Martin Design & Consulting, LLC
Accessible Homes Welcome Everyone
Welcome! I am a Registered Interior Designer and Certified Aging in Place Specialist offering consulting services for accessible home design and aging in place. I offer professional guidance to builders and developers seeking to make the designs of their new construction home floor plans more accessible and supportive for aging in place.
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Some examples of accessible home design features that also support aging in place are zero-step showers and wider hallways, but there is so much more that can be done to design a home to withstand the test of time for its owners over their lifespan.
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Accessible home design features can support residents’ abilities to age in place, whether they are older adults, teenagers healing from a sports injury, or new parents caring for an infant. Accessible homes also allow their owners to welcome any friends and family who visit, regardless of physical ability.
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The beautiful thing is that when accessible design features are incorporated into home floor plans from the start, prior to new construction, they can blend in seamlessly and enhance the overall aesthetic. This is where I come in, providing builders and developers with guidance for offering new construction home plans that are accessible and also beautiful. Their product can then be marketed to the rapidly growing market for aging in place and accessibility.
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An accessible home is a gracious home. It exudes warmth and hospitality by removing physical barriers. Without speaking a word, the accessible home says, "Come on in. Any friend of ours is welcome."
Accessible homes welcome everyone
An accessible home is a gracious home.
One of my core beliefs is that accessible home design features are simply good hospitality. For example, the homeowner may not have a physical disability, but what about when they invite Bob or Jane over for lunch and the stairs leading into the house create an uncomfortable situation?
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An accessible home exudes warmth and hospitality by removing physical barriers. Without speaking a word, the accessible home says, "Come on in. Any friend of ours is welcome."
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About Me
I’m an NCIDQ certified interior designer, professional educator, and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). As a Senior Lecturer in the Interior Design program at Auburn University, I teach students about accessible design strategies and the philosophy behind them. My academic research focus is in accessible home design.
Education:
Ph.D. in Consumer and Design Sciences, Auburn University, 2023
M.S. in Consumer and Design Sciences, Auburn University, 2013
B.S. in Interior Design, Auburn University, 2007
Certifications:
Alabama Registered Interior Designer (RID #638)
NCIDQ #32700
Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)
ASID Professional Educator Member
ASID Alabama Board of Directors
IIDA Professional Educator Member
LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
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Professional Experience:
Worked for a Top 100 nationally ranked A&D firm
Healthcare design specialty
Residential and commercial interior design experience
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Personally, my husband and I have built a custom accessible home to support our child who has accessibility needs. For many reasons, I am "all in" for accessible design.
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When you work with me, you should expect a partner who will listen carefully to your needs and help to expand your accessible design product offerings. I will conduct a careful review of your current floor plans, and offer detailed guidance on modifications to make the plans more accessible for future builds. I also offer research tools to assess residents' satisfaction with accessibility features in years to come so that you have rich data for continual improvement and informed decision making.
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Want to learn more? Contact me today for an initial consultation.
FAQ
What is accessible home design?
Accessible design allows a home to support residents' abilities as they age in place, in temporary or permanent periods of disability, and across the lifespan. For example, careful choices in lighting, materials, and flooring transitions can increase safety and support independence in older adults with declining vision. For a pregnant woman in the third trimester, having a bedroom and full bathroom on the main level can reduce the likelihood of a dangerous fall. Accessible design features can be beautiful and seamlessly integrated when designed in the planning phase for new construction.
How can accessible design add home value?
Accessibly designed homes are a growing market niche. There are home search websites now with only accessible homes listed in the available products. An accessible home retains value for the resident over time because it supports their abilities to function at the highest level possible across their lifespan. Accessible design features that are thoughtfully considered in the planning phase before the home is built can be incorporated seamlessly and beautifully. These features can increase initial home sale price and value to future residents.
Do consumers want accessible design in their homes?
Market research indicates that Baby Boomers and younger families alike are seeking accessible homes in the United States. You will be reaching these consumers now, and resale value may also be higher for them in years to come. An estimated 2% of homes in the entire United States of America are accessible. Meanwhile, the aging population is growing and is in great need of accessible homes where they can "age in place." My professional background gives me the ability to assess your home plans for new construction and make them more accessible while retaining aesthetic appeal.
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Services
How can I help you?
I am your partner in providing interior design solutions to make your current home floor plan offerings more accessible and supportive for aging in place.
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Market research indicates that Baby Boomers and younger families alike are seeking accessible homes in the United States. You will be reaching these clients now, and resale value may also be higher for them in years to come.
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Review Current Floor Plans
Look for accessible interior design opportunities
As a professional interior designer, I am qualified to assess your current floor plans for accessibility. For new construction homes, I can make suggestions for minimum dimensional clearances for accessibility and offer guidance on interior environmental features that also tie into accessibility such as lighting and materials. To find out more, get in touch.
Offer Accessible Design Solutions
Offer interior design strategies to increase accessibility in your floor plans
Some floor plans for new construction lend themselves to relatively minor modifications on paper to be accessible, whereas others may require more extensive revisions. Regardless, you will receive specific guidance on interior design strategies to enhance the accessibility of the new homes you build moving forward. Contact me to find out how I can help today.
Follow Up
Provide customized survey tools to measure client satisfaction with their home
With a Master's degree in Consumer and Design Sciences from Auburn University, I am trained in research methodology including consumer surveys. I will provide you with tools to follow up with your clients in years to come so that you may track satisfaction and suggestions for continuous improvement.
Accessible Homes are Sustainable Homes
Accessible homes can be marketed as true "forever homes." They are sustainable by nature, because they are designed with the residents' future needs in mind, supporting them throughout their lifespan.
Planning for accessible design at the outset, prior to new construction, reduces the need for unnecessary relocation or renovation by residents.
A new home that is built to be accessible from the start is smart, beautiful, and inherently valuable. It welcomes all friends and family to build beautiful memories together.