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.
UD Community Survey
Take part in our Universal Design community survey (4-5 minutes) to help shape our programming. Whether you are a professional using Universal Design, a person with a disability, and/or a curious lifelong learner, your insights will help build a stronger, more inclusive community.
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Busting Myths, Building Inclusion! Think you’ve got Universal Design all figured out? Sure, you've heard of Universal Design. The motivation is good, but it's expensive...and gives major hospital vibes...and it's a lot of extra work to improve the space for a handful of people. Think again! [...]
We’re thrilled to announce the expansion of our Universal Design (UD) program from our biennial global conference to a dynamic, year-round initiative! This evolution reflects our commitment to making inclusive design a continuous conversation, fostering accessibility and usability for all where we live, learn, work, and play. [...]
Due to forecasted snow and ice, we are postponing our open house event previously scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2025. Stay safe and warm this week. We are looking forward to being with our community and will announce a new date as soon as we have it! [...]
On April 18, Starkloff Disability Institute welcomed an international delegation of education ministers from the Republic of Kazakhstan. This wasn’t our first time on the global stage. One of our founding programs, the Universal Design Summit is the largest in North America and attracts international presenters and attendees. [...]
