VILLAGE AT GARWOOD BENEFITS FROM UNIVERSAL DESIGN THROUGH CONTRACT WITH UNION COUNTY DESIGN FIRM

Scotch Plains, NJ, July 16, 2015 … Architecture and interior design for senior living doesn’t have to be sterile. An emerging “universal design” design philosophy promises aesthetic appeal and functional accessibility for residents of the Village at Garwood senior housing community following a contract with local AIP Designs, an interior design firm specializing in universal design home modifications.
Both Union County residents, AIP Designs’ co-founders Tammy Kaplan and Dina Leyden are Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS). They have successfully blended their diverse areas of expertise to create a unique design firm dedicated to delivering universal design solutions to both large-scale commercial properties and individual homeowners.

Kaplan is a certified interior designer, and Leyden is a licensed physical therapist specializing in vestibular rehabilitation. Together, they deliver style, function and safety through their innovative designs – allowing individuals, regardless of age or ability, to live easier, more independent lives without sacrificing comfort and aesthetics. AIP Designs was selected by the project developer, Westfield Senior Citizens Housing Corporation, to partner with design and construction monitoring firm, Steven S. Cohen Architects, to spearhead the common space interior design for the 83,000 square foot, 72-unit complex.

“We’re excited to have earned the opportunity to work on this project and give residents aged 62 and older the ability to truly age comfortably in place, while allowing for their visiting family and friends to also enjoy an environment that’s smartly designed. Residents no longer need to sacrifice style for safety and function,” explains AIP Designs’ Tammy Kaplan.

“As a physical therapist, it’s my job to identify and address areas that limit daily function and living and then make choices in furniture and utility that will improve mobility, enhance function and create overall improvement in daily tasks. Something as simple as selecting the right chair for a common area is crucial in allowing for a healthier, more-active lifestyle for the residents and guests of this community and in keeping with a universal design philosophy,” said Dina Leyden.

PHOTO:

On June 25th, AIP Designs’ co-founders Dina Leyden and Tammy Kaplan (left to right) joined state and local officials, project partners and community members to celebrate the grand opening of senior rental community Village at Garwood. Kaplan and Leyden each bring nearly three decades of experience in their respective fields and are each Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders.

AIP Designs, LLC
www.AgingInPlaceNJ.com
908.272.4391
AgingInPlaceNJ@gmail.com
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