As the conversation around accessible design continues to snowball, Lima Kitchens founder Liz Pantling-Jones wonders why client discussions about changing lifestyles still aren’t the industry norm?
I really enjoyed listening to Joanna Jeyes’ recent episode of The kbbreview Podcast surrounding dementia and inclusive design.
Whilst I do not proclaim to be particularly knowledgeable in dementia I do believe that conversations and considerations of future needs should be normalised, not a taboo.
This is something we became interested in, and incorporated into our approach, when we first opened Lima Kitchens.
However, we have been surprised, especially when interviewing and employing, at how many people either avoid or barely scratch the surface when it comes to discussing the longevity of the design in terms of pre-existing health conditions and ageing.
One of the key learning areas when we employ, especially designers, is being able to confidently open these conversations and ask effective questions.
Some of our clients are in their 30s; they’re probably not concerned about developing dementia or arthritis. However, past injuries with long-term flare up symptoms such as broken bones, back injuries, or even conditions such as MS/ME, could be at play but not visible.
Also, perhaps parents visit regularly or need to move in later down the road. How may this impact the way they use the home?
If our client is looking to complete a larger renovation, have they considered switching the upstairs guest room and bathroom with the ground floor utility and dining room? There are multiple benefits to this, with more private tasks carried out upstairs offering greater home organisation and zoning.
Should the need for a ground floor bedroom and shower not be imminent or forever it is also beneficial for quick access after sports, walking the dog, gardening, and more.
I appreciate how much there is to cover. Styles, colours, appliances, lighting, worktops, budgets, timescales, the list goes on.
However, if you are asking effective questions to learn about your client, their lifestyle, and taste, then we, as design professionals, should be making recommendations on the most suitable products, approaches, and how to make this all cohesive. We should be guiding the client through a carefully selected number of products, not showing them the world.
It can feel slightly intrusive or rude, especially if the designer is not comfortable with why they are asking these questions. More and more people are living older and aiming to remain in their own homes, so understanding if they have any conditions which may develop is key in aiding this independence.
Many designers think that they are considering these areas. And in some cases, they are. Others are often incorporating generalised solutions which can add benefits across a multitude of potential access requirements.
This is all great, but we could be going further. We could be discussing the evolution of the space, variables and how they could be easily adapted.
There is also ignorance from clients. They may not appreciate some of the potential long-term impact of conditions such as diabetes or well-managed heart failure. Both relatively common chronic conditions where relatively simple tweaks or additions could impact their enjoyment both positively and negatively.
I appreciate that not every client will be receptive to this, which is fine. However, by avoiding the conversation altogether, you are not identifying those who are.
Knowing that often chronic illness is made up of good days and bad days could mean we never witness the challenges faced, nor that they are necessarily at the forefront of a client’s mind on that given day. So, by normalising the conversation, we are helping our clients consider more and obtain greater ROI.