In this episode, we sit down with Anja Seng, Manager of DesignLens at John Burns Research & Consulting’s New Home Trends Institute team, for a conversation about how long-term consumer and societal trends are shaping the future of homebuilding.
Anja shares how NHTI’s research helps the industry stay aligned with evolving homeowner needs. We explore how her team blends qualitative and quantitative methods to uncover actionable insights—and how those findings are shared across the industry. Our conversation covers everything from shifting family dynamics and economic pressures to the lasting impact of remote work.
Rooted in research, NHTI empowers the industry to stay ahead of the curve. Anja reflects on the value of the NHTI community’s collaborative culture, the importance of embracing curiosity, and what’s ahead for both NHTI and DesignLens.
Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on how research and community come together to shape what’s next in housing.
About Anja
Anja serves as the Manager of DesignLens at the New Home Trends Institute where she tracks and analyzes the most successful, innovative homes and communities nationwide. Her goal is to bridge the gap between what consumers want and what they're being offered and uncover trends that will shape the future of residential design. Her primary responsibilities include managing DesignLens, a comprehensive database and publication featuring over 900 of the best residential projects, and overseeing NHTI's five councils—curated groups of industry leaders committed to solving housing's greatest challenges and innovating for what's next. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Strategic and Corporate Communication and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from Chapman University.
Connect with Anja
John Burns Research & Consulting
