About Evelyn Grodan - Owner of Design That Works

Design That Works is a California based consulting firm owned and operated by Evelyn Grodan who has over 30 years of experience in business, design and construction. She has worked as a site supervisor and project manager for new homes, restaurants, apartments and condominium projects, while also modifying new and existing homes for accessible and independent living.

Evelyn is an expert in the field of Universal and Accessible Design. She is CAPS certified as an Aging in Place consultant and has certification as an ILS, Independent Living Specialist.

Evelyn was a devoted caregiver for 28 years to her physically and developmentally disabled daughter, Elise. She understands the everyday financial and emotional challenges as well as the struggles for survival as a single, loving mother of two and a caregiver. One of her most ambitious goals as a mother was to provide a safe, healthy and accessible environment for her daughter. As Elise's disabilities progressed, accessibility became a financial luxury too difficult for Evelyn to achieve.

At the age of 24, Elise was diagnosed with Cancer and after a long hospital stay she was left bedridden and no longer able to access the home stairs to join in on family activities. Her life changed when she became the fortunate recipient of a Cerebral Palsy Foundation Grant. This grant enabled the installation of a stair lift in their home and a ramp to be installed outside of their home. Before the lift and ramp were installed, Evelyn remembers having to call the fire department or an ambulance to come to carry Elise down the stairs with a gurney for emergencies or doctor's appointments.

Along with the grant, Elise acquired a wonderful case manager who located additional grant money to equip a van for her wheelchair. These grants changed their lives - they gave Elise the accessibility, independence and safety that opened countless doors to the community for them to explore.

Evelyn's desire to keep alive the memory of Elise combined with the need to repay so many others for their help and kindness over the years cultivated the dream of this company, DESIGN THAT WORKS. This dream enables her to expand and touch the lives of as many as she possibly can, to make a difference in the quality of their lives, by offering them the choices to live safely, independently and with dignity in their homes and community. She is now able to give back to others a chance to live a full and productive life in loving and familiar surroundings.

Design That Works Designing Healthy Homes Universal : Accessible : Green Design Phone: 661-607-8472 Fax: 661-670-9115 Email: ev@DesignThatWorksOnline.com

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