Home Design Focuses on Adaptability and Ease of Use
M Magazine Feature- Even though it seems as if people started talking about universal design only recently, the concept of adaptability was developed in 1997. Today, it’s part of nearly every design discussion as awareness of its importance has increased.
“Universal design embraces flexibility, which allows families to grow with their home for a much longer time. It allows homes to adapt to family’s changing needs versus forcing them to move,” says Nathan Wachtl, senior design consultant at S.J. Janis Co.
Three certified universal design experts – Wachtl, Pekel Construction and Remodeling’s David Pekel and Chris Egner of Four Seasons Sunrooms – say universal design is commonly confused with the concept of aging in place. “That’s one of the biggest misconceptions about universal design – that it’s a politically correct term for aging in place – but it’s not. Aging in place is generally in response to a situation, whereas universal design should be anticipated.”