KTGY Principal Manny Gonzalez Speaks on "Technology Driven Design For The Next Generation Renter," on MultifamilyBiz.com's Free On-Demand Webcast Launching June 7

Manny Gonzalez, AIA, LEED AP and Principal of KTGY Group has been invited to be MultifamilyBiz.com CEO Series keynote speaker, "Technology Driven Design For The Next Generation Renter," on June 7, at 10 am EDT. This lively, fast-paced 60-minute FREE On-Demand Webcast will bring to focus what you need to know about what high tech features are a must in the next generation of rental communities. End Quote

Orange County, CA (1888PressRelease) May 30, 2012 - Award-winning KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, is pleased to announce that Manny Gonzalez, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP and Principal of KTGY Group will be MultifamilyBiz.com CEO Series keynote speaker, "Technology Driven Design For The Next Generation Renter," on Thursday, June 7, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. EDT. This lively, fast-paced 60-minute FREE On-Demand Digital Media Webcast will bring to focus what you need to know about what high tech features are a must in the next generation of rental communities. In this informative discussion, Gonzalez shares his insight about some of the more simple technologies that are setting the top rental communities apart and what old technologies will fade away in tomorrow's apartments.

With moderators property management expert Ernest F. Oriente of PowerHour® and multifamily technology innovator Kerry W. Kirby, CEO of 365 Connect and MultifamilyBiz.com, Gonzalez will discuss during this free 365 Connect + PowerHour Webcast what you need to know about the Generation Y market and what high tech features are a must in the next generation of rental communities. Hear about what some of the no tech features that are making their way into the "cool" apartment complex the Renter Nation wants to be in?

"Gen Y doesn't use land lines and cable so why do we build apartments targeted to that renter and still put in land lines and pre-wire for cable TV? They just use their smart phone and stream videos, and expect their apartment community to have high quality WiFi throughout," Gonzalez said.

Social media is being used for marketing to Gen Y and as a replacement for the community bulletin board. "Forget the community bulletin board and post events on the community blog or Facebook. This generation does everything online: their apartment search, pay bills online, and text when they need something or want to ask a question. There is no longer a need for a large leasing center. Everything is done online. An interactive leasing office that works like an Apple store is all that is necessary," Gonzalez said.

"In the apartments, these renters want iPod docking stations and an energy-efficient kitchen and electric car charging stations. But, renters don't want to pay extra for eco-friendly living but they want it," said Gonzalez.

"With smaller unit sizes now, why do we still put 36" refrigerators in one-bedroom units when all Gen Y needs is a freezer for their micro wave stuff and a fridge to store their light beer? I have some great new kitchen plans that MASCO and Whirlpool have helped me put together for the next generation of unit plans for the Gen Y renter," said Gonzalez.

"The old technologies that will fade away in tomorrow's apartments include not only the land line phone and cable TV, but also the screening room," Gonzalez noted. "The 'no tech' features that are making their way into the 'cool' apartment communities that the Renter Nation wants to be in include sliding doors and moving walls, bike shops, bark park and dog washing. Also, they want outdoor living with an outdoor screening room, and 'beyond the fitness center' like a yoga and pilates studio."

Gonzalez also reported that "retro" is in with Renter Nation. "We can talk about all the high tech stuff that Gen Y enjoys, but they also seem to be captivated by low tech and retro things as well! They think that shuffleboard, vinyl flooring and plastic furniture is cool; and love the old vinyl albums and even some of the music their parents listened to," added Gonzalez.

See www.MultifamilyBiz.com for more information or to register for the FREE On-Demand Digital Media Webcast.

Gonzalez will also be speaking at PCBC on June 28 at the 50+ Housing Forum program, "Beyond the Clubhouse: Embracing a New Concept of Wellness," at 11:00 a.m. At 1:15 p.m., Gonzalez will speak on "Multifamily Low Density: For Rent or For Sale and Value Engineered," at the at the Design Trends Forum.

Gonzalez is the Senior Partner in KTGY Group's Santa Monica office and is also President of KTGY Group, Colorado. He is responsible for the design, land planning and production of residential developments throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado as well as active adult and affordable multi-family communities nationwide. In his more than 25 years of practice in residential development, Gonzalez has won numerous awards for his outstanding designs.

Gonzalez is currently on the Board of Directors for PCBC and is the Design Trends Forum Chair. He also sits on the Board of the National Multi Housing Council and the NAHB Multifamily Leadership Board. He has served as Chair of the AIA Housing Committee, and a member of the BIA Board of Directors and national committees for The 50+ Symposium and University of Housing. He has been featured in Builder & Developer's list of "Who's Who in Homebuilding" for many years and was honored with the SAGE "Person of the Year" by BIA Southern California 55+ Housing Council. Gonzalez has written and contributed to scores of articles on residential design and has presented his observations to audiences at numerous local, regional and national conferences.

About KTGY Group, Inc.
Celebrating its 20th year, KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture and Planning, provides 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 and takes particular pride in its highly motivated and principal led studios. Serving clients worldwide, KTGY maintains offices in Irvine, Oakland and Santa Monica, Calif., Denver, Colo., and Tysons Corner, Va. See www.ktgy.com.

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