stay safe and feel protected.
"I wish I had a crystal ball so that I could see clients’ desires in the future. But my guess is, things are not going to change drastically moving forward. There are inherent qualities about good design and architecture that people will always be drawn to: natural light that is balanced and doesn't make you feel like you are indoors, an ease of flow from space to space, a desire to be held and protected, and a connection to natural materials in our homes and in the objects we interact with daily."
Suzanna Scott Photography-Lauren Geremia Interior Design
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