Allison Paul, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP is a licensed architect in 22 states and has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Her design skills are unmatched, and as Principal of the Single Family and Townhome Division of Lessard Design, she is responsible for growth and expansion of the department along with developing and overseeing the designs.
At the 2022 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS), Allison will present two sessions: “Home Trends, Buyer Preference & Most-Likely Features for 2022,” and “Deliver the Goldilocks Experience: Right-Sizing & Design Strategies to Make Homes ‘Just Right’.” We caught up with her to get a sneak peek into her sessions.
NAHB: Without giving too much away, what will people learn at your sessions?
ALLISON: In both sessions, we focus on design. The discussion will include right-sized floorplans that are functional and flexible, and design trends that are thoughtfully integrated to deliver a home that feels “just right.”
NAHB: While attending IBS, what are you looking forward to the most?
ALLISON: The New American Home® (TNAH) tour is always a great attraction.
NAHB: What advice would you give someone who’s attending the Builders’ Show for the first time?
ALLISON: Plan ahead. Book dinners with clients and review the educational offerings in advance. Understand that getting around the convention center is time consuming. Also, make sure you take the time to walk the show floor and check out the different Centrals.
NAHB: What’s the best hangout at IBS and why?
ALLISON: I’m always partial to the Design Central.
NAHB: What’s the most interesting industry trend for 2022?
ALLISON: Spatial relationships and fluid spaces. Maximizing square footage inside and out.
NAHB: The industry has changed so much in the last five years. Where do you think changes will happen in the next five years?
ALLISON: People will move back to urban environments, car ratios will decline, work-from-home will remain or become hybrid and as designers, we’ll need to rethink unit layouts.
NAHB: What do you see as being the biggest challenge the industry faces now?
ALLISON: Supply and demand.
GET TO KNOW OUR SPEAKERS
In this series of lightning-round questions, Allison shares a bit more about herself with her answers.
What do you work towards in your personal time? Balance
The best concerts you ever attended: Dave Matthews Band (DMB) and Zac Brown Band
Your favorite place in the world: Florence, Italy
The last book you read: “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins
If you could do another job for one day, what would it be? Travel/food blogger
What’s in your refrigerator right now? My kitten looking for food
If you could visit anywhere in the world, you’ve never been to, where would you go? Nepal
A hobby that few people know about: Painting
Your favorite superhero: Wonder Woman
NAHB: If you had unlimited funds to build a house that you’d live in for the rest of your life, what are the top three features it would have?
ALLISON: Outdoor room, roof deck with pool, under 1,000 SF
NAHB: Any random industry fact you wish to share?
ALLISON: Pivot early and set the next trend to stay ahead.
NAHB: In three words or less, what’s your prediction for the building industry in 2022?
ALLISON: Price of land.
Allison’s Success Quote: “Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.” – Bill Bradley
Allison’s two Architecture & Design track sessions will be held during IBS 2022 and are open to attendees with an All Access Pass, or 1-Day Education + Expo Pass valid for that day.
Plan to join us in person at IBS 2022 February 8–10 in Orlando, Florida, where you can take advantage of top-notch IBS education. Learn more at BuildersShow.com.