LEACEY E. BROWN
South Dakota State University Extension
SAY IT LOUD - SOUTH DAKOTA Exhibitor
South Dakota Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Each time I learn someone has implemented my suggestions in their home, I am reminded that my message does inspire others to take action. It may be only one home at a time, but it is progress. My hope is that others will be inspired to take action.
LEACEY E. BROWN
Bio:
Leacey E. Brown is a gerontologist advocating for broader discussions about growing older. She is an educator who teaches about topics related to getting older. The troubleshooting skills she gained as a member of the U.S. Air Force enhance her professional capacity, allowing her to make aging-related issues easier to understand. She is convinced that many of the challenges we face as we age could be addressed through innovations in home, technology, and community design.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
Gerontology is a science that focuses on improving our outcomes as we grow older. Early in my studies I saw the role of the environment in our aging outcomes. In short, the declines of aging are made worse by poorly designed spaces.
What do you do?
I provide education and outreach on topics related to getting older. My efforts attempt to encourage individuals to plan for older age. I teach adults about the role that home design plays in their ability to age in place.
What excites you in the work you do?
My work brings me great joy. I feel I have the opportunity to help adults think realistically about growing older and the steps they might need to take to plan for decline and end-of-life.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Each time I learn someone has implemented my suggestions in their home, I am reminded that my message does inspire others to take action. It may be only one home at a time, but it is progress. My hope is that others will be inspired to take action.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My colleagues and I were able to bring together professionals interested in housing for people with disabilities. We are committed to increasing awareness about the role that home design plays in the quality of life of people with disabilities.
Featured Project Name:
Adaptable Home
Featured Project Location:
South Dakota
Featured Project Completion Date:
08-01-2023
Role in Featured Project:
co-developer/creator
Featured Project Description:
Adaptable homes are constructed in a way that makes them easier to renovate for people with disabilities. These educational materials focus on four structural features that are the most difficult and costly to change. These features include an on-grade entry or adaptable to grade with ramp, a bedroom or room that could be used for sleeping on the entry level, one bathroom on the entry level sized and spaced for wheelchair users, and wide hallways (42 inches) and doors (36 inches).
