Beautiful, functional spaces that empower everyone to participate fully
Most practicing architects and builders are taught ADA Code Compliance. Some view the exercise as adding cost to a design without adding value. For these uninspired builders, the final designs are often so poor that they serve no one well. Building just to the minimum standards of ADA Code makes disability an afterthought, a compliance checkbox. Conventional ADA-compliant construction often includes unsightly ramps and inconvenient entrances. By contrast, Universal Design assumes nothing, welcomes all, and promotes inclusion.
Universal Design is a design philosophy that creates built environments and products that can be used, accessed, and understood by everyone to the greatest extent possible, regardless of age, size, or disability. It goes beyond basic ADA compliance to create physical and digital spaces that are equally welcoming to all people.
Since our founding, Starkloff has been a leading expert in Universal Design. On a biennial basis, we host the Universal Design Summit, North America’s premier conference on Universal Design. The Summit brings together architects, engineers, builders, developers, interior designers, disability advocates, and interested community members from across the world. Presenters showcase universally designed facilities and products and share design strategies and innovations to push the field of Universal Design forward.
Thanks to the efforts of Universal Design advocates, St. Louis landmarks like the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum and Gateway Arch Museum have been masterfully renovated according to the principles of Universal Design, offering a far more complete and rewarding experience for guests of all abilities.
Watch: Previous Virtual UD Events
Recent UD Content
Your Voice, Your Workplace, Your Solutions! Starkloff Disability Institute and MO Better Foundation are cohosting a competition to tackle real workplace barriers faced by people with disabilities: The Universal Design Workplace Challenge. Professionals with disabilities submit their own workplace challenge—the barrier impacting them at work. If selected, [...]
Aging in Place, Living Independently Bonus: Guided tour of Paraquad’s accessible model apartment! Starkloff Disability Institute and Paraquad are bringing you a free, in-person event to discover all about how Universal Design and home modifications can support independent living and aging in place. Join us [...]
by Rachel Goldmeier "It's Wait-for-Me Power!" The first time I shouted those words, I was sprinting past my family on a sidewalk. We were on vacation, walking to our next activity, and I’d fallen far behind. That happened a lot when I was [...]
