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Research
Shapiro & Company Architects drives research initiatives to better understand industry advancements, and encourage the furthering of our firm's knowledge.


Learning from National Homebuilders: Researching Floor Plan Strategies for Better Spec Home Design
By Katherine Montoya | 2026 Intern Research Program Shapiro & Company Architects Research Question Which floor plan strategies used by national builders are most effective across different home sizes and buyer demographics, and how can these strategies be integrated into our form's design methodology? Why Study National Builder Floor Plans? Speculative homes make up 70-75% of all newly started homes. This means that the average home is no longer designed one house at a time—i


Market- Driven Multifamily Design
By Annie Thornton | 2026 Intern Research Program Shapiro & Company Architects Research Question What product and planning strategies perform best across markets—and what makes them work? As multifamily markets become increasingly diverse and resident expectations rise, successful communities can no longer rely on standardized design solutions. Differences in market context influence which amenities residents value, how projects are positioned, and where development dollars s


AI in the Early Stages of Multifamily Projects
By Chloe Balkcom | 2026 Intern Research Program Shapiro & Company Architects Research Question How can AI and data tools support feasibility, concept generation, and design intelligence in practice? As the development of new technology arises, the AI world and the architectural world are colliding. From visualization and rendering to site planning to performance analysis, AI has become a powerful tool that can amplify design excellence, improve sustainability, and streamline


Cost-Effective and Innovative Design Solutions: The Future Potential of Mass Timber
Kyla Barton | 2025 Summer Intern Research Program


Reconnecting Architecture and Nature Through Biophilic and Passive Design
Virginia Hensley | 2025 Intern Research Program


Designing Multifamily Amenities for the Modern Renter
Sarah Cathryn Sheppard | 2025 Intern Research Program
Shapiro & Company Architects is an architecture and interiors firm with offices in Memphis, Tennessee and Dallas, Texas, working across custom homes, multifamily, and residential design.
© 2025 Shapiro & Company Architects P.C..
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