towrards a consumer-led design in property and architecture

"The Barbie story is a design story; one that spans manufacturing, architecture, fashion and film. The exhibition tells that story, looking at the ways in which the world of Barbie reflects the 'real world' - at least as it relates to mainstream, western consumer culture."

This is the introductory text to the Barbie exhibition at the the Design Museum.

Such poignant words, and they even ring even more true in describing architecture: Architecture is a design story that spans property, lifestyle, fashion, film and tech - and it reflects consumer culture.

And at the heart of this story is a consumer who needs to be wooed. In a competitive developer landscape, it's not only the amenities that will make developers stand out. Those who truly know their target consumers - and especially those who know how to communicate with their target consumers - will fare best.

It's time for a consumer-led design process in architecture and property.