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Does anyone specialize in building homes for special needs/ disabilities?

I want to specialize in the accessible side of housing. Making structures up to code for people who need ramps, elevators, railings, etc. I am wondering if there is someone out there who does this kind of work. How early did you tell people you wanted to specialize in architecture and how did you do it?

#Architecture #Specialties #Disabilities

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Jackie’s Answer

Hi Elizabeth!
I was told in undergraduate school that it was a really good idea to pick a specialty early on so you could become an "expert" and therefore highly desireable for whatever niche you want to go into. I chose multifamily housing. And picked my Master's Program based on that focus (University of Oregon - Portland). Accessibility is SO important and will always be of great need as many more people age and more people are born with unique disabilities that need to be accommodated. I think it's GREAT that you want to specialize in this, and there's nothing wrong with saying this early on! It helps guide you in the right direction and gives you focus and clarity in your purpose. Seek out others who do this work, and find someone to apprentice under. I'm sure they're out there. But one thing to do, is look up your State and your City's code about which accessibility codes and standards they follow and START READING! There's so much to learn and so many nuances. But the more your learn and memorize, the more valuable you'll be to a firm, consulting agency, or private practice! You can do this! Best wishes to you!
-Jackie Davis, Architect 2019

Jackie recommends the following next steps:

Take a Studio or Join a program that allows you to explore this specialized topic area of accessibility
Look up schools or certificate programs that focus on accessibility
Reach out to local city government officials who enforce accessibility and see if they can refer you to good people doing the work that you can learn from or work under
Start reading the accessibility codes in your city/state.
Start talking with people with disabilities and see what really matters to them and how they get around. Sometimes we have to accommodate FURTHER than what the minimum code requires. Always choose empathy!
Thank you comment icon Hello Jackie, Thank you very much for all of your help! I'm going to follow your checklist and I am so thankful for all of your advise! Also best of luck in your business! -Ellie Elizabeth
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Aric’s Answer

What a great question Elizabeth! It is very noble of you to want o use your skills in this manner. To be honest though all multi-housing projects need to be barrier free and set by the local and state building codes. Only townhouses and single and two family homes are exempt from this requirement. So specializing in residential construction, if you choose the design side you will be required just like all architects to be familiar with the barrier free requirements as set forth by each individual state. If you decide to be on the building side those details that you speak of are not your responsibility to figure out just your responsibility to implement the designs of the architect who has prepared signed and sealed their plans to insure that they conform to such codes.
My experience in architecture has been vast. Your path is not always easy to determine or accessible right away. Once you are finished your education you need to work. So if you are passionate about something you are going to want to find a firm that matches your desires however that is not always feasible since everyone is looking for a job! I took my first job knowing that it was just a stepping stone and allowing me to get experience so I could market myself to elevate me to the next firm that I would go to. My experiences along the way ran the full gamut of building types, such as medical, educational, mercantile, residential, storage facilities, day care, group homes etc. I have finally settled down with my own practice and took all those skills and focus on residential work. Every job is unique and every client comes with their own problems that need to be solved.
Architects are very well rounded people and I think it will suit you best to focus on education and understanding problem solving. As you develop your skills you will be able to specialize in what ever type design you want but you must also have clients to pay your bills. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Hello Aric, Thank you very much for your advice. I definitely need to be open to all the aspects that make architecture such an amazing major. I am taking your advice and not trying to focus purely on code of accessibility since I need much more than that to be a good architect. I think that I will try to put an emphasis on some areas as I keep learning so that I have a few niche skills. However, I am totally going to learn everything I need to be competent. Thanks again! Ellie Elizabeth
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Brent’s Answer

Many architects are versed in both "Universal Design" and "Aging-In-Place" strategies which attempt to address the design needs of all people, regardless of their age and mobility. If you research those two topics, you will learn a lot about how to design for accessibility. I would also recommend the book "Housing Interiors for the Disabled and Elderly" (New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, Inc., 1982) by Bettyann Boetticher Raschko. Although a dated publication, it is a good resource. :)
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