Architects Find Work in the Kitchen

By Matthew Strozier

The housing collapse cut short plenty of elaborate home renovation projects, but a new report says Americans might be slowly returning to a long-time favorite target for redesign: the kitchen.

The American Institute of Architects most recent design-trends survey found that Americans are emphasizing the kitchen in their home projects, eager to open-up the traditionally closed-off room. They are also frequently adding computer areas and recharging stations to their cooking spaces, another sign of our relentlessly plugged-in world.

There were hints that the size of these kitchen projects is growing. Some 89% of architects reported that kitchen projects were either stable or increasing in size in the last quarter of 2011, compared with 84% in the same quarter of 2010. (Of course, the bulk reported in both years that the size was stable.)

The AIA says that its notable to see that number move up after heading in the other direction for several years. Those numbers are not startling, but there is a little movement toward it turning around, said Kermit Baker, AIAs chief economist.

But renovation is the really the only game in town for architects looking for work, the AIA survey showed. Only two construction segments were reported to be growing: additions and alterations and kitchen and bath remodeling. Other categories like condos and second homes offer little promise these days, architects reported. Unable to move-up to a new home, it seems some people are opting to renovate.

The AIA Home Design Trends Survey is done quarterly with a panel of more than 500 architecture firms that focus on the residential sector. The fourth-quarter survey dealt with kitchens and bathrooms.

Architects say its not surprising to see homeowners with renewed interest in kitchen renovations. Its not one that people struggle over since there is so much pleasure to be gained from it, said Leonard Kady, an architect in New York City.

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Architects Find Work in the Kitchen