KBB - April 2015 - 16

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

When he contacted me, I took a special interest in the project because
of my own struggles with Fibromyalgia. Because I am well seasoned in designing wheelchair-friendly and accessible homes, I decided early in the
design process that I would make this remodel user friendly - not just for my
client in the wheelchair, but also for everyone who would be taking care of
him. I worked closely with the homeowner and his family to ensure all of their
individual needs would be met.

Challenges and Solutions
As with any design project, this one was not without its challenges. The
homeowner being more than six feet tall made his height requirements
different than the average client. Also, as his left leg was in a splint and
had to lay ﬂat, the clearances and overhangs had to accommodate this.
The project became more than just simple design, grab bars and pretty colors; I was determined to completely change the family's lives and
improve their everyday activities, which was a lot of pressure to handle. I
spent many months solely in the planning and design phases and used
my Chief Architect design software to show them different ﬂoor plan options and color choices.
At times, the meetings got very emotional because Talbert had to face
the fact that there were certain things he could no longer do by himself.
My team and I alleviated this stress by presenting different design options
that would help him still be self-sufﬁcient and independent.

The meetings also got a little personal at times because we needed
to ask about private details - such as how he showered or what obstacles
he came upon to use the restroom. My client was always very helpful and
gave my team all of the info we needed so that we could outﬁt his home
to meet his needs.
I wanted to make sure I took care of my client's wife, too, since she had
given up so much to help her husband and stick by his side. I accomplished this through little things like updating her bathroom, picking out
new furniture or simply painting a wall her favorite color. This allowed her
to feel like this remodel also met her needs.

Hits and Highlights
In this whole-house remodel, the kitchen was completely gutted and
redesigned. Highlights and additions include:
* A lower area around the cooktop and sink for wheelchair access
* A set of doors under the sink that retract out of the way of trafﬁc
* A lazy Susan cabinet in the corner by the cooktop
* Rollout shelves in the pantry cabinet
* Knee space by the refrigerator
* A built-in oven at the appropriate level
* LED undercabinet lights
* Recessed lights and pendants over the bar

A barrier-free shower with safety
grab bars, fold-down bench seat,
handheld personal shower and
comfort-height toilet are some of
the accessible elements in the
master bathroom.

The designer incorporated knee space by the refrigerator, a built-in oven at
an appropriate level, LED undercabinet lighting and Pergo Max laminated
ﬂoors for their ease of use, affordability and easy-clean properties.

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K BB

April 2015 / www.kbbonline.com / The Ofﬁcial Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com

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KBB - April 2015

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