National Association of Home Builders gives awards to California, Texas designers for their universal design remodels

From NAHB:

NAHB Remodelers recently announced two winners of its fourth annual Homes for Life Award, recognizing excellent remodeling work for aging-in-place and universal design. Sponsored by Andersen Windows, the awards were presented during the NAHB Remodelers gala held in Baltimore last month during the Remodeling Show.

Jeannine Clark, CAPS, of Mannigan Design in Pasadena, Calif., won in the Major Space remodel category. Carla Aston, ASID, RID, CAPS, of Aston Design Studio in The Woodlands, Texas, Pa., won in the Single Space remodel category.

"These gorgeous remodels demonstrate that universal design elements can enhance both style and usability of a home," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Donna Shirey, CGR, CAPS, CGP, a remodeler from Issaquah, Wash. "The Homes for Life award winners transformed these homes to become more beautiful, while also improving ease of living and safety."

Award winner, Jeannine Clark was recognized in the Major Space category for remodeling a second residence for a couple planning to rent out the home before retirement. Clark integrated aging-in-place and universal design features so that they were invisible, yet improved the function and access of the home. The project included modifying a courtyard and patio for level transition to the home's interior, raised-bed planters, option to open the sink for rolling under with a chair, wider hallways and doors with lever handles, improved lighting, no-step shower, pull-out shelves, and a more open floor plan.

Carla Aston earned the Single Space award for remodeling the bathroom (pictured) of a male client experiencing paralysis. He requested a masculine design with accessible features to facilitate bathing. Aston created a luxurious ambiance, incorporating slate, granite and mahogany features for a rich color scheme. The size of the bathroom was expanded to include a spa tub, more turning space for a wheelchair, and a no-step shower with handheld fixtures. The dark, bronze linear-style grab bars became a design feature while also adding utility.