Designing Florida’s Future: Insights from the 2026 ULI Florida Summit
Insights from: Amy VanderMeer, AIA
FK Architecture was proud to sponsor and attend the 2026 ULI Florida Summit in Orlando, joining developers, designers, public-sector leaders, and investors from across the state. The conversations were candid, forward-looking, and deeply relevant to the work we do every day. Florida’s growth remains strong, and as the path forward evolves, architecture has an opportunity to respond with creativity, collaboration, and purpose.
Florida Growth and Multifamily Trends
Florida continues to be one of the fastest-growing states in the country, fueled by migration from higher-cost regions. Demand is strongest in multifamily housing, build-to-rent communities, and master-planned developments, particularly in high-growth metro areas.
These trends align with national research, including Deloitte’s 2026 Commercial Real Estate Outlook, which highlights continued investor interest in housing despite economic uncertainty and tighter capital markets.
Uncertainty was a recurring theme at the Summit. Market predictions have been unpredictable; for example, the projected upswing in late 2025 never fully materialized. Developers are responding by strengthening proformas, carefully evaluating risk, and planning projects that can adapt to changing economic conditions.
Affordable and Workforce Housing
Affordable and workforce housing were central to many Summit discussions, especially around Florida’s Live Local Act and the expanding role of public-private partnerships. Rising construction costs and the 2023–2024 slowdown continue to impact project feasibility, but there are signs of renewed momentum.
Orange County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which allocated $58.5 million for fiscal years 2026–2028, reflects a broader commitment across the state to address housing affordability. ENR’s 2026 construction forecast predicts that residential construction will stabilize and modestly rebound, with affordability, cost control, and resilience driving decision-making.
“As designers, we’re asked to balance financial realities with long-term livability,” said Amy VanderMeer, AIA, an architect at FK Architecture. “Collaboration is essential; when policy, financing, and design align early, affordable housing projects have a much higher chance of success.”
Placemaking and Community-Centered Design
Placemaking was another major theme. Developers are increasingly prioritizing walkable, mixed-use environments, activated public spaces, and experiential development that blends residential, retail, hospitality, and entertainment. The focus is shifting from simply delivering buildings to creating communities with a clear identity and sense of place.
This approach is especially important in multifamily and affordable housing, where shared amenities, outdoor spaces, and community-centered planning contribute to long-term social and economic resilience.
Technology, Data, and the Future of Housing Design
Technology and AI are shaping how housing and mixed-use projects are planned, designed, and financed. Data-driven analytics inform site selection and market analysis. At the same time, longer-term discussions explored how autonomous transportation and emerging technologies may influence density, parking, and land use across Florida’s urban and suburban markets.
At FK Architecture, we are leveraging these tools to plan smarter, more resilient communities that meet both current and future needs.
Looking Ahead: Inclusive and Resilient Communities
Having contributed to the design of over 5,000 affordable housing units in Florida between 2024 and 2025, we left the 2026 ULI Florida Summit energized and encouraged. Florida’s growth shows no signs of slowing, and the need for inclusive, resilient, and community-centered housing has never been greater.
Architecture has a responsibility to respond to change with creativity, collaboration, and purpose. FK Architecture is excited to continue shaping communities across Florida that are built to last, designed to thrive, and welcoming to all.