Human-centered design is a process that focuses on human needs and problem-solving. In the architecture field, it is a collaborative undertaking, a partnership between architect, client, and the client’s end-users that takes into account multiple perspectives to create spaces that are functional and inspiring. Benefits of Human-Centered Design A central goal of human-centered design is
A commercial building project is complex. It often involves a large team of people with different skills, time pressures and communication styles. When you add the worries any entrepreneur has when building a new business or revamping an old one – local competition, market changes, permitting issues and environmental requirements, to name just a few
By some estimates, office space in Marin County is at almost a 20% vacancy rate. That aligns with the overall vacancy rate average across the US, which was 17.2% in the first quarter of 2021. COVID continues to take a toll on the way we work. For some, it is an awakening. The U.S. Department
According to the U.S. Small Business Association, branding “is about the sum total of the experiences customers have with your business.” Your brand's image is the result of everything you do, from your product and how you interact with customers/clients to the design decisions you make about your office. A commercial architect can help you
Climate change, energy efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint are driving aspects of home design. Solar panels are an option that many homeowners are considering. You might be surprised to learn that a French physicist began making discoveries about solar energy around 1839. The first patents for solar-powered engines were filed in the 1860's. By
Accessible design should be near the top of your list of things to consider when you’re remodeling or designing a new retail space. Given that the 2010 census found that 19 percent of the U.S. population lives with some form of disability, creating retail environments that are accessbile, safe and welcoming for all isn’t only
The rapid changes we’ve experienced in our home and work environments are causing a shift in the way we see the world. If the work from home (WFH) phenomenon is here to stay, how will it impact plans for future housing? If the office buildings don’t fill up again, it is possible that those sites
After tackling your layout, cabinets and drawers, the next step in your kitchen retrofit for aging in place is planning your countertops, sinks and floors. The right countertops, sinks and floors can provide added accessibility and enhance food safety and fall prevention efforts for those with mobility or vision problems. Kitchen Countertops Height To make
Despite the challenges, the building trades have experienced a decided uptick in activity in 2021, according to the Houzz Barometer. Professionals in the residential design and construction field seem confident that the trend will continue. As we pointed out in an earlier post, the pandemic has forced homeowners to rethink essential home design. A study
After the kitchen, the bathroom retrofit is probably the most important and challenging modification you can make for safe aging in place. The potential for water on the floor, combined with the need to maneuover into and out of a shower or tub or onto a toilet, raises the risk of a serious fall among
