Residential Design For Aging in Place

Drue Lawlor, FASID and Michael A. Thomas, FASID, CAPS
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Hoboken, NJ

From two ASID-endorsed designers, Residential Design for Aging in Place by Drue Lawlor, FASID and Michael A. Thomas, FASID, CAPS, is a book for kitchen and bath professionals looking to better understand the design needs of an aging population. Incorporating design concepts and principles with discussion of design solutions and product options, this guide to designing homes explains how to meet the needs of clients who intend to age in place with style.

The book includes in-depth case studies, quotes and key statistics about demographic trends. For instance, more than 77 percent of all Americans over 45 live in single-family residences. Excerpts from interviews with clients are also included.

Topics explored include assessing the elder population, addressing the need for short-term and long-term care adaptations, understanding the concepts of exterior and whole house accessibility, designing for the kitchen and bath, and laws, codes and standards, as well as how to best work with aging specialists, such as elder-law attorneys and physical and occupational therapists. Information about the International Code Council, National Fire Protection Association and Americans with Disabilities Act is covered.

The book includes chapters devoted specifically to baths and kitchens. Each chapter includes charts, references and full layout plans to assist industry professionals in designing for clients who choose to remain in their homes as they age.

Sustainable Construction

Sandy Halliday
Butterworth-Heinemann
Burlington, MA

According to Sandy Halliday, sustainable development has been misconstrued as a hardship on development, instead of a limit on inappropriate construction methods. However, in her book Sustainable Construction, she hopes to shed light on reversing these trends by creating healthy spaces for the future. Based on her workshops for construction professionals, this book provides information about the technical skills needed to implement sustainable concepts.

The text covers the history of ideas, materials, measurements and building design over the past several decades, and how the concept of eco-friendly design has influenced them. This book offers a guide for designers, project managers, builders, construction professionals and anyone interested in how to design with the future in mind. Halliday summarizes existing sources while incorporating her own experiences into the best practices for “green” design.

Among the sustainable design issues explained are how sustainability supports communities, develops biodiversity, uses resources effectively, lessens pollution, produces healthy environments and manages the “green” process. The text provides information on various sustainable topics, such as lighting and window replacement. With color photos, case studies, tools and techniques for staying current on these issues, Halliday hopes to inspire industry professionals to think and design greener spaces.

One case study cited is the Rocky Mountain Institute in Colorado. Designers Lovins and Lovins in 1984 created an earth-covered roof on their above-sea-level project. The building houses low energy appliances and is heated by and runs on wood burning and solar energies.

The book concludes with ideas for designing on an urban scale.

Defensive Estimating: Protecting Your Profits

William Asdal, CGR
BuilderBooks.com
Washington, D.C.

In a time when the economic state of our country is, at best, unsettling, Defensive Estimating: Protecting Your Profits by William Asdal, CGR, offers guidance for industry professionals looking to minimize costs and maximize profits.

Author, businessman and remodeler William Asdal uses his 30 years of experience to shed light on strategies for estimating accurately. This book examines how to modify projects to meet financial goals, create unthreatened profits and defend each estimate provided to a client. The text includes illustrations and charts, including sample budgets, work flow plans, estimate forms and how-to guides to assist businesses in preparing for the future.

This part-workbook, part-textbook provides advice and statistics designed to help professionals work more efficiently. Asdal brings a profit-centered way of thinking, while teaching the most important part of any job: focusing on all profit, from gross profits to net profits.