courtesy of Smith Group
Both the visually impaired and the sighted rely on information and architectural cues to navigate the built environment. As a consultant, who lost his sight in 2008, I draw upon my experience as an architect to help design teams and client organizations to create enriching environments for the visually impaired and, not coincidentally, the sighted as well.
I work as a member of user engagement team, designer, or client representative. I use my unique perspective to facilitate greater clarity in the overall design and better integration of critical tools for the blind—such as way-finding and access to information—through more thorough consideration of tactility, touch, smell, temperature, sound, and new technologies. I also help to craft design processes that are more responsive to the needs of blind clients and end-users.
Great architecture for the blind and visually impaired is just like any other great architecture, only better: it looks and works the same while offering a richer and better involvement of all senses. With this expanded understanding, I offer the potential to enhance the experience in all environments serving a greater proportion of the visually impaired.