168: Our Seniors Are the Gateway Drug to Accessibility with Maegan Blau of Blue Copper Design

Rebecca and Shaun are joined by Maegan Blau, owner of Blue Copper Design in the Phoenix area, for a conversation about accessibility, aging in place, and why thoughtful design should support people through every stage of life. Maegan shares how her lived experience as a wheelchair user shaped her design perspective and why accessibility has become such a central part of her business.They dig into the misconceptions that keep homeowners and designers from planning ahead, from the belief that accessibility is only needed “later” to the idea that it has to look clinical or cost dramatically more. Along the way, they also talk about designing for seniors, the future of accessible interiors, social media hot takes, and a few delightfully chaotic sidebars only this club could deliver.In this episode they discuss:Why Maegan believes seniors are often the best entry point for conversations about accessibility and aging in placeCommon misconceptions around accessible design, including the idea that it is ugly, overly expensive, or only necessary after a crisisHow designers can make homes more flexible with features like curbless showers, wider doorways, blocking for future grab bars, and hybrid cabinetryThe difference between accessible design, ADA guidelines, universal design, and aging-in-place planning in residential interiorsWhy waiting until an injury, illness, or mobility change happens is usually too late for smart and seamless home updatesHow Maegan is using social media to educate both designers and homeowners about accessibility in a more practical and relatable wayThe challenge of building a design business that serves an underserved population while still sustaining a luxury service modelA mix of industry chatter on portfolios, newsletters, design process tools, celebrity house features, and the realities of sharing opinions onlineMentioned:Blue Copper DesignBlue Copper Design on FacebookBlue Copper Design on InstagramOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop