Our CEO, Evan Beattie, moderated a featured session at this year’s Multifamily Executive Conference in Newport Beach, California, leading a forward-looking conversation on how evolving renter expectations are shaping the design and development of multifamily communities. The panel, Optimizing Unit Mix and Amenities for Performance across Product Types, brought together industry leaders to explore what today’s residents value most and how those insights inform strategic decisions at every stage of project planning.
Evan was joined by three panelists representing a diverse cross-section of the multifamily industry: Daniel Bertao, Vice President of Development at Ryan Companies; Tiffany Woodson, Founder and CEO of Ink + Oro; and Jong Chung, Senior Vice President of Design at AvalonBay Communities. Their perspectives grounded the conversation in real-world experience, from large-scale national portfolios to entrepreneurial design leadership. Together, they examined how demographic shifts, competitive landscapes, and location dynamics drive early decisions about unit mix, layout, and amenity programming.
The discussion touched on several timely themes shaping the future of multifamily design. Panelists explored the role of micro-units, dens, and three-bedroom configurations in meeting the needs of families, multigenerational households, and renters delaying homeownership. They discussed the lasting impact of remote work on design, the balance of flexibility versus efficiency, and the importance of creating targeted amenity spaces that truly resonate with residents. The group also addressed the cost–quality relationship, sharing examples of high-impact design moves, value-engineering solutions, and amenity strategies that drive retention and long-term performance. The conversation closed with predictions about regulatory changes, technology integration, and the increasing importance of discipline in delivering market-responsive projects.
Evan shared that “it was an honor to moderate a conversation about how renter preferences are reshaping multifamily design with Daniel Bertao, Tiffany Woodson, and Jong Chung.” GFF is proud to contribute to these industry dialogues and appreciates MFE for the opportunity to help lead this important discussion.