Repetition is Key
In the last 30 years, the market-rate housing industry has repeatedly reinvented the wheel. Architects have drawn countless unit and building plans, each slightly better than the last. However, in trying to differentiate ourselves, we’ve ended up designing inefficient buildings—ones that cost more for owners and renters alike.
Developers often focus on finding ways to charge just 10 cents more per square foot than their competitors, driven by the belief that construction costs and rent prices will always rise. While it’s true that costs tend to increase with inflation and wage growth, constantly striving to outdo the competition might be harming both us and, more importantly, the residents we serve.
Yes, creating unique projects may look great in portfolios and bring in faster leases or higher sales, but have we lost sight of what really matters?
I think we have.
Renters want affordability above all else. They have budgets to stick to, and while luxury amenities are nice, they aren’t essential. What matters most is that they can afford to stay within their means and save for their long-term goals, like homeownership.
So, how do we design more affordable buildings? It’s not about cutting corners; it’s about designing efficiently. The answer lies in repetition. Just as athletes refine their skills through repeated practice, architects can achieve efficiency by repeating elements like unit layouts, bathrooms, kitchens, and balconies. Repeating these components results in more efficient buildings and simplified construction, lowering overall costs.
Rather than focusing on making each project unique, consider how repetition over multiple projects can drive improvement. Fine-tune your designs by repeating and perfecting components—whether that’s knowing the exact distance for HVAC line sets, refining waterproofing techniques to minimize leaks, or positioning transformers optimally near electrical rooms.
In addition, repeat your contractors and subcontractors. By using the same teams and purchasing materials in bulk, you can streamline the entire process. This allows you to reduce design time—imagine having plans ready in 60 days instead of 6-12 months. This approach lowers soft costs and carrying costs, making each project more affordable in the long run.
Repetition, Repetition, Repetition is the key to building efficiently and cost-effectively.
To learn more about how Dwell Design Studio is lowering costs, reach out to me for a Dwell Prototype presentation.
