Precision and Planning
When it comes to remodeling or building for aging in place, Bonnie knows that safety hinges on exact measurements, proper installation, and a deep understanding of how design supports mobility and health. While she’s seen some improvement among contractors, she says many still underestimate the skill involved. They might know a little—enough to attempt a modification—but not enough to ensure it’s safe. “I'm very careful with whom I work because... they may have just a clue enough to be dangerous,” she explains. A grab bar mounted at the wrong height, a shower threshold that’s slightly too high, or lighting placed where it casts shadows can all turn well-meant upgrades into new hazards. That’s why she only partners with contractors willing to follow her lead. “A lot of people think that aging in place design is just a simple [thing], like adding a grab bar, removing rugs, or something. They want a simple one- and-done answer, and that's not what it is. It's way more involved and truly takes planning... it's very precise.”
“Everything I design is meant to be beautiful first,” she explains. “Safety features should feel like part of the home, not reminders of limitations.” With expertise that combines interior design, accessibility standards, and an understanding of how our needs change over time, she helps homeowners create spaces that are both elegant and ready for the future. Bonnie’s path to aging-in-place design began after a career in corporate communications was cut short by a company buyout. Encouraged by friends to pursue her long-standing talent for interiors, she returned to school for design. A chance role with a senior living designer introduced her to the principles of creating spaces that support safety, comfort, and independence as we age. The work became personal when her father’s health needs required assisted living; Bonnie redesigned his apartment to meet his specific challenges, earning an award and igniting a passion that led her to open her own Scottsdale firm in 2013. Today, she blends beauty and function to help homeowners prepare their spaces for the future without sacrificing style.
11
October 2025
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