As designers and builders we must better position for the woman buyer.  Twenty percent of home purchases are from single women and forty-seven percent of condo purchases are also from women.  This buyer is most often influenced by emotion how the "home" feels, looks and functions.                                                                                                                 Key features for the woman buyer are:                                                                                                                                                  1. A centrally, carefully appointed kitchen                                                                                                                                             2. A bathroom retreat with a walk-in shower                                                                                                                                        3. Lots of storage space                                                                                                                                                                          4. Safety/ Secutiry                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Convenience/ easy to maintain                                                                                                                                                           6. Light and bright spaces
Eighty percent of women buyers visit a website first.  Then a decision is generally made within the first 90 seconds whether to buy or not.  Additional important features of a design/ build include: classic elevation, well design floor plans, quality construction, 1,800-2,200 square feet, interior flexibility, energy efficiency, and most women like to be involved in the process                                                                                                                                                                                                   If we want to succeed in today\'s and the future market we mst clearly listen and understand today\'s buyer and more often the woman is the most important decision maker. 

Yesterday I was told that Architecture has been one of the hardest hit professions by our nations/world’s economic struggles. I understand that with a lack of funds and/ or confidence it becomes difficult to build projects at this time. However, with the reduced costs all around I also see some great opportunities for the forward thinkers that know where we are and where we wil be.  Our society continues to become more complex, needy and hectic, thus creating a need for flexible housing and working environments that preserve our vital natural habitats and also to thrive in a proactive society.

Although we specialize in living environments (single and multi family housing, mixed-use and senior living communities) I see the need for our collective decisions to be based on a vibrant, sustainable future.  We also need to make choices based on social, environmental, economical and personal outcomes.  Currently, people are looking at more long term in regards to their decision making which provides for more sustainable results.  So with this mindset, “Remember the past, live in the present and plan for the future”, we all can better serve ourselves and those we encounter for a prosperous future.

Bathrooms: Safety and mobility is of most importance when thinking of the design and layout of your bathroom.  For comfort, consider your remodel or new project and how you will transition the stages of life and mobility.  It's important to consider the amount of space needed for a wheelchair, if necessary at some point.  The addition of future grab bars, benches, removal of cabinets, etc. should all be planned for to ease future conversion of space.  Additional features at bathing area should include slip resistant flooring and low/ no threshold at doorways and showers.

Activity Rooms:  We all have hobbies and later in life we all have a chance to spend more time to do the creative things we enjoy.  Having a room or space that we can "spread out" and do our own thing goes a long way toward providing joy and happiness.  Activities that keep us active, mentally stimulated and/or helping others all provide benefits that keep us going and provide a beneficial structure in our lives.  These spaces need sufficient, natural light, ventilation and a welcoming vista beyond.  Task lighting is important in order to better see what we're doing.  Be sure to select the current floor covering that allow for ease of use and clean up of your work area.

Conclusion:  By understanding how getting older affects our living environment we will be better prepared for the transitions we need to plan for in our homes.  Whether it's downsizing from our current home, updating/ modifying our living spaces or transitioning to a different housing type we must have a plan and direction.  This book has helped me better understand the causes and effects of important design decisions.  Areas of transition of primary concern are the approach/ entry, kitchen and bathrooms.  Colors, patterns and textures also play an important role in the function and safety of ones home.  Everything adds up to provide for a home that is warm, welcoming and safe for you and those you love.