ASID has released findings from its 2013 Environmental Scanning Report, which forecasts trends and other factors impacting the design industry. According to the report, business is looking up interior designers. ASID’s billing index indicated rebound in 2012—despite a sluggish fourth quarter—with continued expectations for growth in 2013. The most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows there were nearly 40,950 employed designers as of May 2011—marking a 2 percent rise over 2010 and the first increase since 2008. Additionally, the mean annual wage for interior designers climbed 3.5 percent in the same time period.

Report findings also suggest the emergence of a new consumer—one who is value-conscious, socially connected, and expects more personalization from their purchases. As a result, designers and manufacturers likely will need to respond to consumers’ motivations accordingly. Technology will continue to be influential among clients as they use their mobile devices more frequently to research products, price points, and reviews. The report also points to more opportunities for designers as the housing market makes a recovery and Millennials start buying their first homes.

Download the full Environmental Scanning Report here.