Welcome to Kami’s Korner where we’ll take a deep dive into Arlington’s condominium market by focusing on what’s coming next. From emerging developments to shifting trends, this space will spotlight the opportunities and insights shaping the future of condo living in Arlington.
Let me tell you about a recent rental car experience I had that got me thinking about the next generation of new construction condominiums. I recently got rear-ended, and no one was hurt thankfully, but it was an experience to say the least. I know what you are thinking. How the hell is this related to new condos in Arlington? But trust me, it is, or will be.
The accident resulted in my having to get a rental car. Once I completed my reservation at the agency, I went outside to the car lot with the agent and he asked me to pick a car. I looked at the thirty or so cars, various makes and models, and all were grayish soulless boxes. I half jokingly asked him “Do you have any that aren’t so ugly and boring? Good grief. They all look the same.” Rows of boring shades of gray, taupe, off white, white, or metallic with similar body styles. I asked him if he thought they all got together and decided to make the same hideous car. He laughed at me and said he didn’t disagree, while then steering me toward a red Tesla. As I opened the door to the Tesla it reeked of things I haven’t been around since college. I commented that at least someone was having fun in their rental car.
It got me to thinking about how we have seemingly sucked the life out of so many things since the pandemic era. So many things look the same- AI generated, Minecraft style futuristic, and terribly stark. Even McDonald’s restaurants, my kids’ favorite fine dining, is modern and minimal with mostly black and beige. What happened to the joyfully obnoxious red and yellow… where is Ronald McDonald? Even McDonald’s knew that red and yellow created emotional memory. Somewhere along the way, we forgot that lesson.
Why Design Memory Matters
Gray is now synonymous with the last generation of condos, a symbol of the gloomy pandemic era with gray cabinets, gray floors, and gray tile. That won’t work going forward and thankfully interior design is shifting toward a look that’s individually collected, warm, natural, and exhibits quiet luxury. Housing prospects don’t want to buy a new gray soulless box that looks like all the others and evokes no emotion. I’m not sure how the car industry arrived at the conclusion that they did. Cars and condos shouldn’t both suffer from soulless sameness.
Due to current economics, the next generation of luxury condos in the 2029-2032 time frame will be 30% more expensive than the last new builds. For new construction condominiums, the quality of the floor plans are of the utmost importance. I often say the true high-end buyer doesn’t compromise well. To get the pricing projected, the quality has to be world class. We can afford to make a few mistakes (slightly overpriced maybe or the views are marginal) but if the layout and the finishes are the very best in the marketplace, the condominium sales will be successful. The inside matters most. The consumer is very smart and picks the best residences first. Let’s give them some reasons to move.
For the last 10-15 years we’ve encouraged developers to include a few “memory points” in their design. This is something the consumer would not expect, shows someone with real talent was involved in the design process, and confirms that several layers of thought were given to the livability of the residences. We have fun with this, and it makes the consumer more confident in making a buying decision when the condominium has personality.
What Makes a Great Ta Da
In recent condominiums we pushed for a real walk-in pantry, heated bathroom floors, beautiful stone foyer, dimmable indirect source lighting in showers, outdoor ceiling fans on the balcony, and a wine fridge tucked in the island. All of these standard finishes were included in the price and the buyers appreciated the value they created. These “memory points” also help if the consumer goes out and looks at several new residences in one day.
After a day of looking at condos they all blend together. At the end of the day a partner might ask the other “Which one did you like?” and the response is “The one that had the motion lights on the underside of the vanities in the owner’s bath to softly light your way in the middle of the night.” Bingo! Now that’s not expensive at all to do, but it sure makes an impression by creating a comforting tone, reinforcing an affluent thoughtful brand, or forging an approachable modern identity in a world filled with gray soulless boxes.
I recently looked at some model apartments in Alexandria with a friend of mine in high-end senior housing. Their renter is predominantly female but the apartments themselves didn’t have those special details that made them unforgettable. They successfully created standouts in their common areas and through the level of personalized service that they offered. They need something extra … a few “Ta-Da’s!!!!!”
The same principle applies across all residential segments — your ta-da needs to be demonstrable and discussable. A good place to identify “ta-da’s” is in similar industries, hospitality environments, restaurants, or while traveling. They help buyers understand the unique offering, make quick confident decisions, and elevate the standards within the market. Our condo buyers in Arlington recognize top quality and appreciate strong design so the memory points are a must. Our local residents understand a good thing when they see it and the next generation of condos should bring unique memory points or as I now like to call them… “ta-da’s,” to be successful.
If you have any “ta-da’s” that you’d like to see in the future condominiums, please share them with me. We are working on design preferences for the next generation of condominiums to the market. My personal email is: [email protected]
