Interior Decorator or Certified Interior Designer...WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

c. 1944, Is this paint safe?

What is the difference between an interior decorator and a certified interior designer?

Education, experience and examination.

A certified interior designer is required to have a combination of six years of education and work experience before they are eligible to take the NCIDQ examination.  NCIDQ stands for National Council for Interior Design Qualification.

What does that mean for you?  Your designer will provide you with the beautiful space you desire.  However, it is YOUR health, YOUR welfare and YOUR safety that is always at the forefront of all the decisions made for your project.  YOU are the most important element.

Are you or someone you know looking to beautify their home?  We'll provide the beauty and SAFETY.

Let's change the way we live! 

We can be reached at:

DESIGN FOR A LIFE SPAN LLC

jeanette@DesignForALifeSpan.com

480-695-1360

CHRISTMAS AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN

Universal Design is like Christmas.


Christmas is celebrated and embraced by every family member, from the the very young to the very old and every age in between. 


Like Christmas, a home the incorporates Universal Design is enjoyed by all family members.  It makes no difference if they are tall or short, thin or stocky, young or old, able bodied or not.  It is a home that is easily used by all.


Christmas and Universal Design is multi-generational.


Have you noticed that a particular person you care about continues to decline an invitation to your home?  Even to celebrate Christmas?  Is there something about the physical elements of your home that keeps them way?  Such as steps to the front door or the closet sized guest bathroom.  Don't be afraid to ask them.  It could be a simple fix.  We can help.  


You plan for your lifetime; we design for your lifespan


We can be reached at:

DESIGN FOR A LIFE SPAN LLC

jeanette@DesignForALifesapn.com

480-695-1360

Project Bea & Pearl…Bea’s Home and Her Beloved Possessions

Tattoos...Bea was a Rebel in Her Day

Oh my, it has been a while since I’ve posted a blog.  No good excuses.  Project Bea & Pearl was close to my heart and a joy to write about.  I loved watching the interaction between though two they were like “peas in a pod”.   Sometimes it was sweet and sometimes it wasn’t.  I can tell you that Pearl misses Bea, they had been together for a long, long time.  I too miss Bea.

The project has now taken on a different direction.  The process of breaking up her estate.  People, PLEASE do your loved ones and family members a favor and purge your homes.  Since August my sister Theresa, Pearl and I have spent our Saturdays putting her house in order so we can either sale it or ready it for a family member to move into.  What a daunting job it has been.  Bea saved everything!  It didn’t matter if she bought it, received it as a gift or took home another family member’s discarded item.  It was and is, in some cases, still in the home.  I found a trophy from my high school days!  I threw it out many years ago, I didn’t know she had it, so I threw it out, again.  Every item meant something to her.  She was very sentimental.  It has made it difficult for those of us let behind.  So PLEASE think of others and PURGE.

Theresa, Pearl and I have treasured our Saturday’s together.  It is tough at times as we go through her treasured items and they bring found memoirs back.  Pearl prefers to be surrounded by her “girls” as she sorts, cleans and gifts Bea’s processions.  I understand, I stood in her kitchen one evening by myself and felt the over whelming emptiness.  That’s when it really hits home, Bea is gone. 

Jeanette’s Memoir of Bea Tassche

"The Look of Love on Her Face"

Moments in Time

A Tribute to Grandma (Bea) Tassche

When I was born; she was there.

When my siblings were born; she was there

            which means she was there often!

When she came to Arizona for a visit; she always had a treat or gift for us.

When Mom had a baby; she was in charge

            she ran a tight ship

                        she feed us well

                        she kept us clean

                        she made us keep our rooms clean

                        and she made us go to bed on time.

She was quick to give us praise, hugs and kisses.

She loved each and every one of us and we knew it.

When she left town to go home, I’d cry and miss her so.

She came for my wedding and what a special day it was.

In the late 70’s word came she was moving to Arizona; and what a happy day that was.

When my children were small I wanted to give her a gift;

            The gift of watching her great grandchildren grow up.

            Because of the distance she missed many of the everyday events in mine and my siblings’ formative years.

            So for many years as the boys grew, the 1^st Monday of the month was “our time”.

            We had many glorious moments.

            They will always be special moments and memories for me, Pete, Jonathan & Derek.

When the great great grandchildren were born; there was her special touch, her hugs, her kisses and the look of love on her face.

Oh how she loved her family.

She was there when I was born; and I was there when she left us.

It's time to say GOOD BYE to Project Bea and Pearl

The post on this site has been at a standstill of late.  I’m sad to say that Project Bea and Pearl has come to an end.  Beatrice Lucille Tassche has passed from this life to the next.  She was my grandmother and Pearl is my mother. 

