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Universal Design: The Wave of the Future!

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Services for Real Estate Pros with Napa Consultants DRE00893924

Recently, we were tasked with helping to develop the logo, marketing and messaging of a new state-of-the-art luxury condominium development that featured Universal Design. This is an approach to design that allows people of all levels of ability to live as independently as possible. We think Universal Design is the wave of the future.

 

Universal Design creates an environment that can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. By considering the diverse needs and abilities of all throughout the design process Universal Design virtually eliminates the need for adaptation, modification, assistive devices or specialized solutions, on behalf of any persons of any age or size or having any particular physical, sensory, or mental acuity challenge.

 

For example, a home built with Universal Design would have no steps and open floor plans. The light switches would all be as easily accessible to someone in a wheelchair, a child or an adult. It is just good design without emphasizing handicaps. Universal design is the wave of the future.

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Comments(20)

Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Ron and Alexandra Seigel - yes I have been in several of this type of community and they are truly awesome builds.  It makes total sense to me as young and old alike can live in and appreciate their surroundings.

Oct 26, 2017 10:32 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Universal design does make so much sense. Love that you two are on the cutting edge of it too. No surprise. D 

Oct 26, 2017 11:06 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Ron and Alexandra Seigel - What a great topic and so glad you have been chosen to design the logo, messaging and marketing. I agree that this is the wave of the future and will affect ecological, economic and social concerns. How exciting!

Oct 26, 2017 11:35 AM
Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert
Richmond, TX

I too think this is the wave of the future, I know a certain builder has cornered the market on "Senior Living" but the restrictions just choke me. 

Oct 26, 2017 01:09 PM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Ron & Alexandra - I think you're right about the future. While no one in our market is yet promoting universal design per se, we're seeing more elements of it incorporated in new home designs as standard features.

Oct 26, 2017 01:10 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Alexandra and Ron -- and that future is definitely here.

Carol Williams --- I recommend this look at the world of universal design as an inclusion in an upcoming Second Chance Saturday post.   The world is always changing and the builders who understand this not-quite-so-subtle shift will reap the rewards.  

 

Oct 26, 2017 01:35 PM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert This is not just about senior living, it is about having a house work for a long time.  15 years ago our friend had to retrofit her two story home, because of her husband no long being able to walk.  Had this home been bult in a Universal design style, she would not have to retrofit.  A

Oct 26, 2017 02:32 PM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Sheri Sperry - MCNE® it just makes so much sense for people of all ages, including the little ones who will be able to reach the light switches.   It is exciting, the project has not broken ground yet, and all the materials that have been chosen is off the highest quality.  We are definitely thrilled, we are starting on the web with our developer on the 1st.  A

Oct 26, 2017 02:35 PM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Anna Banana Kruchten,CRS,CRB,GRI we are so excited about this project, and we are looking forward to seeing it realized.  Glad you have seen examples, we have seen some part of universal designed applied in new homes.  A

Oct 26, 2017 02:38 PM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD there is a definite value to this in a multi-genrational home.  It accomodates everyone and makes for a happy family life.  A

Oct 26, 2017 02:39 PM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Michael Jacobs 

Like with all futures that are here, it is poorly marketed, or people just do not want to listen.

Thank you for mentioning our post to Carol.  We appreciate it.

Oct 26, 2017 02:41 PM
Beth Atalay
Cam Realty and Property Management - Clermont, FL
Cam Realty of Clermont FL

Ron and Alexandra, we live in a changing world, this is a brilliant one. You two are the perfect ones to design the logo, marketing and the messaging. You'll do an amazing job.

Oct 26, 2017 04:43 PM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

It is the wave of the future. When we built, we incorporated many of these practical aspects into our home's design. After 3 years we still feel we got it right.

Oct 26, 2017 08:01 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for sharing some of your thoughts on this important topic. 

We need to downsize and would love to have some of the Universal Design elements in our next home.

Oct 27, 2017 04:34 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Ron and Alexandra. I like this idea a lot. Everyone wants things easy and accommodating.

Oct 27, 2017 08:57 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I like that concept, Ron and Alexandra.  I have seen people who have loved their homes, but could no longer live there because aging had made it all but impossible to continue on because of design.  Interestingly however, I have thought that an open floor plan made homes more universal.  But steps seem to be a prime motivator for elderly folks to sell.

Oct 27, 2017 12:56 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Ron and Alexandra Seigel ,

I'm so glad I caught your post in Carol Williams Second Chance Saturday series..not sure how I missed it. Congratulations to you two for being chosen to design the logo, messaging and marketing, Not surprised you're the perfect choice. It is the wave of the future as we live in a changing world. Universal Design will affect so many ecological, economic and social concerns. I'm thrilled for you!

Oct 28, 2017 06:16 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Ron and Alexandra

I truly hope we see much more of an emphasis on universal design, especially with the population shifts we are seeing. But it just makes good sense long term.

What a cool project that must have been!

Jeff

Oct 29, 2017 09:42 AM
Evelyn Santiago, Managing Broker Heart Realty Group, Inc.
Heart Realty Group, Inc.. - Oswego, IL
Passionate About Real Estate & Our Clients!

What a wonderful concept which I hope will become the norm in the future.  Would love to stay in my home but the stairs are definitely an issue as my knees no longer seem to want to help me out!  Congratulations on your project!

Oct 29, 2017 01:11 PM
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

Sounds interesting.  As a custom home builder in a previous life, this was given some thought if the home was going to be multi-generational.  Roll-in showers and wide doors.  Otherwise, most don't consider it. 

In the mulit-family environment, this makes great sense. 

Nov 25, 2017 11:04 AM