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
Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects
New York design studio Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects focuses on projects in the Hamptons and along the eastern American coast. Michael Lomont, partner at the firm, previously worked for an architecture company that specialized in churches and religious spaces, and he brings a modern, sustainable vision to his projects.
"In our work, we see clients asking for thoughtful, sometimes unconventional, and sustainable buildings — and they’re not so hung up on size, style, or preconceived architectural notions. We really enjoy the challenge of coming up with unique solutions on all of our projects, whether small, large, residential, or commercial. It seems that as real estate in seasonal locations has gotten much more expensive, clients are now asking for houses that can accommodate grown children and sometimes grandchildren. Well-designed spaces should be able to expand and contract depending on the number of occupants, while maintaining a high level of comfort, functionality and architectural merit. As the ability to work remotely has gotten much easier and more acceptable within many industries, we are seeing clients wanting to build highly custom houses in historically seasonal locations, which enable them to spend more time with their families doing whatever it is they love to do."
Gonzalez-Abreu | Alas Architects (GAA)
New York design studio GAA in Coral Gables, Florida, is an award-winning firm that specializes in both architecture and interior design. Working with the firm's other partner (her husband), Ana Maria Alas has honed a grand, colonial style that's also distinctly modern.
"We keep on seeing more green buildings evolving throughout Miami, which is experiencing a growing construction boom, and our residential clients are stressing fitness, comfort, and beauty as important components of body and mind health. Clients are prioritizing exercise in the comfort and convenience of their own homes, and these rooms deserve the attention to detail previously given to public rooms such as a kitchen. There is also a renaissance in creative bathroom design, where clients want to 'unplug.' It seems as if our tech-addicted society is finally realizing that you have to indulge in personal luxuries for your personal wellbeing ."
"The motivation for an overall project is slowly moving away from budget and functionality, and incorporating a client's overall health. We are now living in a global age and experiencing a rise in social media, and even though it is now easier than ever to get inspiration from furniture and accessory websites that promise to deliver 'the look," our clients are also recognizing and valuing the need of design services. This new attitude will keep influencing design trends and pose new challenges, which GAA will be excited to interpret and translate into the built environment."
Scott Glass is a principal at Guerin Glass Architects. With offices in Brooklyn, New York and Honolulu, Hawaii, Guerin Glass Architects works showcase the environments that surround their projects.
"We're pretty focused on what we've always done -- create site-specific work that embraces the local cultural and physical context in a sustainable manner. We're excited that this has become (almost) normal throughout the industry. Our clients are asking for authentic experiences in architecture, design, and planning that amplify the inherent qualities of a place, and timelessness. Things seem to have become more focused on quality of experience and have becomes less trend-based, which is great, as the idea that food, physical activity, and a sense of connectedness are essential components of an experience. In terms of the future, I wish I knew what clients will want! We have seen our projects get even more luxurious. I expect this to continue, but in a more bespoke fashion -- how can we make buildings that open up opportunities for more personal experiences?"
