Tag Archives: Universal Design

True Stories: Loos of the World

If only I had a camera with me all those years I traipsed the planet carrying my computer bag, before I became a designer.  The time was long before digital cameras were cheap small. Oh, if I had had one in my purse. I would produce a coffee table book, full of gorgeous photos of artistic public private […]

Aging In Place: Successful Aging Excerpt from "Seeking Alpha" Stock Market Analysis Website

Following is some very interesting research data from both the NAHB (National Association of Homebuilders) NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) reported by both Seeking Alpha then picked up by Dar + Company as research information for their energy investments. This is a serious market to watch! “The National Association of Homebuilders has created a […]

Aging In Place At UCLA

Just in the past month, so many wonderful things have come our way. I spoke at the UCLA Technology Aging conference a few weeks ago, it was a celebration of life living. So many spirited adults, specialists, doctors, educators, designers, architects, business owners even Art Linkletter were there to collaborate, discuss disseminate all the new […]

Aging In Place – That Kitchen Needs a Remodel

Your Kitchen One of the most innovative areas when it comes to aging-in-place home remodeling is the kitchen. A traditional kitchen can present quite a few obstacles from an aging stpoint: low ovens, slippery floors, high countertops, hard to reach cabinet space, just to name a few. A kitchen remodel that takes aging-in-place into account […]

Aging In Place: Stylish Grab Bars, Safety First

Usually, the first time we get ‘the call’ for installing an Aging In Place home modification is for adding Grab Bars in the Bathroom, usually in the Shower/Tub area or near the commode. And there the discussion begins. How much will it all cost? Seniors with fixed incomes who have not prepared their homes in advance are suddenly […]

Designer's Corner: Design Vision Part II

The second half of this story takes place closer to our home, on the San Mateo Coastside in Moss Beach. Our client had a big mishmash of closets, hidey-holes, a small room with a toilet a shower, a sink sitting in the middle of her bedroom. She is only 72 years young, is a nurse, so […]

Designer’s Corner: Designer Vision

This is the first of a two part story. We begin in San Franicisco, the home of many first time buyers, living in tiny little cottages, or small two story attached houses in the Sunset the Richmond District. Cute, quaint, each full of rich, historical detail, may I add, kitchens baths as old as the […]

Aging In Place: Kitchen Function Improves Usability Part II

We enter the kitchen with new eyes when we think about Aging in Style. The first thing we looked at was cabinetry, even the height of our clients can influence the best height for the cabinetry. Should we add a section with a lower countertop? Multiple heights are not only comfortable for people in wheelchairs or […]

Aging In Place: Kitchen Function, Improved Usability Part 1

Usually, clients who update their bathrooms are the first to look at Design for Aging In Place, but in the next month or two, we’ll be renewing kitchens for two new clients. They both want to incorporate the latest ideas technologies for Aging In Place, while keeping costs down as we go. One will be […]

Aging In Place: A Brutally Honest Assesment

“Aging in Place” means living safely at home. If you are blessed enough to have a good retirement plan, then traveling is great for awhile. However, there is nothing fun about the physical changes to your body as you grow older. Inside, you may feel young at heart, but your body does not always comply. […]