Aaron D. Murphy, owner and architect at ADM Architecture, LLC recently returned from the Portland/Vancouver area, where he took the NAHB’s nationally recognized CAPS “Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist” certification coursework. This three day training provides certification to specialize in designing for the growing needs of the aging population.
Murphy noted that “A recent survey says that 25 percent of baby boomers expect a parent to live with them in the next 10-15 years. This need to design for ‘aging in place’ will be a growing field for the remainder of my career.” He has taken some online coursework recently from NARI’s Universal Remodeling education program, which focuses on the needs residential remodelers will have to address as the population ages. “These issues of aging are reflected in home designs and spatial planning solutions, or problems in most cases. The spatial challenges show up not just in the ‘here and now’, but also relate to a home’s adaptability and future flexibility in the years and decades ahead for the homeowner. AIP (Aging in Place) relates to planning for and/or dealing with deteriorations in mobility (and ambulatory), sensory, cognitive, or a combination of those factors. Universal design (another term for AIP design) can be done in a way that makes spaces within the home function better for all people involved, not just the aging client.
Murphy went on to say “I’m finding that this is really where my passion lies in the residential realm of architecture, helping people and families keep family together during the aging process.
Many baby boomers have homes with paid off mortgages, so the math works to get money out of the house to do the construction work to make it more livable for keeping the entire family together, and you’d still come out way ahead compared to some of the entry fees and monthly dues at a skilled nursing community.”
ADM Architecture is a local Poulsbo firm, specializing in both commercial and residential architectural design and permitting. ADM can be reached at (360) 440-8475, or by visiting www.adm-architecture.com.
