Bio Summary
- Achieved certification as a 203K Consultant US Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Achieved certification as a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist from The National Association of Home Builders
- Achieved certification as a Certified Professional Building Designer from The National Council of Building Designer Certification
- Achieved third places award in Michigan Industrial Education Contest
- Exceptional talents for creating design solutions that are both artistically innovative and commercially successful
Bio – History
Since November 1994 People, Places & Things LLC (PPT) was created to provide unique design solutions to the architectural, engineering and construction industry and the public, featuring Universal Design and Aging-in-Place principles. PPT provides the following services: residential design and drafting, space planning and solutions, home inspection and modification.
People, Places & Things LLC 
This series of entries about aging in place is very helpful for those with small homes wishing to remodel or refit in order to age in place. In my area (outside Boston) the market is different. Many long-time residents live in larger and older homes, including some built in the 1700s! these homes present a significant challenge. To remodel costs too much and to move is a major endeavour. Some residents hve lived in the home for decades, raised their family and hav eno intention of leaving the small town they call home.
For these residents we do some of what you suggest, namely the inspection and then modest upgrades to ensure safety and comfort. Many with homes that used to accomodate larger families we encourage them to “downsize in place” by taking steps to upgrade certain features in certain parts of the house, in some cases developing a small apartment within the larger home. Since so many of these people still cherish the time they host their families in the family homestead, so to speak. by creating a smaller footprint in their current home they can afford to stay longer and also they can make that section of the house safer.
Thanks again for the series of entries! Please check my blog for more about the concept of “downsizing in place.”
Hello Michael:
Thank you for your kind response.
Remember my case study was based on “urban and older suburban” setting in my area. The average sq.ft. of a typical house in my area is between 1000 and 2000 sq.ft. So a smaller footprint is common. The income in those areas are a lot lower then your area so moving to a better home (larger or smaller) can be a viable option.
Thank you for your comments and I will keep your blog in mind.
Thank you
Walter L. Williams CPBD, CAPS