In addition, Ayoub says that operable window, natural light and areas that allow users to bike or use public transit have also become popular.

While sustainable design is growing in popularity, affordability is the major challenge. “Sustainable design is definitely on the rise but the industry is always affected by the market place and affordability of this type of design,” says Ayoub. “We always see cost being the number one determining factor. As much as clients want the sustainable features it is always a very large budget adjustment, which deters some of the really great sustainable strategies form being implemented.”

In California, however, developers are finding ways to manage those costs. “In California we see much more sustainable design happening because the state has always lead in setting the standard for the country in this area as well as many other sectors,” adds Ayoub.

Despite the challenges, Ayoub expects a significant increase in sustainable design this year. “In 2019 we predict a sharp rise in buildings connected more to automated smart systems that monitor and control buildings,” he says. “At the residential and commercial level, smart systems that are wifi/internet based are trending significantly. Clients expect to have, at a bare minimum, systems that can be controlled remotely via an internet connection. The affordability of some of the basic smart building systems like Nest home system will usher in more awareness of what is available for the average consumer.”