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Popularity contest

According to the report, remodeling was the biggest source of business for architects during the second quarter, with additions and alterations and kitchen/bath projects leading the way.

The tastes of Americans continued to evolve, changing the popularity of specific home features. Residences are getting less formal and the Institute reported a marked decline in the kind of upscale entryways and foyers that had been much in demand in years past.

Less popular too, despite growing auto ownership nationwide are giant garages with bays for three or more cars.

Home offices led the list of amenities that have grown in popularity. The difference between the percentage of architects reporting increased demand for this kind of room minus those reporting decreased demand came to 47 percentage points.

Hobby/game rooms (30 percent difference); mud rooms (26 percent); and media rooms (24 percent) also showed increased popularity.

Another major home feature more Americans want is living space dedicated to other household members; 38 percent of architects cited increased demand for this feature with about 15 percent cited lower demand.

More and more, entire wings or suites, including separate kitchens and baths, are being incorporated in home design or added to existing houses. These may be used by aging parents or live-in child-care workers.