No More Amenity Wars—Renters Tell Us This Amenity Tops the Rest
We always get asked what the “hottest amenity” is or what’s trending right now in interior design. The “amenity wars” continue to rage, with conversations around ideal square footage for clubhouse versus unit and ideas for tricking out new developments with the latest and greatest features and upgrades.
We’re here to offer an alternative idea. What if great design, pure and simple, is the chief amenity? Hear us out…
It’s 2025—Renters are Savvier and Looking for “More”
Now, not all design is created equal. Yes, paint is paint and trim is trim; designers can specify the same materials and furniture in two different spaces but that doesn’t make the design the same. Great design principles synthesize balance, rhythm, and scale to create harmonious spaces. Great design makes a commercial space feel complete.
These are the ideals that make a space feel welcoming and give it that certain je ne sais quoi. Banko Design’s goal for all projects is that when all is said and done and we’ve delivered a new project, we leave our clients with what we’ve dubbed, “The Banko Effect.” What’s “The Banko Effect” you ask? Well, it’s that warm and fuzzy “I can’t tell you why, but it all just feels so ‘right’” sense.
Gone are the days when potential residents and members accepted mediocre or “okay at best” design. Renters in 2025 are more educated, with access to content and options that help shape their tastes and expectations. Whatever level of the market your decision makers sit in, they will always pick the community, property, or space that feels the best. They want the property they can show off to their guests. They want pride of place and Banko Design is the group that designs with that understanding every step of the way.
Great Design Is Executed At Any Budget…With The Right Designer
Trying to cut corners by going it alone? Sorry in advance for calling some of y’all out, but going with the cheapest interiors bid is a mistake that will likely cost you more in the long run. Today's renters are savvier than ever. With rising housing costs, they’re looking to create a sense of ‘home,’ especially if they’re saving up for one of their own. They can tell if you went the cheap route. And it's not just the renters who will realize you’re product isn’t screaming “best in class”—your competitors will see this, too. Your competitor’s leasing agents will naturally be tempted to compare their highlights to your shortcomings during building tours. Can you say, “awkward!”
We are living in a tough economy, and the math is not always ‘mathing’ when it comes to hitting budgets – but we’ll let you in on a little secret. The design team on your project is always best at VE’ing themselves when a job requires it. Why is that? Simply put, we have better access to different vendors and know the best tips and tricks. You pay us to bring you solutions, so lean on us when you need to. Great design execution can be done in a smart, budget savvy way. Our motto at Banko Design is “GREAT DESIGN AT ANY BUDGET” and we truly mean that. If “paint is paint” … then please let us help you pick a great one.
Are You Going Beyond Tangible Amenities?
We would be remiss not to talk about the psychological benefits of great design as an amenity. Stick with us—we promise it’s worth it.
First, we’re going to define what we’re calling a “Tangible Amenity.” These are the physical spaces everyone’s familiar with: gyms, theaters, communal work areas, pools, and so on. They’re standard features in most market rate multifamily projects.
A layer beyond that is what we’re dubbing a “Service Amenity.” This may be something brought in by a third party or a little bit more special like dry cleaning on-site, a dog walking service, dedicated concierge, housekeeping, etc. These are the types of amenities that can set a building apart and give it a boutique feel, usually reserved for luxury communities.
Finally, what we’re most concerned about when we talk about great design, is that it’s ultimately part of your “Integral Amenities.” But what are these elusive Integral Amenities? These amenities can either enforce or detract from your renter’s psychological well-being – design, audio comfort, light pollution, air pollution, green space, walkability, ergonomics, and security all make up this realm. Successful achievement of this third layer of amenities brings renters comfort, and intrinsically improves their day-to-day lives, even if they’re not entirely conscious of their benefit.
Essentially, we’re mapping out a renter specific version of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs with our precious “Integral Amenities” sitting near the top of that triangle!
Good design is more than just an add-on—it should be a core amenity that can replace the flashiness of some new piece of trendy equipment or kitschy programming idea. Unlike some random fever dream amenity plopped into your clubroom that will absolutely feel dated in five years or less, great design positively enhances the resident experience and truly sets your property apart.
While it usually requires an upfront investment in a capable design team, the payoff is significant: happier tenants, better spaces, and lasting comfort! Don’t cut corners—great design is worth every penny and many of its principles can even work for a more modest construction budget.
Great design is never surface level; it’s all about creating environments that improve well-being and leave a lasting impression. Studies that combine neuroscience and architecture have proven how important the consideration of our built environment is on our mental wellbeing.
Forget the flash—invest in great design and watch your property stand out with renters who truly feel at home. Contact us at business_development@bankodesign.com to get started!
The Banko Buzz by Banko Design, An Unmatched Studio: Commercial Interior Design from Start to Finishes. Marietta, Georgia-based with projects nationwide.