Types of Design

What Is Universal Design?

Universal Design in housing includes both accessible and barrier free design.The idea grew out of the recognition that most of the design features that were needed by people with disabilities were useful to others. For example, moving is much easier in homes with stepless entrances and wider doors and hallways. Well designed bathrooms with extra floor space and large walk-in showers are perceived as luxurious. Universal Design is, "design for everyone" and when done well it becomes invisible.

Universal Design is an attitude and approach as much as a list of amenities. It's the design of buildings and products that are usable by most people of all ages, young or old, tall or short, large or small, able-bodied or physically challenged to the greatest extent possible. When incorporated properly, at the beginning of the design concept, universal floor plans and features merge with the products to create an environment where people do not merely function, but instead, thrive in their most personal environment.

Using the Universal Design elements listed below, one can create a warm inviting aesthetically pleasing home that can be enjoyed by everyone.

1. Ground level entrances at front door, deck, patio and garage
2. Wider halls and doorways
3. Lever handles on doors and faucets
4. Counters placed at different heights
5. A two story home can be designed with closets stacked and a removable floor for a future elevator
6. A first floor master bedroom
7. A first floor bathroom with a walk-in shower and 5-foot turn-a-round space for easier maneuverability

What is Adaptive Design?

Adaptive Design or Home Modifications refers to the converting, adapting or changing of certain building spaces and elements of the home, to accommodate individuals with special needs.

Areas in existing homes can be added to or altered for persons with mobility, vision or hearing limitations. These changes can make it easier to perform daily tasks, reduce accidents, save energy and support independent living. Simple modifications can prevent one third of all home accidents. A home with adaptive modifications can be a home that works for a lifetime because it's designed to specifically fit the needs of its owners.

What is Accessible Design?

Accessible Design describes a site, building, facility or portion thereof that complies with ADA Accessibility Guidelines ADAAG - Sections 1-4 of The Americans with Disabilities Act.

ADA Compliance is required in commercial construction. However, in residential use, experts know from experience how to interpret these codes and use them as a guideline. Design That Works has over thirty years of experience in various areas of construction, twenty eight years of hands on caregiving, with ten years of Universal and Accessible Design, consulting and lecturing on the proper use and application of ADA compliant codes and adaptive products.

Today, Design That Works is at the forefront of Universal and Accessible Design which qualifies us to meet the needs of the community as its members travel through the ups and downs of their every day life.

Customized design equipped with specific adaptive products can act as an insurance policy to guarantee that individuals with health and mobility issues can remain in their homes as they age.

Accessible Design is essential for the safety of children and adults with disabilities for the reason that it promotes independence, safety, and ease of use, while implementing Barrier Free Home Modifications to improve their lifestyles and the lifestyles of those who care for them.

Accessibility Checklist

1. Does your home have stairs?
2. Do you have trouble getting through halls and doorways?
3. Can you get in or out of your tub safely?
4. Is your toilet too low?
5. Can you use your tub/shower?
6. Do you have enough lighting?
7. Can you open your windows?

What is Aging in Place?

"Aging in Place" applies to 50+ year-olds who want to remain in their current home rather than to relocate to a new home. Most want to stay close to their friends, children and grandchildren in a familiar neighborhood and community. They are concerned about finding homes they can down-size in as an alternative to nursing homes or retirement communities.

As America "Comes of Age" the "Baby Boomer" generation will require "Barrier Free" housing as its first step towards an alternative choice for retirement living.

The second step is the challenge of finding an experienced contractor and or design consultant for barrier free housing accessibility.

Design That Works is the firm that accomplishes it all. We understand ADA Standards and Compliance Codes. We have working partnerships in the health care and medical fields, we have experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities, life threatening diseases, injuries, auditory, sensory, visual and physical limitations. We have years of experience in bath and kitchen design, construction and on-site project management, as well as extensive product knowledge.

To prepare for our aging populace The National Association of Home Builders implemented a certification program for architects, designers, consultants, builders and remodelers, to teach home modifications and salesmanship techniques for the aging market. Evelyn Grodan is a "CAPS" Certified Aging in Place Specialist and has certification as an "ILS" Independent Living Specialist, from the National Family Caregivers Association, for 28 years of experience as a caregiver and for work in the health care field.

What is Visit-ability?

In new construction, providing universal design elements that are incorporated into homes can also encourage "Visits" by relatives and friends with disabilities or injuries. Designing, building and remodeling with "Barrier Free" living in mind becomes desirable, logical and cost effective for today and far into the future.

What is Green Design?

The newest buzz word today is "Green Building." When Design That Works is contracted for Green Design we specify building with products that are the least harmful to the environment and are beneficial to the environment during the manufacturing, use or disposal stages. Over the years the building Industry as a whole has had a huge negative impact on our environment and personal health. Today "green" architects and builders are driven with a strong responsibility to give back to the environment by designing and constructing eco-friendly homes and buildings.

As homeowners you can select to work with professionals that are incorporating the use of green products, materials and finishes in their designs and completed products. This global direction is important even if you are only greening a home one room at a time. It ensures that you are playing an important role in protecting our natural resources, preserving our energy, keeping our waters clean and abundant, improving the quality of our air, and creating a healthier, cleaner, safer environment for your family. Keep in mind that you can benefit from the tax credits, utility reductions and loan incentives while actively saving our planet for generations to come.

Why would you want to use green products?

Today there is a growing number of reported cases of cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, asthma, lung disease, respiratory problems, compromised immune systems, allergies (especially peanut allergies), chemically sensitive, eczema, dermatitis, children with learning disabilities, autism, sensory processing disorders, SIDS, diabetes, neurological damage, seizures, birth defects, multiple sclerosis, dystrophies, ALS, enlarged thyroids, strokes, and parkinson's disease. How many of these health issues have been caused directly by the abuse of our environment by our society using unsafe products such as: petroleum derived chemicals, ammonia, mercury, lead, crystalline silica formaldehydes, vinyls, polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs), fiberglass, synthetics as well as many other toxic components and combinations of.

What makes a product Green?

At Design That Works, we promote the use of environmentally friendly building methods and products to enhance the safety, health and well-being of our clients and the environment.

For products to be rated or certified green, they must go through a third-party certification and screening program related to green building and the health and safety of the environment and end user: LEED (a five part category certification performance program for commercial buildings), EnergyStar, Greenguard, Green Spec, Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label, Green Seal, Environmental Choice, FSC Forest Stewardship Council, Green Building (an environmentally preferred product database), Scientific Certification System (certifies that the product has meet the EPA standard for Federal government purchases and certifies the manufactures claim on emission levels and content).

Products can be labeled with key words: eco-safe, eco-friendly, recyclable, natural, lead free, solvent-free, chemical free, pesticide free, chlorine free, odorless, organic, durable, sustainable, low maintenance, PVC free, non-toxic, hemp, low to zero VOC, green, biodegradable, bio-based, energy efficient, solar, and Led, listing these words guarantees that these products are committed to the safety and well being of its consumers and the environment.

Green Design Elements

1. Healthier indoor air quality
2. Energy efficiency
3. Water conservation
4. Solar for producing or using energy
5. Use of sustainable harvested products
6. Resource efficient materials
7. Recycle-Reuse-Reduce
8. Toxic-free products and materials

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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