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Their Influence

The world is moving, evolving, and developing faster than ever. For the first time in history, Americans are spending more money at restaurants than grocery stores. A growing number of travelers are using private accommodation services and leaving high-end resorts in the past. Online purchases have jumped from 22% to 80% in just six years contributing to the mall apocalypse, while rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become mainstream modes of public transportation.

In the ‘want it all and want it now’ era, companies must continuously respond to the demands of the people they serve with business strategies that align with consumer trends if they are to survive and thrive. “The pace of change is only going to continue to excel,” says EDSA Principal Rich Centolella. “As design professionals we must be proactive in anticipating ‘next moves’ as we have an incredible opportunity, actually a responsibility, to not just prepare for the future but to help shape it.”

Despite a few years of ups and downs in global markets, real estate continues to be one of the world’s most popular investments for developers and end users alike. However, the products succeeding in today’s economies have evolved significantly from suburban shopping centers, gated communities, and condo complexes that dominated the landscape in the early 2000s. Rapid changes in technology, demographics, and social norms are setting the tone for smart design alternatives, new destinations, innovative planning, and integrated real estate ventures.