From reconnecting with nature to the practice of “emotional design,” 2025 will see some unique trends in architecture.
The outlook for activity among architectural and design firms was positive in the last quarter of 2024, “driven by anticipated economic growth, declining interest rates and larger project budgets,” noted Marine Sargsyan, a staff economist at Houzz, a home design website.
Newsweek spoke to design experts who revealed the architectural trends to look out for in the new year.
High-Density Housing
Dan Kaplan, a senior partner at FXCollaborative who is the New York-based architect behind New York City’s Statue of Liberty Museum and 1 Willoughby Square, said urban planners and developers are embracing “very high-density, large-scale housing projects” to tackle housing shortages.
These developments prioritize affordability, accessibility and integration with public transit, with thoughtful design and policy frameworks making this trend “a cornerstone of urban development,” Kaplan told Newsweek.
Remodeling and Repurposing
Kaplan also said the coming year will bring tall building renovations and repositioning. A growing emphasis on sustainability and adaptability means cities opt for tall building renovations to “optimize existing infrastructure for modern needs,” he said.
“From retrofitting for energy efficiency to repurposing spaces for mixed use, these projects breathe new life into urban skylines while aligning with climate goals,” Kaplan said.
Ignacio Rodriguez, the founder/CEO and lead architect at IR Architects in Los Angeles, echoed this sentiment. He told Newsweek that “the current trend is toward remodeling rather than ground-up new construction” because of higher construction costs and longer project schedules.
Rodriguez said this year will bring “a stronger shift into transitional architecture styles as we’re having to work with the existing bones of the structures.”
Reconnection With Nature
Ralph Choeff, the founding principal architect of Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design in Miami, told Newsweek that “people are increasingly seeking to reconnect with nature” and that 2025 will see an emphasis on the integration of sustainability in modern design.
“There is a growing focus on incorporating natural light and ventilation wherever possible,” he said. “Views are emphasized, which, again, follow the theme of reconnecting with nature and the outdoors. Functionable open plans continue to be popular because they foster family interaction and connection.”
Kevin Deabler, the co-founder and principal architect of Boston-based RODE Architects, said there will be “a growing demand for resilient, sustainable and healthy homes” in 2025, given the past year’s historic weather events.
“Designers are focusing not just on surviving these events,” he said, “but also for the need for health and well-being within our homes and commercial spaces.”
People can be connected back to “nature’s healing power” via “thermal comfort, acoustically tuned, daylit and biophilic [using natural elements] design,” he told Newsweek.
‘Emotional Design’
The practice of “emotional design” will be a primaryconsideration in 2025, according to Christine Marvin, the chief marketing and experience officer at Marvin, a century-old manufacturer of premium windows and doors. She has worked closely with architects and interior designers for nearly two decades.
“This year, we will see a spike in awareness and consideration of emotional design practices,” Marvin told Newsweek.
As homes serve as an increasingly important place of respite, homeowners are often approaching designers with “the emotional goals for their spaces,” from “quiet and soothing to energizing and motivating and everything in between,” she said.
For example, architects and other designers are paying attention to how a home invites natural light in every room differently throughout the day and how natural material choices, such as raw wood, can create a biophilic connection.
“At home, well-executed emotional design clearly reflects the essence and personality of a homeowner. And in public spaces, it curates an intentional experience to genuinely connect with occupants on a deeper level,” Marvin said.
Curves and Softer Looks
This year will see softer, curvier and more harmonious architectural elements in building design.
Bree Steele, an interior designer at RJ Living, told Newsweek that “architectural designs that incorporate flowing, curved elements will be huge in 2025.”
Think arched doorways, rounded walls and sculptural forms, which help create a sense of movement and softness. “These shapes feel harmonious and natural, which resonates with the growing desire for spaces that promote wellness and relaxation,” Steele said.
Alexander Zilberman, the principal architect at Alexander Zilberman Architecture, told Newsweek that the new year will see the rise of “free-forming” design, with new technology allowing ceiling and walls to have “bespoke curved forms instead of just flat sheets and planes.”
We’ll also see more millwork panels and faces with filleted and rounded corners for a softened look in 2025, Zilberman said, with a focus on the “refinement of transition between materials and around surfaces and geometric planes.”
Rodriguez also said that “lighter color palettes continue to be requested” by clients, but “there’s a stronger push for contrasting elements throughout the homes.”
‘Aging in Place’
New York–based architect Eric J. Smith told Newsweek that “aging in place” will be a big trend in residential architecture this year with the integration of elevators.
“From a functional standpoint, our clients are becoming much more interested in being able to stay in their homes as they age,” Smith explained.
He said that “for those in an apartment, the single-floor lifestyle is very desirable.” But for those living in a house, “we are designing new homes as well as retrofitting existing houses to include an elevator.”
Smith said the cost of incorporating an elevator in the home has come down, “making this an extremely worthwhile investment.”
Blend of Indoor, Outdoor Living
Spaces blending indoor and outdoor living is expected to be remain popular this year.
“Blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces will continue to trend, and I can only see it getting bigger this year,” Steele said.
She added that “floor-to-ceiling windows, seamless transitions to patios and integrated landscaping bring nature into the home in a way that feels restorative and modern.”
Interior designer Meghann Van Dorn, associate and director of interior design at the Architectural Team, said one of the most significant new shifts has been toward flexible, multi-use outdoor amenity spaces.
Van Dorn told Newsweek “The focus on indoor-outdoor connection—with folding walls or double-sided fireplaces, for instance—has grown to become an industry norm.”
The incorporation of outdoor gym and fitness spaces, as well as outdoor lounge areas that double as work-from-home spaces, has gained traction for a while and is expected to continue this year.
“These flexible zones have been important for several years now, but as residents continue to work at least part of the time from their homes, the design solutions are increasingly sophisticated, with a more creative and adaptable approach to furnishings, tech integration, landscaping and privacy,” Van Dorn said.
‘Smart’ and ‘Human-Centric’ Design
Tyler Kobick, the principal architect and CEO of the Design Draw Build firm, told Newsweek that “the building industry will continue seeing a rapid shift towards smart home integration and integrated project delivery teams in 2025.”
Kobick said new smart home technologies are competing to stay ahead of the curve while project management systems and building information modeling are helping to consolidate design and “build teams for single source project delivery.”
Beyond artificial intelligence, Kaplan said this year will see a shift toward “grounded, impactful design strategies that prioritize human-centric and community-focused approaches over speculative technology.” He highlighted the importance of “tangible, measurable progress in urban development.”
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