Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Pierce.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Deborah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been building spaces since I was a kid – dollhouses, treehouses – so it made perfect sense to make people’s houses as an adult. My idea of fun is solving 3-dimensional puzzles, whether it’s figuring out how to divert water away from a building or how to convert a standard-sized bathroom to a wheelchair-accessible one. The artsy part comes easy, as I’ve always been a painter/sketcher/crafty gal.
After 35 years in as an architect, I can truly say that the most satisfying part of my work is the people part – I love my clients, my colleagues in design and engineering, and my builders! Listening to the dreams of the homeowner and exploring the potential of the house and site allows me to bring creativity and experience to each project. When a client tells me the kids and adults spend more time together because everyone wants to be in the new space I am happy. And when a parent tells me that she can enjoy her child more, and hover less, because my modifications empower a person with disabilities to live well and gain independence, I’m thrilled. Because Design is about how something Works, as much as how it looks. Turning a pile of problems into a place of grace – its alchemy!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Ever since the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) came into effect I’ve been making public buildings accessible. At the same time, I’ve had a steady flow of home remodeling projects, like so many suburban architects. It was a satisfying practice, though somewhat bifurcating, as each specialization required unique skills-sets.
I toggled between the two worlds until an AHA! moment. A family whose daughter has multiple disabilities asked me to modify the home so that she could have a normal life – keeping up with her sibs and managing activities of daily living unassisted. Since then I’ve been focused exclusively on making homes for people with disabilities.
The Accessible Home: Designing for All Ages and Abilities (Taunton Press) is my book about this exciting new approach to designing homes. I wrote it to empower homeowners and inspire architects, showcasing over 25 homes around the country and the stories that led to their creation. Today I write, speak, and teach about universal design – homes that work for everyone.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Pierce Lamb Architects – what should we know?
Pierce Lamb Architects is a small firm west of Boston, specializing in accessible homes. I work closely with each client, from initial planning through construction phase, and have a great network of consulting designers, engineers, and builders to bring into a project on an as-needed basis. This business model allows me to be involved in a project from start to finish, and ensures continuity of design intent.
Although many small firms would describe themselves in this way, what distinguishes PLA is my expertise in accessible design – both from a codes standpoint, and from experience working with people with a wide variety of disabling conditions. My clients have family members with CP, Parkinson’s, Rhett Syndrome, retinitis pigmentosa, progressive hearing loss, MS, ALS, and the normal range of conditions associated with simple aging. I’m certified by the National Association of Home Builders and AARP as a Certified Aging in Place Specialist – CAPS.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My clients have taught me a lot about the importance of listening and clear communication – essential parts of the design process. Professional organizations have provided peer-to-peer support networks where best practices can be shared. Family and friends have been there for me at every step.
Writing my book has been enormously enlightening as well. It’s given me great insights into the thinking of some of the country’s most innovative designers and some very articulate homeowners who live daily with disabilities. Since the book’s publication, I’ve been invited to speak with many organizations, and each prompts me to look at these issues from new perspectives so that my presentation is of value. These include groups representing the areas of autism, spina bifida, blindness, aphasia, medical and senior-care professionals, communities seeking to take better care of their elders through village-type networks, etc.
Pricing:
- Speaking engagements: starting at $1500 for non-profits, $2500 for others, plus travel and per-diem.
- Home assessments: $1200 for 1 day’s work, plus travel
- Hourly consultation: $200/hr plus travel
Contact Info:
- Address: 1075 Washington Street, West Newton, MA 02465
- Website: www.piercelambarchitects.com
- Phone: 6179641311
- Email: deb@piercelambarchitects.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Accessible-Home-117584531730010/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Accessible-Home-Designing-Ages-Abilities/dp/1600854915
Image Credit:
Bathroom shower with dark gray tile and 2 niches – Deborah Pierce, AIA, Photographer.
All others – Kathy Tarantola Photography
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