A First Look at Experience Innovation 2025
The multifamily landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Gone are the days when apartment communities were designed with a single demographic in mind.
Today’s residents represent a diverse mix of lifestyles, life stages, and priorities—from families seeking long-term stability, to remote professionals valuing flexibility, to empty nesters drawn to urban convenience, and young adults focused on building financial foundations.
The momentum is undeniable. As Jason Cheng, Principal + Austin Director and participant from last year’s Experience Innovation forum, observed:
“Multifamily development shows no signs of slowing. Today’s residents increasingly want to be in the center of it all, with walkable access to services, dining, and urban amenities. But perhaps most importantly, circumstances are changing rapidly, and our industry must adapt with equal agility.”
This evolution challenges our industry to think beyond traditional apartment design. It calls for communities that are not just places to live, but ecosystems that support connection, adaptability, and long-term value.
“[Because our] circumstances are changing rapidly, our industry must adapt with equal agility.”
– Jason Cheng
Introducing Experience Innovation 2025: Evolving Multifamily Communities for Modern Households
On September 18, this year’s Experience Innovation forum in Atlanta, Georgia will tackle the critical question facing our industry:
How can thoughtful design attract and retain a more diverse, sophisticated, and long-term renter base?
We’re convening some of the industry’s brightest multifamily minds in Atlanta for an intensive, collaborative exploration of what tomorrow’s communities can, and should, look and perform. Atlanta offers the perfect backdrop: a city at the epicenter of multifamily growth, where traditional housing models converge with innovative living solutions.
What to Expect
Experience Innovation 2025 is designed as more than a conference—it’s a working forum. Attendees will take part in hands-on workshops, real-time problem-solving exercises, and collaborative activities that move ideas from concept to action.
Interactive drafting sessions will mirror real market conditions, while open discussions will challenge participants to align bold visions with practical realities.
Key focus areas will include:
- Market Dynamics + Resident Experiences: uncovering how shifting demographics and preferences shape demand
- Maximizing Underutilized Spaces: strategies to create value and enhance community life
- Designing for Long-Term Value: aligning investments with sustainability and resilience
- Streamlined Development: delivering faster to stay competitive
Meet the Innovators
This event will be moderated by Chris Moore, Partner + CEO, DTJ DESIGN. We’re excited to welcome an impressive lineup of experts:
- Bill Campie, Partner + President, DTJ DESIGN
- Brian Ryckman, Partner + Director of Planning, DTJ DESIGN
- Dave Williams, Partner, DTJ DESIGN
- Lee Payne, Partner + Director of Architecture, DTJ DESIGN
- Joe Stryker, Principal + Southeast Region Director, DTJ DESIGN
- Jennifer Crosby, President + CEO, Crosby Design Group
- Tim Fredregill, Development Executive, Milender White
- Scott Cullen, Land Broker, OnPace Partners
- Taylor Brock, Senior Urban Designer, Stringfellow Planning & Design
- Kristen Terjesen, Owner + Principal Designer, Studio 10 Interior Design
- Ben Brown, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Town of Hilton Head Island
- Gray Schaufler, Director of Development – Florida, Davis Development
- Sean Rust, Vice President of Development, NexMetro
- Tim Laumakis, Executive Vice President of Development Operations, Novare Group
- Robin Haddock, Owner, RLH Development
- Dorian DeBarr, President, Decide DeKalb Development Authority
- Adam Ducker, CEO, RCLCO
The Experience Innovation Commitment
The multifamily market is maturing, demanding more sophisticated solutions. Backed by a network of industry leaders, Experience Innovation 2025 reflects our shared commitment to raising the standard of multifamily living.
Want to follow along with Experience Innovation 2025? Follow us on LinkedIn for live updates and subscribe to our email list.
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