Beatrice Tassche (3-26-12 to 7-6-10)...is the inspirations behind Design for a Life Span. She lived ninety eight years on this plant. She was independent, strong willed, feisty, humorous, giving, loving and stubborn. She refused to live only in one place and that was her HOME, and there she stayed until the day she died. As she aged her 1977 home proved to be more hazardous to her than a comfort. She tried to adapt to it, however without the needed modifications it becomes more of a prison than a home. How many of you have loved ones that want to remain in their homes and need help modifying it to their needs? That’s what we do. Let’s keep our loved ones at home and SAFE.

Jeanette Knudsen

Design For A Life Span LLC

2036 North Gilbert Road, Ste. 2-214

Mesa, Arizona 85203

480-695-1360

Let's Talk...VISIT-ABILITY

VISIT-ABILITY.  Have you heard this term before?  And what on earth does it stand for?  The IDEA Center, located in Buffalo, NY, on the University at Buffalo South Campus in Hayes Hall defines it as: “Visitability is an affordable, sustainable and inclusive design approach for integrating basic accessibility features into all newly built homes and housing”.  In other words, when a new home is built it includes basic features and design that “anybody” can use, including any visitors that may not be able-bodied. 

Eleanor Smith from Atlanta, Georgia formed a group called Concrete Change.  The purpose was to persuade local government, builders, architects, and developers to design and construct homes that would accommodate an individual through their lifespan.  In 1986, Concrete Change sought to make new homes “accessible enough” for a visitor with a disability.  I found it interesting that the concept has taken root in Pima County, Arizona.  In 2002 they put in place a mandatory visitability policy on all new homes.

Visitability Features include:

• one zero step entrance on a accessible path of travel
• 32 inch clear opening at doorway
• accessible circulation throughout the floor plan
• basic access to at least one or half bath on a main floor

Additional features could include:

• lever-style handles at the doors
• reinforcements behind the walls of the bathroom

These are just a few examples that could be included in a new construction.  Access is cost effective if planned for in advance.  Another thing to keep in mind is; if remodeling an existing home is planned for in the future, why not incorporate visitability features into the project?  You won’t regret it.  Need help with visitability for your home?  Contact me at:

Jeanette Knudsen

Design For A Life Span LLC

2036 North Gilbert Road, Ste. 2-214

Mesa, Arizona 85203

480-695-1360

                                           

EASY LIVING - Guidelines For Home Adaptation

I am so excited!!  After several months of research, conversations, field trips, photo taking, building and designing a PowerPoint presentation my colleague, Beth Meyer, and I are ready to present it.  We are offering this as a FREE presentation for seniors.  It features simple no-or-low cost things they can do to make their lives easier and stay in their homes longer.

The presentation, based on Universal Design, takes about an hour to present depending on questions from the audience.  If you know of a group that might like this type of presentation, please feel free to either give them my number or pass this posting on for  scheduling. 

I understand the feelings and dilemma our seniors are facing.  I have seen it first hand with my grandparents, parents and now I myself am approaching this stage in life.  I’m excited about helping others, like me, remain in their homes for as long as they desire.  Just because something in life or our homes is not as easy as it once was, it doesn't mean we have to move.  I can help.

Thank you for your consideration.  You may reach me at:  

Jeanette Knudsen

Design For A Life Span LLC

2036 North Gilbert Road, Ste. 2-214

Mesa, Arizona 85203

480-695-1360

Follow Me:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanetteknudsen

http://twitter.com/LifespanDesign

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/?ref=home

WHAT'S UP With Project Bea & Pearl?

I received a message on facebook from a friend and fan asking where is my latest post on Bea & Pearl.  Thank you Kim, first for the interest in this project and second for prompting me into action.

Bea celebrated her 98th birthday on the 26th of March.  Her day consisted of numerous phone calls from her large family, each was filled with love and well wishes for a happy birthday.  Her special day found me in Flagstaff for the day with four other designers from the valley.  We had the privilege  of sharing our chosen profession with design students in the NAU (Northern Arizona University) interior design program.  On my way home I stopped by to wish her a happy birthday.  Our visit consisted of us searching for her two movie theater reward cards, as she couldn't remember where she had put them.  Once we found them I helped her retrieve her phone messages, along with answering her incoming phone calls.  Shortly thereafter Pearl and Richard came by the house to pick her up, they were scheduled to see Johnny Depp in the new "Alice in Wonderland" movie.  Hence the frantic search for the movie reward cards.

