The Universal User: Designing for everyone.

The Design Company • April 8, 2024

2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Accessibility and inclusivity in interior design is imperative.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been a cornerstone in ensuring that spaces are not just aesthetically pleasing but also functionally accessible to all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities.

The concept of universal design, as advocated by the ADA, emphasizes creating environments that are usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. 

This goes beyond mere compliance with regulations; it's about fostering environments that are welcoming and functional for everyone. Universal design principles recognize that the needs of individuals vary widely and that an inclusive approach to design benefits society as a whole.

One of the key areas where the principles of the ADA come into play is in countertop heights.  We usually keep our countertops 29-34" AFF max but often times we create varying height solutions where it allows us to have bar height and ADA height in one solution.  This not only enhances accessibility for individuals with disabilities but also promotes inclusivity by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical stature or mobility, can comfortably utilize the space.


Check out the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design to learn more about guidelines for designing for the universal user.
https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/design-standards/2010-stds/


These standards provide comprehensive guidelines covering a range of aspects, from doorway widths and clearances to reach ranges and maneuvering space requirements. By familiarizing themselves with these standards, designers can ensure that their projects not only meet legal requirements but also prioritize the needs of all users.

In the realm of interior design, particularly within multi-family housing, considerations for accessibility and inclusivity are not just commendable attributes; they're essential components of responsible design. 


Accessibility and inclusivity are not optional considerations in interior design; they're fundamental aspects that contribute to creating spaces that are truly livable for everyone. 

By embracing the principles of universal design and leveraging innovative solutions like adjustable countertops, designers can play a pivotal role in shaping environments that are welcoming, functional, and inclusive for all.


We reference the entire guide frequently, the attached screenshots are from Chapter 3 Building Blocks that have a plethora of knowledge for interior designers as we navigate commercial interior applications


#ADA #universaldesign #AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct



Why Silhouette AF-655 matters

By The Design Company • November 8, 2025
As we at The Design Company reflect on color trends that shape multifamily interiors and amenity spaces, we’re excited to spotlight the 2026 Color of the Year from Benjamin Moore: Silhouette AF-655. Here’s how we view this color through our developer-minded, design + value lens—and how it can play beautifully in multifamily settings. Benjamin Moore describes Silhouette as “an alluring mix of rich espresso hues with subtle notes of charcoal.” The significance for design and development? Timelessness over trend-chasing: Rather than a bright or fleeting hue, Silhouette is a deep, rich tone that anchors a space rather than distracting. Warmth with sophistication: The espresso-brown base counterbalanced by charcoal undertones gives it a velvety, luxurious feel. Ease of pairing: It acts as a neutral that can pair with trim, accent materials, metals, woods, textiles—making it flexible in multifamily interiors. Reflecting meaningful values: In our world of multifamily interiors, we’re seeing a pull toward durability, quality, and material story. A color like this helps tell that story. How The Design Company envisions using it? In our role specifying interiors for multifamily projects —clubhouses, corridors, amenity spaces, lobbies, resident homes—Silhouette offers both aesthetic and strategic advantages. Here’s how we’d leverage it: Anchor the “wow” moment – In a clubhouse lounge or lobby, drenching a wall (or even a ceiling) in Silhouette gives a sense of richness and gravity. When paired with lighter furniture, greenery, wood accents, you get maximum impact without cost-heavy detailing. Strong rental market positioning : Residents appreciate finishes that feel “luxury but lived-in.” Silhouette hits that sweet spot of premium without being cold or institutional. Millwork and built-in depth – Rather than painting everything white, using Silhouette for built-ins, cabinetry, accent millwork adds luxury feel and durability. It can hide wear and still read as refined. Contrast without harshness – In corridors or transition zones, a trimmed door in Silhouette against an off-white wall (say, Swiss Coffee OC-45) gives a layered, intentional feel—avoiding stark black/white contrast but still delivering sophistication. Residences that feel elevated – For apartments, using Silhouette on an accent wall (or open plan living zone) creates a premium finish, which supports rent-premium positioning and resident perception of value. Longevity & relevance: A well-chosen deep neutral won’t feel dated in two years; it supports longer-term asset value and reduced refresh cycles. Material friendly – Because its undertones lean warm but deep, Silhouette plays well with walnut, brushed bronze, travertine, patinated metals—so our furniture specs and finishes can align seamlessly. Why This Matters to You? At The Design Company, our mission is to blend strategic thinking + emotional design—we look to provide interiors that aren’t just beautiful, but that deliver operational value, resident appeal, and alignment with asset objectives. Choosing a colour like Silhouette AF-655 isn’t just about following a trend— it’s about choosing a colour foundation that supports your development goals. Whether you’re launching a new multifamily build, refreshing common areas, or specifying FF&E for units, integrating Silhouette (and its palette companions) gives you a design platform that: Elevates the resident experience Enhances perceived value of the property Supports material and lighting coordination Reduces risk of feeling “dated” in 2-3 years Allows for flexibility of furniture/finish refresh without full colour overhaul If you’re considering how to specify your next property’s interiors with longevity, appeal, and nuance, we encourage you to lean into Silhouette AF-655. At The Design Company we’re ready to guide you through specifying this palette, selecting furniture, finishes, lighting and wall treatments that bring it to life. Contact us at hello@thedesigncompany.net to start the conversation.

Design with Intention: Why Human-Centered Spaces Are the Future of Multifamily Living

By TDC • April 21, 2025
In today’s fast-evolving real estate market, success isn’t always just about square footage or skyline views—it’s about how a space feels to the people who live, work, and connect within it. The thoughtful approach to intentional spaces, is what users resonate with. At The Design Company, we believe multifamily interiors lies in one core principle: human-centered design. This philosophy guides every choice we make, from finish palettes to furniture layouts, from lighting levels to lounge zones. But what does human-centered design really mean in the context of multifamily development—and why does it matter more than ever? It Begins with Behavior. Human-centered design starts with empathy. It’s about understanding how people actually use space, not just how we think they should. Residents today want more than just amenities—they crave comfort, flexibility, identity, and a sense of belonging. That means anticipating needs: Designing coworking areas that feel just as energized at 8 a.m. as they do at 8 p.m. Creating lobbies that feel like extensions of your living room, not a pass-through. Incorporating biophilic design principles that reduce stress and promote wellness. Curating materials and textures that create a visceral sense of calm, coziness, or creativity—depending on the program. In multifamily development, beauty alone isn’t enough. The design must be durable, maintainable, and financially smart. We balance aesthetics with ROI by specifying materials and furnishings that stand up to high traffic without sacrificing visual impact. We think through sightlines, social rhythms, and how each touchpoint contributes to leasing appeal and resident retention. We’re also firm believers that good design shouldn’t just serve a budget—it should serve a business strategy. That means every element we install is doing a job: elevating brand identity, accelerating leasing velocity, or improving the day-to-day lives of residents. Human-centered multifamily interiors are no longer a luxury; they’re an expectation. As lifestyles shift and renters demand more thoughtful living experiences, design must keep up—not reactively, but proactively. That’s where we thrive. At The Design Company , we’re not just designing for today—we’re designing for the lives unfolding in these spaces tomorrow and beyond.