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American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

The Starter Home Size is Shrinking [Monday Minute]

Published 12 days ago • 3 min read

July 21, 2025, Edition

Ignite your mind and improve the way you are #CreatingWherePeopleLive

This weekly newsletter

is created by and for those designing homes in North America.

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Its editorial staff is the American Institute of Building Design, Inc., the premier association of residential design professionals.

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Here's what you get:

  • Industry News
  • Announcements
  • Events & Training
  • Recent Committee Activities
  • Amazing sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the industry.

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Let's dive in.

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If you received this as a forward, become one of our many delighted subscribers. Get insider access by signing up!​

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Industry News

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Friday's Residential Construction Press Release

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  • There was a modest increase in permits and housing starts compared to the prior month.
  • The single-family sector showed declines in permits, starts, and completions.
  • Completions saw significant drops both month-over-month and year-over-year, particularly in multi-family projects.

Source: US Census Bureau

Design+Build Asheville is just around the corner.

Conference Dates:

July 31 - August 2, 2025

FRIDAY is the deadline for purchasing an In-person ticket (July 25, 2025).

Can’t make it to Asheville? Discover our all-new virtual experience instead. Tickets can be purchased up until the program begins.

​View the Agenda​

Source: AIBD

Can You Have Too Many Minisplits?

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Are instances where it makes sense financially — or from a building science perspective — to install that many minisplits.

The Fine Homebuilding Podcast tackles the question.

Source: Fine Home Building

Volunteer to Serve on AIBD's Certification Board.

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The National Council of Building Designer Certification is looking for Certified Professional Building Designers to join the Council for the upcoming term!

Source: AIBD

The Starter Home Size is Shrinking

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The median size of a new single-family home in the U.S. has shrunk to roughly the average seen in 2009, during the global financial crisis, according to The State of the Nation’s Housing, an annual report recently released by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.

Source: Building Design+Construction

Announcements

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Welcome New Members

And those returning

David Guidry (NC) Associate

Eric Haas (SC) Professional

Benjamin Walls (AZ) Associate

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Thanks for Referring AIBD

This week's movers and shakers!

Congratulations, Eddie Reyes (AZ), for leveling up to Bronze Membership by recruiting a new Professional Member! 🎊🥳

The Compass Club is AIBD's recruitment rewards program. Compass Club members earn status rewards, logo products, and complimentary renewals.

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Events & Training

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AIBD Chapters, Boards, and Councils

Click the links to add to your calendar.

July 31, 2025 - Board, Council, & College Annual Meetings and the AIBD Annual Leadership Luncheon - Asheville, NC

August 1, 2025 - AIBD's Annual Membership Meeting - Asheville, NC

August 19 - National Council of Building Designer Certification (Virtual) 11:00 am ET.

August 20 - Eastern Shore Chapter (Virtual) 3:30 pm ET

September 3 - Board of Directors (Virtual) 4:00 pm ET

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Register Now!

August 1 & 2, 2025 - Design & Build Asheville (AIBD's Diamond Jubilee)

​CLICK HERE to reserve your hotel room

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Save the Date!

September 19 - Residential Design Connect Colorado (In Person) 9:00 am to 4:00 pm MT - Douglas County Library, 100 S Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO 80104.

AIBD Webinars

July 22 - Managing leads with a CRM can generate more money and unlock design time (1.0 P2 CE)

July 29 - CE Watch Party - 2:00 p.m. ET - (1.0 P4 CE)

August 5 - Chief Architect Elevations - Exterior & Interior (1.0 P3 CE)

August 8 - Coffee with Bernie - The "Dirty Kitchen"

August 19 - High-Performance Homes Team - (Virtual) - 2:00 p.m. ET - (1.0 P4 CE)

August 26 - CE Watch Party - 2:00 p.m. ET - (1.0 P4 CE)

September 2 - Chief Architect Structural Plans - Foundation & Framing Plans (1.0 P3 CE)

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Training Events

Hosted By AIBD CE Providers

American Training Solutions - ​Look for other live in-person and virtual events.

AEC Daily - ​Look for in-person and virtual events.

CEAcademy - ​Look for in-person and virtual events.

CEDIA Expo 2025 - Denver, CO - September 3-6, 2025. Information​

Chief Academy 2025 - Coeur d'Alene - August 26-29 Sign Up!​

Design & Build Asheville - Asheville, NC - July 31 - August 2, 2025. Register today and help us celebrate AIBD's 75th Anniversary!

Green Home Institute - ​Look for in-person and virtual events.

SoftPlan - Virtual training dates​

Traditional Building Conference - Tappan Hill Mansion, NY - October 7 & 8, 2025 - Info​rmation​

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Recent Committee Activities

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Upcoming Annual Meetings

(Registration is not required)

July 31, 2025

  • 09:00-10:45 AM EDT - National Council of Building Designer Certification
  • 11:00 AM-12:00 PM EDT College of Fellows
  • 2:00-4:00 PM EDT Board of Directors

August 1, 2025

  • 09:00-10:30 AM EDT AIBD Membership Meeting

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Have a triumphant week.

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Contact us at info@aibd.org, 800.366.2423, or 110 Front Street, Suite #300, Jupiter, FL 33477.

One more thing—we want to lead with transparency. AI was most likely used to complete this post in one way or another. Don't blame the technology if you find a mistake; in most cases, our emails are written by humans and AI-supported. Now and then, they are AI-generated and human-edited. Both humans and AI still make mistakes.

American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) is a professional association that promotes the highest standards of excellence in residential building design. AIBD offers a variety of resources to its members, including continuing education, networking opportunities, and marketing assistance. AIBD is a valuable resource for anyone interested in a career in residential building design. If you want to improve your skills, network with other professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends, AIBD is the perfect organization for you.

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