The Accessible Home - by Deborah Pierce (Paperback)

About the Book

A guide that goes beyond ramps and grab-bars to help aging boomers, or those faced with disabilities, accomplish home accessibility on a deeper level. With a focus on closing the gap between home and homeowner, Pierce leads readers through the steps of universal design.

Book Synopsis

"One of the best new guides I have run across to achieve this goal is The Accessible Home: Designing for All Ages & Abilities, by Deborah Pierce. The structure of this handbook is smart"
- Meg White, REALTOR(R) Magazine

"I found myself paging through The Accessible Home, foraging for ideas for my own home--having forgotten that this was a specialized book only for those with disabilities."
- Lee Wallender, About.com Guide, Home Renovations

"As author, Deborah Pierce understands and conveys it, "universal design" aims at creating buildings and spaces that allow use by the disabled and able-bodied alike."
- The Detroit News

"A terrific guide"
- The Wall Street Journal

Millions of baby boomers are approaching the golden years. While it's a marker worth celebrating, it can also be a reminder of uncertain times ahead. How will I manage? Can I stay in my home?

The Accessible Home goes beyond ramps and grab-bars to help aging boomers, or those faced with disabilities, accomplish home accessibility on a deeper level. With a focus on closing the gap between home and homeowner, architect Deborah Pierce leads readers through the steps of universal design--from hiring the right architect to creating a pleasing space with the final details.

Plus, an insider's look at 25 case studies shows that the best design is built in, not tacked on, and that "accessible" can be both beautiful and functional. The Accessible Home empowers people of all ages and challenges them to create homes that restore independence and the grace of daily living.

Review Quotes

Deborah Pierce tackles the small problems along with the large in her quest to make wonderful places where people with disabilities can live comfortably and safely. Her thoughtful case studies are full of helpful ideas, many of them little things that make a world of difference to a disabled person. More than that, however, she sets her sights on creating houses that are beautiful, comfortable, and convivial for the entire family and their guests. That is one of the most gratifying accomplishments for any architect. I commend her on this insightful book, which will prove useful--and accessible--to the public and professionals alike. --Michael Graves, FAIA

The home of the future will be a place for people of all ages and abilities - designed with transparent functionality and an inviting, universal aesthetic. Until then, "The Accessible Home "stands as the roadmap to the universal home. Deborah Pierce presents an elegant overview of the accessibility basics to show homeowners a menu of options -- urban, suburban and even rural. The book celebrates independence, comfort and graceful living; it empowers people to become involved in the evolution of home design. Sam Maddox, Knowledge Manager, The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

Deborah Pierce has created an inspired, beautiful, and practical book. "The Accessible Home "will be appreciated by the person/family newly struggling with the realities of changes in her, his, or their abilities as well as the experienced designer needing guidance. I've been reviewing and critiquing books on accessible design for 30 years; this is the most complete home design book I've ever seen. It illustrates the alchemy that occurs in a respectful partnership between designers and their clients. --Elaine Ostroff, Hon. AIA, Founding Director, Institute for Human Centered Design (Adaptive Environments)

Inspiring, visionary, and yet totally down to earth. This is a must-read for anyone designing the home of a lifetime. --Hugh

This book is a gem. It provides an excellent framework for the design of living spaces that accommodate the practical needs of people with various special needs in a dignified, functional and stylish manner. The case studies presented are inspiring examples of how creative, thoughtful design can be both beautiful and empowering for individuals with physical and other limitations. - Eileen Komanecky - Founder, simpleHome, technology resources for smart homes

"The Accessible Home" is a comprehensive approach to designing living spaces for people with disabilities from an individualized perspective. It is especially gratifying to see detailed attention paid to the often misunderstood or overgeneralized needs of active lifestyle wheelchair users. I've been waiting to see a book like this for a long time. -- Tim Gilmer, Editor, "New Mobility "magazine

About the Author

DEBORAH PIERCE, AIA, is founding partner, project architect, and firm manager of Pierce Lamb Architects in Newton, Massachusetts. Architectural accessibility has been a special focus of Deborah's work since the firm's inception. As national chair of the AIA Advisory Group for Small Project Practitioners, she has raised awareness for Universal Design in private residences through the AIA's Small Project Design Awards program and a 2010 National Convention seminar. She is also a frequent lecturer on the hot topic of accessibility.