Barrier Free Design is as simple as it sounds, the removal of barriers. We believe our homes should empower lives at all abilities and we are only as limited as our surroundings. 

​We take a Barrier Free Design approach to all of our projects. Barrier Free Living is about creating a customized design plan to fit the needs of the people living in a home. This approach goes beyond the ADA and Universal Design practices and focuses on what your household's needs and wants to live an elevated life.

​Barrier Free Design is not set to specific guidelines or rules, there are no dimensions or codes to adhere to. It is the practice of creating spaces that have minimal limitations so everybody can participate in the home. It is our ethos on how we design and our specialty we want to create more of in the world.

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26th 1990. This act grants equal rights to people with disabilities in five areas; employment, public transportation, public accommodations, telecommunications, and miscellaneous rights. This monumental act has changed the landscape of public accessibility and prohibits the discrimination of people with disabilities. 

​When it comes to accessibility requirements, the ADA is our standard for commercial spaces. The requirements are very detailed and inspected by city officials for buildings to pass code laws. The accessibility according to the ADA has made it so many people can access public spaces with ease, but it does not apply to residential homes.

​There are no requirements for residential codes when it comes to accessibility. For lack of other resources many people and professionals default to the ADA in their homes but those requirements don't always address the personal needs of how people live in their home. It can be a great starting point for a build or renovation but we always encourage clients to take a customized approach to their home design.

Universal Design is the newest approach when it comes to public accessibility. It is the practice of making spaces the most accommodating to the most people. For example; the ADA could state that a ramp next to stairs is sufficient to get into buildings, but some people have a very hard time going up and down ramps. The Universal Design approach would be to have a zero entry entrance so more people can enjoy a space with equal effort.

​Universal Design is a fantastic and our preferred way of thinking when it comes to designing public spaces. It often goes beyond the ADA to be more considerate of how to make spaces easier to be in for all. However, this way of thinking does not necessarily need to apply to residential homes.

​Homes are personal and therefore need to be customized to the people living in them. We do not need to plan for masses of people coming over to your house, but rather your invited guests. What would be considered good Universal Design may not be specific enough for a homeowner. Universal Design is what we practice in our small commercial projects and Barrier Free Design is what we practice in our residential projects.

Aging in Place is the practice of making homes safe and comfortable so people can stay in their homes as they age. Many times people are forced into nursing homes or assisted living centers prematurely simply because their homes are missing a few features for them to age safely. Most people prefer to live in their homes as long as possible and would rather have in home care when the time comes over moving into a healthcare facility. 

​Aging in Place takes practices from the ADA requirements and Barrier Free Design principles. Elements like grab bars, eliminating stairs, and higher seat heights can all be deemed Aging in Place approved.

​Barrier Free Design encompasses Aging in Place. Aging in Place is specifically referenced when caring for the accessibility needs of an elderly person. This practice is also being used in many multi-generational housing options, guest houses, and smaller homes.