by Brianna Crandall — February 12, 2018 — The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has just released its 2018 Outlook and State of the Industry (OSI) report, providing a scan of essential knowledge interior designers and the interior design industry require to thrive and remain competitive in 2018 and beyond, as well as some hints as to what facilities managers (FMs) should expect to see in their buildings in the future and what sensibilities to look for in an interior designer.
The 80-page ASID OSI explores the status of the US economy as a whole and offers an in-depth look at the interior design and construction industries specifically; discusses current trends in design and their implications for the profession moving forward; and concludes with a look at the societal and technological advancements that will influence the interior design industry into the future.
Randy Fiser, Hon. FASID, CEO, ASID, remarked:
As we move into a period of steady economic growth, combined with emerging trends and rapid changes in society, the interior design profession is challenged to review its business models to be ready for what comes next. ASID provides this comprehensive look, provided by three industry-leading experts and is confident that, armed with this research, designers will be equipped to respond to the changing economic and professional landscape they face in 2018 and into the future.
The OSI traces the progress and setbacks of the US economy and construction industry since the Great Recession of 2008. Authored by Bernard M. Markstein, president and chief economist with Markstein Advisors, the study examines the effects of inflation, trade, fiscal policy, and construction on seven sectors of the design industry — commercial, residential, institutional, hospitality, retail, education, and healthcare. Markstein finds that while still recovering, the US economy is now at or near full employment, and expects moderate economic growth in 2018 and 2019. The author offers a review of the risks to the economy and expectations on the stability of the interior design industry.
Markstein stated:
The outlook for the United States economy is solid, moderate growth this year and next. Construction will hold its own while hospitality, office, and retail construction will grow more slowly. Education and healthcare facilities construction, which have lagged in recent years, will perform better, and residential construction will remain a strong growth area. Within this changing landscape, there are many opportunities for the interior design industry.
The ASID OSI report talks about the future of the interior design industry and how designers can play a critical role in solving complex problems in buildings. ASID infographic. Click to enlarge.
Michael Berens, M.S., Ph.D., freelance writer, editor and researcher, provides an overview of design industry specific data on the state of the profession today, followed by an analysis of the impact of micro- and macro-trends and their implications for the design community. Demographic shifts, emerging technologies, competition from non-designers, and other factors have an effect on the industry every day, and on what designers need to do to remain competitive.
Berens noted:
With the economy growing, tax incentives for companies, and continued demand for remodeling services, the interior design industry should continue to see positive growth in 2018. However, designers face a number of challenges, including competition from non-design and technology providers.
Finally, Susan S. Szenasy, Hon. FASID, director of Design Innovation for METROPOLIS, offers an assessment of the future of the interior design profession in our rapidly evolving world. Szenasy believes designers must exercise agility and a willingness to address societal and technological change in their work.
Szenasy says designers can play a critical role in solving complex problems by focusing on developments such as technology, circadian lighting, and material health. Through interviews with more than 20 industry leaders, Szenasy was able to take a pulse of the current technological climate while also providing a window into the future of design.
Szenasy pointed out:
While most interior designers are friendly with such technologies as virtual reality, and many make use of it for presentations, we are reminded that design is an “iterative” process, and that for it to be successful, there needs to be a series of discovery moments, which the rapid pace of VR doesn’t allow. The connection of digital technology and the increased emphasis on well-being will continue to shape interior design.
ASID members may download the 2018 Interior Design Outlook and State of the Industry report free of charge, and non-members may purchase access to the report.
