On July 26, 1990, the U.S. Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which protects individuals against discrimination and guarantee equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Think about ramps, elevators, wide hallways, and easy-to-read signs—all of these are part of ADA guidelines and are focused on making the world more inclusive.
ADA regulations transformed building design and are the cornerstone for designing a more inclusive world. With 56 million Americans with disabilities – one of the largest minority groups – Page designers understand how to create welcoming environments that enhance performance aesthetically, functionally, and strategically.
In conversations with individuals at Page, we gained unique perspectives on how the ADA law has influenced their experiences and design philosophy. These stories come from Page's Inclusive Design Think Tank members, where colleagues discuss various ways to design more inclusive spaces for all to enjoy and experience.
Architect Tyler Thompson: A Personal Journey in Inclusive Architecture
Like many of my peers in architecture school, I dreamed of becoming the next Frank Gehry or Renzo Piano, focusing on grand designs rather than accessibility. However, entering the real world, I quickly realized buildings must not only be aesthetically pleasing but also adhere to stringent codes and meet diverse needs.
My perspective shifted after I became licensed as I began considering the physical space required for wheelchair maneuverability and other accessibility needs. This realization was intensified after I suffered a large stroke in 2019.
Imagine navigating a busy, uphill city sidewalk with what feels like weights on your limbs, surrounded by crowds, car horns, and city bus exhaust. You reach a storefront but struggle to open a heavy door blocked by boxes. Then, you face a broken elevator and have to climb stairs using every bit of strength. Finally, you reach your desk, exhausted.
This experience, amplified by my stroke, underscores the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA ensures spaces are navigable and inclusive, accommodating individuals with various impairments. By catering to these needs, designs benefit countless others, making environments more accessible for everyone.
Marketing Strategist, Briana Carter: A Mother’s Perspective
In December 2020, I was at my first prenatal appointment – six weeks along –by myself because COVID restrictions won’t allow additional visitors. While on the phone with my husband, the ultrasound tech says, “Do twins run in your family? Because I see two babies here.” Cue the shock and awe! At that moment, all I could think was we needed to start saving money and needed more space.
Space is crucial—capacity, maneuverability, comfort, and access to entrances and exits. Its impact becomes clear when navigating the world in unconventional ways. I didn’t grasp the importance of the 36-inch door frame I learned about in architecture class until my main requirement for a double stroller was that it fit through the threshold. I also never expected that an ADA guideline mandating a sidewalk width of 36 inches would help me, an non-disabled mother.
Navigation matters, too. Shopping excursions required a strategy – dividing duties—one staying with the babies while the other maneuvered through the aisles of Bath and Body Works. College campuses were also tough. Meeting my husband at his university lab, there was a paved path towards the building, but it was steep! What if I didn’t have the stamina? What if I lost control of the stroller?
We must consider more than ramps over stairs; we must think about stamina, safety, and preference.
Project Manager, Rebekah Bellum: A Seminar that Changed an Architectural Perspective
Shortly before I became a licensed architect, AIA Albuquerque, with the New Mexico Governor’s Commission on Disability, hosted a day-long ADA-focused continuing education seminar. In addition to hearing directly from people with ranging disabilities on their experiences navigating the built environment, the event included hands-on learning elements constructed by local contractors. Using a wheelchair or cane, participants could move through the mock toilet rooms, turning spaces, ramps, and entrances. For the first time, I was able to internalize the feeling of being confined by an environment that did not meet accessibility standards: stuck in a narrow corridor, unable to move over a high transition strip, and unable to traverse a steep ramp.
As an able-bodied person, this experience established my understanding of why architects should strive to exceed accessibility standards whenever possible to create truly accessible buildings and spaces that contribute to our profession’s broader goals of designing for equity, inclusion, and belonging.
At Page, our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity goes beyond merely meeting ADA requirements. Inspired by personal experiences and informed by ongoing education, our teams have taken significant steps to push the boundaries of what accessible design can achieve.
