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  • Kitchen design shifts toward defined spaces and greater functionality
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    Kitchen design shifts toward defined spaces and greater functionality

    Fully open floor plans are losing ground to kitchens with defined zones, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2027 Kitchen Trends Report. The survey of 830 designers, manufacturers, remodelers, architects and other industry professionals in the U.S. and Canada identifies ten top kitchen design trends, including emerging, enduring and fading styles. It also covers product categories from islands and cabinetry to countertops and appliances.

    Expanded pantries, cabinetry and back kitchens are helping create more organized spaces, NKBA says. Flexible transitions between open and enclosed areas let kitchens adapt as household needs change.

    Attached mudrooms top the list of functional features professionals expect to be most popular over the next three years, at 94%. Flexible spaces for home offices and kids’ study areas follow at 49%, and secure areas to leave deliveries at 37%. Among lifestyle features, 90% cited dedicated beverage areas, and pet feeding stations (64%) and eat-in kitchens (63%) were also among the most cited.

    As more homeowners choose to renovate rather than move, NKBA says, lasting quality is taking priority over short-lived trends. Bill Darcy, NKBA’s global president and CEO, said homeowners are reimagining what their kitchens can do to make everyday life easier, healthier and more enjoyable.

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  • Architecture firms generate $121.7 billion as AI adoption accelerates

    Architecture firms generate $121.7 billion as AI adoption accelerates

    U.S. architecture is a $121.7 billion business. That’s how much firms generated in gross billings in 2025, according to “The Business of Architecture 2026,” a new report from the American Institute of Architects. New construction accounted for 54% of firm revenue, and the findings draw on data from nearly 900 firms.

    Artificial intelligence has become part of the daily routine at most of them. AIA reports that 74% of firms use AI in day-to-day operations, with adoption reaching firms of all sizes. More firms are also developing formal AI strategies and workflows.

    The report puts numbers on how firms are performing, too. Firms averaged $152,000 in net billings per employee in 2025. Billings and profitability grew, though financial performance varied significantly by firm size. The mix of work is changing as well, with shifts across institutional, commercial, residential and data center projects.

    Beyond the balance sheet, the report documents gains in workforce diversity, with increases in both architecture staff and firm leaders who are women or members of racially and ethnically diverse groups. Firms are weaving resilience, climate adaptation and sustainability measures more deeply into project delivery. They are also paying closer attention to business continuity and succession planning, including ownership transition plans and written business plans.

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  • Phius awards spotlight the next generation of passive homes

    Phius awards spotlight the next generation of passive homes

    The 2026 Phius Passive Projects Design Competition is highlighting advancements in high-performance residential construction, recognizing projects that demonstrate energy efficiency, sustainability and climate resilience. This year’s honorees include the New Hope Passive House in Pennsylvania, a source-zero energy home in Michigan and a residence designed for a wildfire-prone region in Santa Rosa, California. The projects illustrate how passive building principles can be applied across different climates and housing types while maintaining architectural quality and functionality.

    The recognized projects showcase the growing integration of high-performance building envelopes, electrification, efficient mechanical systems and resilient design strategies. By prioritizing airtight construction, advanced insulation and reduced energy demand, passive building approaches can improve indoor comfort, reduce operating costs and strengthen a home’s ability to withstand environmental challenges. The competition also demonstrates how energy-efficient construction techniques can complement contemporary residential architecture without compromising design flexibility or aesthetics.

    For homebuilders, architects and construction professionals, the award-winning projects offer examples of building strategies that could influence future residential development. As energy performance requirements, climate considerations and homeowner expectations continue to evolve, the technologies and construction methods demonstrated by these projects may become increasingly relevant to mainstream homebuilding. The competition underscores the potential for passive design principles to support more efficient, durable and resilient housing across the residential construction industry.

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  • NKBA sees wellness and resilience reshaping kitchen design
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    NKBA sees wellness and resilience reshaping kitchen design

    Wellness, sustainability and resilience are emerging as key priorities in residential kitchen design, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2027 Kitchen Trends Report. The findings point to growing interest in features that support healthier indoor environments, improved safety and greater household efficiency. Ventilation systems, water filtration, leak detection, automatic shutoff valves, backup power and air filtration are increasingly influencing kitchen planning alongside traditional considerations such as cabinetry, appliances and finishes.

    The report reflects a broader shift in homeowner expectations, with kitchens evolving beyond spaces for cooking and entertaining into environments that support everyday wellness and long-term functionality. As consumers place greater emphasis on indoor air quality, water quality and home resilience, builders and designers have opportunities to incorporate these features into new construction and renovation projects. Integrated technologies and thoughtful design solutions are also helping connect kitchen performance with overall home comfort and efficiency.

    For the residential construction industry, these trends highlight the growing importance of balancing aesthetics with practical performance. As kitchen design continues to evolve, builders, architects and product manufacturers are increasingly challenged to deliver spaces that meet changing lifestyle preferences while supporting durability, safety and long-term value. The findings suggest that wellness-focused features and resilient building solutions will play an increasingly important role in shaping kitchen specifications and residential design decisions in the years ahead.

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