We just finished work on an excellent article on "8 Trends Shaping Today's Senior Housing," which you'll see in the January 2013 issue.
It occurred to me that, while not all AEC firms "do" senior housing, there were at least 6 valuable lessons embedded in that article that really apply to virtually all building projects and all AEC firms:
1. How closely is your firm following changing demographic trends—age, race, ethnicity, language, gender, mobility—that could be impacting the geographical markets and building types you specialize in?
2. Should your firm be conducting its own research (online surveys, focus groups, individual interviews, etc.) to gain insight on end-user/occupant attitudes and needs—proprietary data you can take to current and prospective clients?
3. What additional services or components—preferably those that would produce additional revenue for your clients—should you be incorporating into your specialty building type? Could your next library include a café—or even an adjacent brick-and-mortar bookstore?
4. What are the “negative perceptions” about your firm’s preferred building types, and how can you overcome them? If these negatives result in neighborhood opposition to your projects, what strategies can you develop to gain the community’s support?
5. In early design, is your Building Team taking into account the long-term operations and maintenance of the building? What about the ongoing service needs of its occupants, visitors, other end users?
6. Which marketing-related factors are truly crucial to your firm’s success in its specialty markets? Client service? Professional reputation? Performance record? Sustainability leadership? How do you know these factors still hold true
Let me know what I've missed. Send your comments to rcassidy@sgcmail.com or respond below.
More from Author
Rob Cassidy | Mar 30, 2020
Your turn: Has COVID-19 spelled the death knell for open-plan offices?
COVID-19 has designers worrying if open-plan offices are safe for workers.
Rob Cassidy | Mar 25, 2020
Coronavirus pandemic's impact on U.S. construction, notably the multifamily sector - 04-30-20 update
Coronavirus pandemic's impact on U.S. construction, notably the multifamily sector - 04-30-20 update
Rob Cassidy | Nov 20, 2019
Word of the Year: "climate emergency," says the Oxford English Dictionary
The Oxford Word of the Year 2019 is climate emergency.
Rob Cassidy | Nov 8, 2019
The Peloton Wars, Part III - More alternatives for apartment building owners
ProForm Studio Bike Pro review.
Rob Cassidy | Nov 1, 2019
Do car-free downtown zones work? Oslo, yes; Chicago, no
Two recent reports (October 2019) explore whether car-free downtowns really work, based on experience in Oslo, Norway, and Chicago.
Rob Cassidy | Oct 9, 2019
Multifamily developers vs. Peloton: Round 2... Fight!
Readers and experts offer alternatives to Peloton bicycles for their apartment and condo projects.
Rob Cassidy | Sep 4, 2019
Peloton to multifamily communities: Drop dead
Peloton will no longer sell its bikes to apartment communities.
