#United States #Austin #DTJ DESIGN #Community Amenities #Innovation Summit

Exploring Innovative Concepts in Community Amenities at DTJ DESIGN's Experience Innovation Summit

On October 23, 2024, the renowned design firm DTJ DESIGN, Inc. convened a diverse group of top-tier professionals from the community development sector at their annual Experience Innovation Summit held in Austin, Texas. This year’s summit was an in-depth exploration of the future of residential amenities, focusing on integrating recreational and social-use spaces into housing developments to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents.

The Experience Innovation Summit serves as an essential platform for industry leaders to confront complex challenges and pioneer innovative solutions. Following last year's emphasis on attainable housing, attendees this time engaged in conversations surrounding cutting-edge amenity concepts, designed to elevate community living experiences.

Brian Ryckman, Partner and Director of Planning at DTJ DESIGN, shared his excitement about the event, saying, "This is our second year of Experience Innovation. This is the perfect opportunity to challenge conventional approaches, as we stand on the brink of something exciting and new in the sphere of amenities." His sentiment was echoed by Chris Moore, the Partner and CEO of DTJ DESIGN, who moderated the keynote discussions. He emphasized the need for the industry to push beyond the status quo: “It's easy to keep pace with the existing frameworks, but we’re here to redefine those boundaries.”

The day was structured around collaborative group discussions and focused breakout sessions addressing several critical topics:

• - What factors influence early decision-making, and how can we adjust our approach effectively?
• - In what ways can amenities be transformed into revenue-generating assets?
• - How do we evaluate the return on investment for various amenities?

Moore elaborated on the summit's goals, stating, "We aimed to bring together individuals from various perspectives, environments, and regions to question our current practices and envision future possibilities.” The diverse range of participants included community developers, builders, designers, and amenity consultants, fostering rich dialogue and creative brainstorming.

The collaborative environment was palpable throughout the day, allowing attendees to build upon each other’s ideas. Kyle Harris, Senior Vice President of Community Development at MCWHINNEY, captured the essence of the summit in his closing interview: "One idea led to another, creating a chain reaction of creativity and innovation that exemplifies what our industry needs right now."

The full roster of participants featured various experts, including leaders from companies such as Chesmar Homes, Shea Homes, and several key members from DTJ DESIGN, reinforcing the summit's collaborative spirit and the exchange of innovative thought.

As these industry leaders gathered around vital themes, they contributed to a dialogue that transcends the design process and taps into community well-being. This synergy promises a transformative impact on future residential developments, ensuring that amenities serve not just as afterthoughts, but as integral parts of vibrant community living.

For those interested in further discovering the insights from the Experience Innovation series and DTJ DESIGN’s strategic approach, additional information is available on their website: dtjdesign.com.

About DTJ DESIGN, Inc.

DTJ DESIGN, Inc. is a prestigious architecture, planning, and landscape design firm headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, with additional offices in Austin, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia, and Denver, Colorado. With over 40 years of experience, DTJ is committed to delivering innovative and sustainable design solutions across various sectors, including residential, commercial, and public projects, showcasing a steadfast dedication to excellence and creativity.