KTGY Principals to Speak at NAHB International Builders'

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 9, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Award-winning KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, is pleased to announce that two KTGY principals, David Senden and Manny Gonzalez, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, have been invited to speak at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders' Show (IBS) held January 22-24, 2013, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. KTGY principals are frequent guest speakers and panelists at the most prestigious national and regional industry events.

On Thursday, January 24, Senden will be a featured speaker at the session, "Top 12 Must-Haves in Your 2013 Apartment Project," from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Other speakers include Dan Garibaldi of Carmel Partners, Jeff Kayce of Bozzuto Development Company. Senden will share the top 12 must-haves to include in new apartment projects. Attendees will also learn about new products, unit layouts, amenities and common space designs that make apartment projects competitive in today's market. In addition, panelists will discuss the financial implications of these new design elements and the impact on leasing.

"Location is the key," said Senden. "Renters are willing to live in a smaller unit size, if the location is right, and near transportation, work, shopping and play. They also want amenities similar to a boutique luxury hotel. Flexible, open floor plans allowing for personalization, with lots of large windows, high ceilings and indoor/outdoor living are very desirable. They want to entertain and socialize, so outdoor lounge areas, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and fireplaces are popular. A membership quality fitness center and a studio for yoga and/or pilates is key. Also, this is a very socially conscious group. They want sustainable features but unfortunately, they don't want to pay for it."

Also on Thursday, Gonzalez will be a featured speaker at the session, "Be Amazed Be Amazing! A Journey into the Future of 50+ Communities," from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Other speakers include Doris Pearlman of Possibilities For Design, Inc., John Schleimer of NorCal Market Perspectives Inc., and Andrew Wong of Pulte Homes. Gonzalez will discuss the latest consumer product preferences for the 50+ housing market and provide valuable insights into the future of the active adult housing market. Attendees will see a variety of new plans - from urban infill apartments to spacious single-family homes - that accommodate how people will be living in the future.

"Like Gen Y or X, today's active seniors want more," said Gonzalez. "They want a Great Room Plan with a large 'entertaining' kitchen and a 'Costco' pantry. They want space for more intimate living. They want a laundry room near the master bedroom and a bedroom suite for guests. They want both low tech and high tech, and their living space to be designed using Universal Design principles so they can more comfortably age in place. They want a healthier, greener environment. They want a walkable neighborhood with convenient access to shopping, dining, entertainment, employment and transit. They want a membership quality fitness center with yoga or pilates, and they want to socialize and entertain, and take lessons in cooking healthy. They are in better shape now than they have ever been and want an living environment that supports that."

Gonzalez will also serve as a speaker at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) sponsored event, "2013 Trends: 90 Design Ideas in 90 Minutes," on Tuesday, January 22, from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. This session will feature 15 top architects from around the country who will share easy-to-implement design ideas that attendees can use to update elevations, renew floorplans, animate streetscapes and develop dynamic neighborhoods. Using a wide array of drawings and photos, speakers will showcase the newest design trends, products and strategies to capture a buyer's attention and make the sale.

As a judge for the 2013 NAHB Best of 50+ Housing Awards, Gonzalez will serve on the panel, "Meet the Experts: Ask the Judges What it takes to be a Winner of the Best of 50+ Housing Awards," on January 24, from 1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Gonzalez and other panelists will discuss 2013 Award winners from select categories and show why the entry deserved the Gold award.

A sought after speaker at national conferences, Manny Gonzalez has 25 years experience in design, land planning and production of residential, retail, and mixed-use developments throughout the western US. With his strong interest in livable communities, he focuses on well-scaled, contextual architecture that shapes vibrant environments. Gonzalez's commitment to the industry includes serving on the NAHB Multifamily Leadership Board, 50+ Education Committee and the University of Housing as well as being on the Editorial Advisory Board of 50+ Builder. Gonzalez is based in KTGY's Santa Monica, Calif. office.

Always with an eye to making great places and beautiful buildings, David Senden's design approach is collaborative with emphasis placed on context, innovation, and special attention to each client's goals, budget, and schedule. As a principal, he leads a talented team of designers skilled in large scale residential and mixed-use projects. In addition to his involvement in a series of award winning projects, Senden is a regular speaker at industry events, as well as a critic at numerous colleges and universities. Senden is based in KTGY's Irvine, Calif. office.

About IBS

The NAHB International Builders' Show (IBS) is the most important event of the year for the U.S. home building industry and the largest annual light construction trade show in the world. It provides members of the working press exclusive access to daily press conferences, networking events and the exhibit hall which features nearly 1,000 vendors exhibiting the latest building products and services at the 2013 show. See www.buildersshow.com.

About KTGY Group

Celebrating 20 years, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, is a national award-winning firm providing comprehensive planning and award-winning architectural design services for residential communities, retail, hospitality, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of development, market trends and financial performance. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, Calif., Denver, Colo., and Tysons Corner, Va. See www.KTGY.com.