This volume investigates the state of residential architecture in 1987 by showcasing a curated selection of exemplary homes. The editors of Architectural Record Magazine, led by Douglas Brenner, compile photographic evidence and floor plans to analyze how contemporary architects addressed site constraints, material usage, and spatial organization during the late 1980s. The book serves as a documentation of the prevailing aesthetic and structural trends that defined high-end residential projects of that specific year.

Architectural historians and design professionals frequently cite this annual series as a primary source for tracking the evolution of late-modern and postmodern residential styles. Experts highlight the text as a valuable archival resource for understanding the design priorities and material palettes favored by prominent firms during the late 1980s.