Trends Shaping Architecture Practice

The next 5 years will redefine what it means to be an architect... The profession is splitting. Not between big firms and small ones. Not between commercial and residential. But between two mindsets: - Architects who value tradition. - And architects who desire change. The traditionalists are clinging to old models: - Hourly billing. - Selling drawings. - Hoping good design speaks for itself. But the changemakers are asking better questions: - How do I become a strategic partner, not just a service provider? - How do I make the process easier, not just prettier? - How do I build a business that doesn’t solely rely on word-of-mouth and luck? And here’s where I think things are headed: 01 // Design will matter less. Decision-making will matter more. The rise of AI tools, render farms, prefab solutions, and design templates means aesthetics are more commoditized than ever. What clients *really* want is decision-making support. Clear steps. Fewer regrets. Architects who master *guidance*, not just design, will lead. 02 // Architects will ditch legacy pricing models. Hourly fees and percentage-based pricing will start to fade. In their place: flat fees. Strategy retainers. Outcome-based pricing. Subscription services. Simpler, clearer, aligned. 03 // Architects will become content creators (whether they like it or not). Not to go viral. But to build trust *before* the sales call. A clear LinkedIn post. A valuable PDF. A five-minute YouTube walkthrough. These assets compound…and the best firms will attract dream clients before ever saying a word. 04 // Small firms with clear positioning will eat market share. The generalist model is dying. Instead, “the go-to for modern lake homes in the Midwest” or “the expert in ADUs in California” will win. Simplicity beats indulgence. Clarity beats credentials. 05 // Fast-growing firms won’t sell design. Clients will pay more for someone who makes them feel confident than someone who won a design award 10 years ago. Real human connection, reliable systems, a pile of social proof…is a winning strategy. It’s all pretty damn exciting. The next 5 years are wide open for architects.

Four promising trends driving design innovation now Commercial real estate is entering a new era—one shaped by technology, sustainability, and evolving expectations about how and where we work. This moment offers an opportunity to reimagine the built environment, aligning innovation with human-centric design.  More than ever, it's important to create spaces that blend experience, flexibility, and tech integration—while also enhancing wellbeing and fostering connection. Pure aesthetics won’t cut it anymore. Trend #1: Designing for a ‘street to seat’ experience  This strategy prioritizes seamless transitions—from city streets to workstations, retail, and entertainment—by incorporating high-quality shared amenities, end-of-commute facilities, and curated retail and dining experiences. In workplaces, this translates to smarter booking systems, distinctive space designs, and tailored perks that make offices more inviting.   Trend #2: Reimagining spaces for social connection and community  After years of fluctuating office attendance, our research shows that the top reasons people return to the office are social connection and office culture. Well-designed spaces that foster collaboration and belonging are becoming a must-have in both workplaces and neighborhoods.  That’s why forward-looking organizations are working with psychologists and social scientists to design environments that promote authentic interactions—from shared dining experiences to immersive event spaces. This approach offers a competitive edge in a market where connection-driven spaces stand out. Trend #3: Unlocking value through adaptive reuse and retrofitting  With growing sustainability demands, clients are investing in adaptive re-use and retrofitting to meet environmental and social needs. In 2025, we’re seeing more focus on energy efficiency, wellness features, and aligning branding with sustainability goals.  The shift reflects changing employee and consumer expectations. JLL research shows 60% of employers plan to increase investment in building refurbishments and sustainability over the next five years. Properties embracing urban regeneration, circular design, and green spaces will command premium market positions as they increase visibility around their eco-credentials. Trend #4: Embracing AI tools for science-led design  From generative AI shaping architectural concepts to neuroscience-driven workplace optimization, its impact is accelerating—and many organizations are exploring how to apply it effectively. Emerging fields like neuro-architecture are showing how AI can combine psychology, biomedicine, and environmental science to optimize spaces for wellbeing and productivity.    Together, by combining research-driven insights, people-centric strategies, and cutting-edge technology, we're helping our clients create spaces that don’t just keep up with change—they set the standard for what’s next. 

If you think where you come from determines where you can go — think again. (Sorry Mercedes Carriquiry, IA. AIA - possibly the worst photo of us ever 😅 ... but definitely the best feeling ever.) Two Latin American women. Matching Harvard hoodies. Giving a lecture at Harvard University Graduate School of Design. On what? The future of architecture practice. Not just where it’s going — but how we get there. We were there because of vision, grit, and a radically different way of thinking. Here’s what we shared: 🔁 1. Think in systems, systems and more systems. You don’t scale with more effort — you scale with better systems. We treat our practice like a living organism. Always learning. Always optimizing. → Map your project delivery as one connected loop — from BD to feedback. → After every milestone, ask: What worked? What failed? What’s reusable? → Build teams that move together (Marketing + BIM + PMs). No more handoffs. → Use shared KPIs (quality, delivery time, client satisfaction) to align everyone around outcomes. The more integrated you are — the faster you move. ⚙️ 2. Innovation starts with constraints. Some of our boldest ideas were born from tight budgets and tighter timelines. → Run “constraint sprints” with your teams — give them real limits, then challenge the process. → Use tech as an enabler: AI clash detection, template libraries, automation. → Pair junior designers (agility) with senior leads (foresight) — and watch the sparks fly. Innovation doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. It emerges when there’s no other choice. 🚀 3. Not roles - but evolution of people. Static org charts = static growth. We treat roles like prototypes — always evolving. → Review and refine roles quarterly — don’t let them get stale. → Build a loop: feedback > stretch assignments > mentorship > feedback. → Ditch top-down reviews. Use project-based impact and peer insights. → Design career paths like user journeys: What problem do they solve? Where are they headed? The most adaptive firms build high performers. --- The future of architecture? It’s not about what we design. It’s about the systems we build — and the people we grow. So if you're a founder, a leader, or just someone rethinking how we practice… Let's talk. Not about where you came from — But about how you're thinking differently. /////////////////////////////////////////////////// 👋🏻 I’m Andy! ♻️ Repost if this resonates. 💬 DM me if you’re building a firm that leads with heart and vision. Let’s create the future of architecture — together. 🧡✨