The Universal Design Power Hour, Thursday, Jan. 21, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., is sponsored by Delta Faucets, and features information on the facts and the trends concerning Universal Design, as presented by industry expert Mary Jo Peterson, CKD, CBD, CAASH, CAPS.

Here are her thoughts on a few current questions — and she'll address yours on Thursday!

1) Are you seeing more active adult builders putting universal design into the homes and communities they are building?

Yes and no. Universal design is going mainstream in that active adult builders are talking UD and incorporating some aspects of UD-level entries, lever handles, seats-in showers, front-loading laundry equipment. They are still struggling with things like level entries at showers, knee spaces in kitchens or baths, easy access to mail or electrical and HVAC controls. Often, it’s just a matter of oversight, doing things the way they have always been done simply because no one thought of the inconvenience caused (i.e., outlets are  too low to reach or switches are too high).

2) What is the biggest emerging trend you are seeing today in universal design?

One major opportunity and trend has to do with the convergence of new technology into home systems, from a remote control on the vent for the cooktop to communication with health care providers. Another great trend is the move towards consideration of the entire community a person will live in (i.e., mail service,  recreational facilities and the paths to them or the connection to mass transit).

3) What can builders do to take the next step to better incorporate UD features into their homes and communities?

Builders can get informed. As we become familiar with concepts and products, we become more comfortable with using them successfully. It all starts with small steps, or pardon the pun, the elimination of them. Using the reference list we will provide at the session or any other UD checklist, consider what can be done with little or no added cost, and just do those things. When possible, make more effort to include those ideas that may take a bit more effort but still not break the budget. UD is not “all or nothing” and each change helps. On the market today, we have many wonderful new or newly-designed products to make UD beautiful and seamless, bringing us closer to that point when it will be invisible … just good design.

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Mary Jo Peterson, CKD, CBD, CAASH, CAPS, is a certified kitchen/bath designer and educator. She also is a certified aging in place specialist with specific expertise in universal design, addressing the needs of people of varying sizes and abilities, including people with disabilities and people who are aging.  She focuses her Connecticut-based design practice Mary Jo Peterson, Inc., on residential and commercial building projects in the New England region, and provides consulting support to major home builders nationwide, as well as the architects, developers, and product manufacturers that support them.  Peterson was recently included into the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Hall of Fame. She can be reached at (203) 775-4763 or maryjo@mjpdesign.com or visit  her company's Web site at this link. [Return to top]