Usable Design

Usable design refers to the act of creating an environment or products that are not only efficient, but also easy-to-use. When talking about usability there are three aspects to consider:

• Learnability: Can users easily learn how to operate the product, and can they remember how to perform tasks when they return to the product the next time?
• 
Consistency: Are product features clearly and consistently labeled?
• 
Efficiency and effectiveness: Can users perform tasks with a minimal amount of effort and achieve their goals successfully?

Accessible Design

Accessible design is a design process in which the needs of people with disabilities are specifically considered. It is about creating an environment that allows for independence and safety in day-to-day life. Curb-less showers are an example of this.

Universal Design

Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Grab bars or rollout drawers in the kitchen are popular universal design products.

Accessible Bathroom Remodel is Recognized with a 2015 Qualified Remodeler Master Design Award.

This gorgeous master bath renovation is truly beauty and function all wrapped up in one. The homeowners couldn’t be more thrilled with their bathroom and winning an award was just icing on the cake. The Qualified Remodeler Master Design Awards competition was initiated 37 years ago to recognize remodelers, architects, builders, kitchen and bath specialists and other professionals for outstanding project design and construction.

Read more about this award-winning project here –

http://qualifiedremodeler.epubxp.com/i/575494-sep-2015

http://www.glickmandesignbuild.com/an-accessible-…short-timeline

Unusual Challenges
The biggest challenge on this job was the fact that we had one month to complete the project and being on the 18th floor of the condominium building presented challenges in terms of ease of getting in and out of the building. Working in condos regularly; our team knew the ins and outs of being as efficient as possible when dealing with parking, elevator and other building issues. Working with limited design options, we had to choose materials that we knew would look great and be available to fit our timeframe for completion. Knowing which products are easier to get than others, we were able to select materials that would meet our time constraints while at the same time look great. And knowing that we had limited design options being a condo bathroom, we were able to come up with a plan that suited the space perfectly while accommodating the clients’ needs.

Before

Before and After Floor Plans

The Result

The result of this project was a re-designed condominium bathroom that looked beautiful and provided the functionality that the homeowner desired. An accessible shower, a toilet and sink along with grab bars transformed the room perfectly. The homeowner’s didn’t see the project until it was complete and were truly shocked by the transformation. They didn’t realize an accessible bathroom could look so beautiful at the same time. They couldn’t wait to show off the new space to their friends. View Project

“We could not have been more pleased! I can’t even describe the look on Curtis’ (my husband’s) face–the smile was enormous and so wonderfully genuine. You guys did an amazing job.” – C. B.

Design
While the configuration of the space remained the same, the products and materials that were chosen helped accomplish the homeowner’s goals. To help alleviate clutter in the space, a large existing vanity was replaced with a wall mount sink free of cabinets. Instead, a cabinet unit was installed above the toilet so as not to take up additional floor space. A glass enclosed shower was also incorporated replacing an old heavy feeling shower that took up a lot of space. With the glass enclosure the room is significantly opened up. A shower niche was designed to handle any products needed in the shower in a clean, sleek fashion. A full wall of warm tone tiles with a wood accent helped create the spa-like atmosphere the client desired along with warm tone bamboo cabinets. Clean, sleek fixtures were incorporated throughout. A custom backlit full-wall mirror and vanity mirror completed the desired look.

Results
Beautiful fixtures, bamboo cabinetry, backlit mirrors, clean storage and a gorgeous glass surround shower make this the perfect space for the homeowner to start his day addressing all of his needs both functionally and aesthetically.