Universal Design

Affordable, Sustainable & Universal Design!

June 19, 2009

The Cutting Edge! Howard County Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development released an RFQ for affordable, sustainable and Universal Design homes on a small parcel. I believe this is the first time these three factors have been combined in one place. The county required a Universal Design consultant on each team. This is a… Continue Reading Affordable, Sustainable & Universal Design!

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Aging in Place Remodeling #2

June 15, 2009

Since Aging in Place remodeling is pro-active – planning for an unknown future – the goals are not triggered by immediate needs like other remodeling projects. How do you decide when your project will do what you need it to do? Performance Standard #1. Of course you want it to be attractive. Performance Standard #2.… Continue Reading Aging in Place Remodeling #2

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Aging in Place Remodeling #1

June 12, 2009

Good friends visiting over the weekend told me excitedly that they are making Aging in Place modifications to their home. I told them what I always say in these cases. Please let me glance at the plans and make suggestions so I am not disappointed. I explained, gently, that many well meaning contractors don’t have… Continue Reading Aging in Place Remodeling #1

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#4 Mature Marketing & Universal Design

January 21, 2009

Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.–Ron Mace The intent of universal design is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as… Continue Reading #4 Mature Marketing & Universal Design

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#1 Mature Marketing/Boomers

January 12, 2009

As the huge boomer cohort gets older, products, marketing and media should adjust focus to the concerns and issues of a more mature audience. To start this topic I call attention to what I call the “the consistent paradox”. It is the gray area between older, aging consumers and boomers. A conversation, presentation or article… Continue Reading #1 Mature Marketing/Boomers

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Aging in Place and Technology #6

October 10, 2008

Environmental Controls Environmental Control is my last entry in this series. The most recognized goals are comfort and energy savings. Common applications are lighting and HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning). For our purposes safety and supporting independence are the focus. Many household elements can be controlled remotely or automatically. They include safety, task and… Continue Reading Aging in Place and Technology #6

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Aging in Place and Technology #1

September 24, 2008

What is new? I have been to two conferences lately. I attended both with my great friend Jason Popko. Jason on the C&O canal towpath near my house We walked the floor of the annual AARP consumer show. Then we went to the International Federation on Aging Conference in Montreal. Montreal is a beautiful, fun… Continue Reading Aging in Place and Technology #1

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Riding With the Radio Off

April 17, 2008

People use to think I was fit because I worked physically as a carpenter and not at a desk. That work is not exercise. I was not fit. A bike messenger might get exercise in their work, but if they are much of a cyclist they probably say they never get their heart rate up… Continue Reading Riding With the Radio Off

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Manage the…..Flu?

January 28, 2008

What is my role as an Independent Living Strategist for a homeowner client? I empower them to make and implement decisions to support and maintain their independence. I do it for a living and for personal satisfaction. I’ve never had too much trouble getting paid. No need to talk about that. But I am not… Continue Reading Manage the…..Flu?

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Contrast in Design

January 24, 2008

I call for contrast between the bars and background in bathrooms I design. It is a good idea when the bars are easily visible. I also try to include contrast near the edge of the floor or between the wall and the floor. Less often I call for contrast at counter edges. As I have… Continue Reading Contrast in Design

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