As for project Bea & Pearl, well it's in a holding pattern at the moment.  I did specify a lift recliner for her and she absolutely adores it.  It has made such a difference for her to easily get into and out of her chair fearlessly with ease and comfort.  During my visit I inquired about moving forward with fulfilling her wish to take a bath.  She said she didn't think so.  When I spoke to Pearl the other day she told me Bea was asking when her bathroom was going to be updated.  Confused are you?  It's quite the dilemma.  At this point a full remodel in either bathroom is not feasible.  If you've ever done a remodel you know what I mean.  The logistic of coordinating and scheduling the trade to come in and make the necessary changes and the natural mess that comes with it.  The disruption would be too much for her and the environment would be a safety issue.  We really don't know how much longer she can continue to live alone.  However there are some wonderful products out there that I can use to improve her current situation and fulfill her desire to take a bath with ease and most importantly safely.

There is a good lesson to be learned here.  We don not know what our future will bring us.  But we do know things are not always what we expected.  Why not plan for the unexpected so when or if it does happen it'll offer us peace of mind?  I don't know about you, but for me I'll plan for the unexpected.  It'll be a gift for my children and family members.                

RETHINKING Project Bea andPearl

Why would I consider reconfiguring Project Bea and Pearl?  Mainly the state of Bea's health, physical as  well a mental.  Bea will be 98 years old on March 26th.  On a recent visit with Bea and Pearl I couldn't help but notice the state of Bea's demure, the color of her skin and her attitude.  During this visit Bea was surrounded by her large family, showered with attention and love.  However her mood was dark and gloomy.  She spoke to anyone who would listen about wanting to be with her deceased husband.  As the visit progressed and the attention to her continued, her state of mind didn't improve.  When she said her goodbyes as the visit ended she left her great grandson's dismayed and upset as she spoke of her demise. 

Pearl tells me since the family gathering Bea has fallen twice in one week.  She needed assistance to get up.  Since she lives alone it required Pearl to travel to her home and help her up off the floor and into her bed.  She refuses to leave her home.  She no longer wants to go out to dinner, see her beloved new released movies in the theater, nor see her favorite acupuncture doctor. 


So, it's time to rethink the scope of this project.  What can be done for her right now to help make her home more of a sanctuary and not a prison of her own making?   

   

Project Bea and Pearl...THE PROBLEM, Part Two

The problem is first and foremost the home itself.  Second is the individual who resides in it and third is the available funds to address the problem.  What have I gotten myself into?  Actually interior designers are problem solvers.  Who have been trained to enhance the function and quality of interior space for the purpose of improving the quality of life for the resident while maintaining their health, safety and welfare.  Tall order...but doable. 

THE HOME: 

• Built in 1976 for able-bodied individuals
• Slippery kitchen floors
• Narrow door ways
• Sunken living room that requires stepping down into it
• Small guest bathroom
• Extremely small combination water closet and shower area in master bedroom, Bea has taken many falls in this room that has left her injured.

THE INDIVIDUAL:

• Bea, 97 yr old widow living alone
• Insistent on living independently in her home
• Refuses to move into assisted living
• Unable to cook for herself
• Gets around with the assistance of a walker
• Weak upper and lower body strength
• No longer drives
• Unable to keep up with the daily, weekly, monthly household chores due to her physical condition
• Dependent on her daughter and caregiver, Pearl, for most of her everyday needs
• Bea FEARS falling and getting injured
• Bea wants to take a bath, something she has not be able to do since her husband passed
• Bea falls out of bed on a regular base.  If you're a single lady and want handsome fire and police men to visit you in the middle of the night...Bea found the secret.  Fall out of bed and call 911.

FUNDS:

• Ultimately the driving force of the project
• Due to Bea's age and the family not knowing how long she can continue to live on her own, funds for the project is limited
• Few improvements to the home since 1976, therefore the family is willing to make modest changes
• The budget is set at $12,000.00 max

The goal of this designer is to address first and foremost Bea's fear of falling and getting injured.  For Pearl, deliver peace of mind in regards to Bea's safety while she is home alone. I will address the function and aesthetics of the two bathrooms, the slippery kitchen floor, prevent Bea from falling out of bed and her most desired wish  to soak in the bath tub.  

Project Bea and Pearl: THE PROBLEM, Part One

Safety is a huge issue!

Fear is a driving force behind this project.  What is there to fear you ask?  The fear of injury, the fear of falling, the fear of isolation, the fear of leaving a beloved environment.  These are Bea's fears.

For Pearl her fears are similar to Bea's.  She worries about Bea receiving an injury should she fall.  Which indeed  she has done in the past.  She worries about her being alone.  Is she eating properly?  Taking her medications as needed and prescribed?  Is there enough income to support her for the rest of her life, and the list goes on and on.  Because Pearl is the caregiver her fears go beyond Bea's.  Not only does she have the responsibility of her mother's health, safety and well being, she has her own along with her husband's and her children.  It's a difficult transaction for an adult child to assume the parent role for a parent.

