Understanding Universal Design
Expert Richard Duncan demystifies several aspects of universal design for home pros in this in-depth webinar
There’s a common misconception that universal design is just about making spaces handicapped-accessible or elderly-occupant-friendly. In reality, the concept is meant to serve a much wider population. Richard Duncan, director of the Better Living Design Institute in North Carolina, delved into these important nuances and how home industry professionals can best put them to use as part of Houzz’s webinar Innovator Series. The hour-long full presentation is available below, but here are a few of the things Duncan says pros should keep in mind when it comes to universal design.
There Isn’t One Right Way to Do It
Not all universally designed homes are a typical one-story, ranch-style house. Creative design choices like sloping, no-step entryways or spaces that can later be converted into elevator shafts or stair lifts prove that universal design can take many forms.
Not all universally designed homes are a typical one-story, ranch-style house. Creative design choices like sloping, no-step entryways or spaces that can later be converted into elevator shafts or stair lifts prove that universal design can take many forms.
It Can Be a Delicate Sell for Clients
While the principles of universal design can make life easier for a large cross section of people, Duncan emphasizes that pros looking to introduce the concept to clients should frame their pitch carefully. Many homeowners are sensitive to professionals pointing out challenges such as aging or potential disability.
“It really is a very delicate balance of taking their lead and knowing when to introduce certain concepts in your conversations,” he says.
Duncan suggests that pros skip outright mentioning those issues and instead focus on the more universal perks of design that can work for everyone, such as getting around with strollers or bikes or having different height options for kitchen work surfaces to accommodate the whole family.
While the principles of universal design can make life easier for a large cross section of people, Duncan emphasizes that pros looking to introduce the concept to clients should frame their pitch carefully. Many homeowners are sensitive to professionals pointing out challenges such as aging or potential disability.
“It really is a very delicate balance of taking their lead and knowing when to introduce certain concepts in your conversations,” he says.
Duncan suggests that pros skip outright mentioning those issues and instead focus on the more universal perks of design that can work for everyone, such as getting around with strollers or bikes or having different height options for kitchen work surfaces to accommodate the whole family.
It’s Probably Good for Business
By 2020, there are expected to be about 55 million Americans over the age of 65. By 2050, that number could be as high as 90 million. Those figures, paired with other factors like more multigenerational households and more homeowners looking for flexible features, mean pros incorporating universal design elements into their work and educating their clients about them along the way are making a wise investment, Duncan says.
By 2020, there are expected to be about 55 million Americans over the age of 65. By 2050, that number could be as high as 90 million. Those figures, paired with other factors like more multigenerational households and more homeowners looking for flexible features, mean pros incorporating universal design elements into their work and educating their clients about them along the way are making a wise investment, Duncan says.
The tacked-on ramps or obvious grab bars we might associate with universal design aren’t representative of the approach that Duncan and his team promote. Creating spaces that will appeal to any resident or visitor and are comparable with other homes in the area is key, he says. Elements like roomy walkways or easier-to-reach storage or appliances designed to work for a diverse array of people should look just as intentional and stylish as the details in any other home.
“There are lots of other folks, average everyday individuals and households, who can take advantage of features in universal and better-living homes,” Duncan says. “Not just folks we might traditionally think of as fitting a particular niche.”