What is Livable Design?

When I say that I am a Livable Design Architect, people often ask, what does that mean? There are many definitions out there. It is easy to think that when I say this, that I am referencing one of them. I am not. But there is a catch, I am using some of their principles!

First, a similar sounding design philosophy is Universal Design. This type of design works from the premise that we are all at some point going to need to be in a wheelchair or use aids and space to maneuver. Tools as wider doorways, level transitions and blocking in the walls for future grab bars are common sense ideas that are the building blocks of Universal Design. It is implementation of commercial codes and space planning into a residential environment. While a great idea that should be considered for certain situations, as costs continue to spiral ever upward, that extra three hundred or so square feet of extra construction starts to add up quick. But it does open a niche market for those who are in current need for an accessible home. My definition is not this, though there are pieces of this idea in my design.

Another similar feeling design philosophy focuses on sustainability.. A loaded word, one that has many facets, sustainability focuses on the long-term ability of a place to be healthy and not consume further resources than is necessary. While an honorable goal to move towards, this type of design often focuses on the metrics of a design from an environmental perspective and not necessarily on the human uses (sealed windows to conserve energy, while ignoring the quality of an open window). Another aspect of this design method does focus on the comfort of the user. Designing environments that provide the proper amount of thermal comfort and protection from the elements is a core concept of many green initiatives. My definition is not this, though there are pieces of this idea in my design.

My definition of Livable design is born from the balance that my clients say that I bring to the project. Do I care about their budget? Yes. Do I want the best design that is possible WITHIN their budget? Yes. Do I sometimes leave ‘really awesome ideas’ behind in order to accommodate my client’s need to actually have a life outside of paying off the cost of my idea? You bet I do. Because I remember that the whole purpose of me being involved is to bring my experience to THEIR home to give them the best home they can have within their reality.

I also use my past experience to include those sustainable features that will benefit my client. Unless required to do so by the ever-increasing green codes, I do not offer any solution that is considered ‘green’ to my clients unless it will benefit their project or their life. I do offer all options that will benefit them, including those that may cost more today at their benefit long term. The greatest sustainability comes from not having to tear something down in 30 years to completely rebuild because of shoddy materials or construction methods.

My definition also looks at the lifetime of a client in the home. Will they want to have a first story bedroom? Do we need to plan for wider doorways, roll in showers or possibly an elevator? Do we need to plan for later when the kids have gone and make a reasonable reconfiguration of a house possible as part of today’s planning? If this is part of what they foresee in their life, it is my job to give them their goals.

Livable Design amounts to the statement - I design to allow my client to live.