The safety issue is indeed huge to both of these ladies.  In the next posting, The Problem, Part Two, I'll address the additional problems facing this project. 

PEARL'S Story...

This is Pearl.  She is the "Pearl" in Project Bea and Pearl.  Pearl was born in Syracuse, New York in April of 1934.  She was raised in the home her Belgium grandfather built at the turn of the century.  Syracuse is cold county with an average yearly snowfall of 115 inches!!!  As a young girl she told her mother she was moving to warmer country when she grew up.  And indeed she did.  She met and fell in love with a man that was bound for college in Tucson, Arizona.  So she married him in 1954 and moved to the land of sunshine, warm temperatures and cacti. The plan was for her to work, her husband to attend school by day and work part time in the evenings.   She landed a good job with the phone company.  However, nothing goes as planned.  She found herself in the "family way".   Corporate America in the fifties prohibited pregnant women to work.  She disagreed with this policy and being the independent woman she is, she rebelled…she hid it from the company for many months and continued to work until they figured it out.  This child was the first of six. 

Pearl wears many hats.  We've established she's a daughter, wife and mother.  She also is a grandmother to twelve and a great grandmother to three.  She's a business woman who helps her husband in their communication company.  She's a teacher, a talented and gifted quilter who shares her skills and knowledge with others.  She’s an avid reader and loves to travel with her husband.  And most of all in regards to Bea, she is a caregiver, a responsibility that is always at the forefront of her mind and life.  This brings us to why Project Bea and Pearl came to fruition.   

Bea and Pearl are special women. I know them well, I belong to them.


Up next...the Problem at hand.

What is Design For A Lifespan?

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

What is Design For A Lifespan?

View more presentations from Design For A Life Span LLC.

Introducing...BEA

This is Beatrice.  She is the "Bea" in Project Bea and Pearl.  Isn't this a wonderful photo of her?  She was born in upstate New York in March of 1912.  She is going to ninety eight years old...amazing!!  She is one of six children.  Her mother died shortly after giving birth to the sixth child.  She was nine years old and was deeply sadden by her loss.  Her father remarried and gave her three more siblings.  She is the only surviving member in her family of origin.  She often questions why she remains.  In her lifetime she has lived through the Great Depression, nineteen U.S. presidents,  the explosion of the information age,  six wars and is witnessing the present one.  She is an avid movie goer and a big TV fan, can you image all she has seen in the entertainment world?  That's a lot of living.

Bea is a widow, a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother and a great great grandmother.  She lost her husband in 2006.  She is the mother of three children.  She has a daughter, the other half of Project Bea and Pearl, and two sons.  One son lives in Derwood, Maryland and the the other is deceased.  Bea and her husband moved to Arizona in 1977 to be close to Pearl and her family and to enjoy the Arizona sunshine.  Bea is an independent woman who's mind is sharp but her body will not cooperate with her as it did in the past.  Which is totally understandable...but...try telling her that!

Be sure to check back soon...Pearl's story is next.

Project Bea and Pearl

Coming soon...the story of Bea and Pearl.  Here's a hint:  Bea is a ninety seven year old woman living alone in her own home.  Pearl is her daughter and caregiver.  My job is to provide a safe environment for Bea while giving Pearl peace of mind in regards to her mother's safety.  Am I up to the challenge??

Universal Design...What is it?

Definitions:

uni·ver·sal, (yü-nə-ˈvər-səl), adj.

1: including or covering all or a whole collectively or distributively without limit or exception; especially: available equitably to all members of a society 
2 a: present or occurring everywhere, b: existent or operative everywhere or under all conditions 
3 a: embracing a major part or the greatest portion (as of humankind), b: comprehensively broad and versatile 

4 a: affirming or denying something of all members of a class or of all values of a variable b: denoting every member of a class
5: adapted or adjustable to meet varied requirements (as of use, shape, or size) 

de·sign, (di-ˈzīn), verb

1: to create, fashion, execute, or construct according to plan 

2 a: to conceive and plan out in the mind, b: to have as a purpose, c: to devise for a specific function or end 
3: archaic: to indicate with a distinctive mark, sign, or name
4 a: to make a drawing, pattern, or sketch of  b: to draw the plans for 

Explanation:

“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.”        ~Ron Mace

The purpose of universal design is to simplify life for everyone by making products, technologies, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal design benefits people of all ages, sizes and abilities.  Sometimes it is referred to as “design-for-all”.

Got questions or comments about universal design?

Contact me at:

jeanette@DesignForALifespan.com

480.695.1360