Nov 06, 2009 (Lodi News-Sentinel - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- As the nation braces for the Baby Boomers retiring and the unparalleled surge in needs for facilities and amenities for them, one local couple is ready for the challenge.

The term "Universal Design" is relatively unknown. If Katherine and Bruce Kawaguchi have their way, it won't remain so for long.

Three years ago, Katherine Kawaguchi, an experienced interior designer, began studying and researching Universal Design. In January, she and her husband will open Guchi Interior Design Studio in Sacramento and focus on helping aging and disabled clients renovate their homes.

"The idea is to keep people safe and comfortable," said Katherine Kawaguchi, the owner and principal designer of Guchi Interior Design. "And it doesn't have to be ugly." She has been an interior designer since 1997. A member of the American Society of Interior Designers, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Kitchen and Bath Association, she has also created design centers for builders and model homes.

The Woodbridge resident wants to help change the way homes are designed, existing ones are remodeled and how builders and contractors think about construction in the future. Universal Design is a principle that stresses making homes functional, beautiful and accessible to the elderly and disabled.

She said she can't believe more people aren't recognizing its importance.

"Nobody is dealing with it," she said. "Not even AARP. I can't believe it's not on everyone's radar more," she said.

Amenities in Universally Designed homes include extra-wide hallways, no-step showers, decorative grab bars, motorized window treatments and radiant heat floor systems. Other examples are kitchen counters at various heights and cabinets with shelves that pull out like drawers.

"When a handicapped person is trying to reach for something with no knobs or small handles, it's irritating," she said.

Katherine Kawaguchi said her experiences seeing family members and loved ones struggle with everyday activities motivated her to learn more about Universal Design.

According to United States Census Bureau from 2008, one out of every 10 people in San Joaquin County is over the age of 65.

Katherine Kawaguchi expects Universal Design to become more incorporated as the years pass, and envisions a future in which the government subsidizes its growth.

"There were 35 million retirees last year," she said. "In 20 years it will be 70 million. Something has got to change. The government will not be able to house everyone who needs help. They will get behind tax credits or stimulus to drive this movement." But she said Universal Design can benefit the young as well. She said homes that are Universally Designed will enable the owner to live in the residence for the rest of their life, and if a time came where they need to install grab bars or other amenities, the process would only take a couple weeks.

She also said there is also a financial advantage to homes remodeled or constructed in this manner.

"You can advertise homes as Universally Designed and increase the value," she said.

Homes that are already built can be modified to fit Universal Design standards, Kawaguchi said. However, she said sometimes it is less expensive to create an entirely new structure. She guides clients through the process so that they can have access to information and advice.

Katherine Kawaguchi said the leap to Universal Design was a logical choice in her career. She enjoys helping people, and said the position brings her a lot of satisfaction.

Her efforts are paying off. Last year, she connected with Eskaton, the largest nonprofit provider of senior services in Sacramento.

Eskaton recently built a model of a Universally Designed home in Roseville. It is one of the only ones on the West Coast.

Katherine Kawaguchi said she still has more to accomplish.

She wants to spread her message is by speaking to local stakeholders who can benefit from her mission.

Katherine Kawaguchi wants to address local community service groups, Rotaries, real estate brokers, convalescent care, physicians groups, insurance groups and physical therapists.

"I want to get the word out so builders will begin to embrace it and see the need is coming," she said.

She recently added a new forum to help her mission. Starting in December, she will be a featured columnist for Senior Magazine.

Her contacts and experience in the field of interior design have made this transition possible. She met her husband while the two were working at Walters Carpet in Stockton. They were both working in contract division where Bruce was in charge. Bruce Kawaguchi has been in the interior design business for more than 25 years.

She said he is her anchor both personally and professionally, and that together they are a great team.

"He is one of the top professionals in the world of home interiors," she said in an e-mail.

They have been working together since 1997 and were married in 2000.

Earlier this week, they finalized paperwork for the location of their Sacramento location. It will be at 3991 N. Freeway Blvd., building P. It will be off Truxel and Interstate 80, just south of Arco Arena.

Inside the showroom, displays of chairs, tubs, flooring, medicine cabinets, grab bars and other amenities will be for sale. The company will be open for business in January of 2010.

Kawaguchi said she wants to operate locally because she sees great potential for the community.

"If the wave can be caught here by seniors and the aging in place, it could start here," she said.

She hopes to open a store in Lodi eventually as well.

"I'm dreaming pretty big," she said.

Contact reporter Jordan Guinn at jordang@lodinews.com Guchi Interior Design at a glance What: Interior design with specialization in Universal Design.

Member of: American Society of Interior Designers, National Kitchen and Bath Association, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Visalia Breakfast Rotary, Women's Network member Visalia.

Awards: Donna Thayer award in 2002 and 2003 through the Modesto Central Building Industry Association for outstanding service Contact: 403-9668; katherine@guchiinteriordesign.com; www.guchiinteriordesign.com.

News-Sentinel staff To see more of the News-Sentinel or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.lodinews.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Lodi News-Sentinel, Calif.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]

Discussions: