Your office space, your local hospital, your kid’s preschool, and your nearest airport all share several common building materials, from carpet and drywall to ceiling tiles and textiles. The composition of these products can significantly impact whether the environment is healthy or potentially harmful for you and those who manufactured them. Building materials greatly affect the carbon footprint of a space. Instead of contributing to high levels of embodied carbon, they can be produced using methods that reduce carbon emissions, or even come from materials that sequester carbon. Additionally, at the end of their lifecycle, materials can either be discarded or incinerated, or they can be reclaimed and reintegrated into a circular economy.

The real estate industry is in a time of great uncertainty with volatile inflation and interest rates, rising construction costs, major geopolitical events, and social and economic futures that feel unpredictable. Similar to how the past several years created opportunities to fundamentally rethink how we live, work, and interact with our communities and the built environment, the current upheaval is a chance for us to continue to adapt and innovate.

The convergence of our physical and digital ecosystems continues to revolutionize our lives, reshape our behaviors, and reimagine our ability to navigate the complex beauty and challenges of life in a boundaryless world. Radical technological innovations have resulted in a fundamental mindset shift of our behaviors, needs, and desires , moving from Live, Work, Play (and Shop), to a hybrid of Live, Live, Live.

Single-use buildings are at the highest risk to market volatility. By taking a different approach and designing buildings for adaptability and sustainability, we can extend their lifespan and reduce their environmental impact — creating a “Perpetual Asset” that retains value through changing trends and market conditions.

Domestic and international travel has seen a significant resurgence over the past 18 months. Business and leisure travel is up, consumer expectations are evolving, and travel advisors and hoteliers are reaping the rewards from one of the busiest travel phenomena in several years. Call it pent up demand, “revenge travel,” or new opportunities to gather with colleagues. Whatever the reason, people are on the go despite challenging transit experiences, financial uncertainty, and soaring prices.

Today, we find ourselves at an inflection point in the hospitality industry as Generation Z comes of age. This eco-conscious generation has a strong commitment to sustainability and expects companies and brands to prioritize sustainable practices in all aspects of their business. Just look at the trends they have had a hand in moving forward: electric vehicle sales are growing, more cities are adopting dark skies protocols, and new energy codes continue to reduce electricity usage.

Hotels have long been seen as standalone entities catering primarily to travelers. However, in today’s urban environments, they are increasingly becoming integral parts of retail-driven mixed-use developments. From integrating retail as an amenity to engaging with the local community and enhancing entertainment experiences, hotels are reshaping the way people interact with other uses around them. As designers, we approach these spaces not just as places of accommodation but as dynamic contributors to a vibrant urban experience.

Throughout the past four years, we’ve seen the retail sector undergo a remarkable transformation. The pandemic shook brick-and-mortar stores as the shift to online shopping and food delivery skyrocketed. And after years of isolation upended how we gather and socialize, people were increasingly seeking the experiences they missed out on. But what was once simply post-pandemic behavior has become the new normal, and these changes are prompting retailers and landlords to reassess what they’re offering to ensure the relevance and staying power of their businesses and/or places.

While consumer shopping habits have evolved considerably over the past three years, driven by pandemic closures of brick-and-mortar stores and the increased convenience of online shopping, we are starting to see a shift in preference back to in-person experiences. This resurgence brings with it not only a new consumer experience, but an equal emphasis on a new employee experience. Brands are considering human behavior and psychology to create spaces and experiences for lasting impact and connection. Design considerations for storefronts, layout, lighting, storytelling, and function are all key components in creating an impactful experience for everyone.

Many of us take advantage of the ease and convenience of online shopping. Who doesn’t receive various deliveries of school supplies, hair products, screen protectors, or groceries at their home? Despite the growth of same-day deliveries from online retailers, other retail and hospitality brands are thriving and growing their brick-and-mortar outlets due to the visceral experience that mass e-commerce retailers simply can’t deliver in a box to your front porch.