For the all the dust, disruption, and client anxiety that can accompany a major remodel, there’s often a commensurate level of satisfaction when a project is done well. Double that satisfaction when the remodeler factors universal design and aging-in-place comfort and utility into a renovation plan that also maintains high aesthetic standards.
That seemed to be what brought recent projects by remodeling specialists Jeannine Clark, of Mannigan Design in Pasadena, California, and Carla Aston, of Aston Design Studio in The Woodlands, Texas, into favor with the judges in the NAHB Remodelers fourth annual Homes for Life Award competition, whose results were announced last month at the Remodeling Show in Baltimore. Clark won in the Major Space Remodel category, Aston in the Single Space Remodel category.
Clark’s project focused on a second residence for a couple who planned to rent out their main house and retire to the remodeled space, which was reconfigured and upgraded with an open floor plan and universal features that make it easier and safer to navigate and operate: a kitchen sink with an under-cabinet that opens to accommodate a rolling chair, lever handles on the doors, wider doorways and hallways, raised planters on the courtyard and patio, upgraded lighting, pull-out shelves, and no-step transitions to all spaces, including the shower.
In her remodel of a bathroom for a male client who is coping with paralysis, Aston incorporated opulent, masculine lines and finishes, easily accessible fixtures and safety features, a no-step shower, and an expanded space that accommodates a spa tub and allows wheelchair access.
Also honored at the Remodeling Show, as Remodeler of the Year, was Sherry Schwab, of family-owned HCS Construction Services in Bellevue, Washington, which provides both residential and commercial remodeling services and has led many community service projects.
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A detail from the remodel by Jeannine Clark, of Mannigan Design in Pasadena, California, that incorporated aging-in-place features.
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The bathroom remodel by Carla Aston, of Aston Design Studio, in The Woodland, Texas. It was designed with a masculine look and easily accessible features.
