Homes that include everyone.
Public workshops and practical design suggestions to help New Zealand homes work for every age and ability.
Workshops Home design suggestions
Workshops and talks
Sessions for the public, and tailored sessions for community groups, builders and designers.
Planning to stay at home
What to think about now so your home keeps working as needs change.
Inclusive design basics
Practical ideas for entries, bathrooms, kitchens and getting around the home.
Plans through an accessibility lens
For builders, designers and renovators.
Talks for your group
Tailored to community groups and organisations, with the format agreed in advance.
Workshops and public sessionsRegister your interest and we will be in touch.
Register interestHome design suggestions
Practical suggestions on how the spaces in a home can work better for people of different ages and abilities.
For your home
Suggestions for an existing home, covering entries, circulation, bathrooms, kitchens and more.
For your plans
An accessibility lens on plans for a renovation or new build, before construction starts.
A brief for your builder or designer
Clear, plain-language guidance you can hand on.
What we look at
Understand
Your home, your household and what you want the space to do.
Review
The home or plans, looked at through an accessibility and ageing-in-place lens.
Suggest
Prioritised, plain-language suggestions you can act on.
What Placewise does and doesn't do
Placewise does
- Run public and group workshops on accessible, inclusive homes
- Offer design suggestions for existing homes and plans
- Write plain-language briefs for your builder or designer
- Refer you to licensed or registered professionals when needed
Placewise does not
- Certify, rate or accredit homes
- Prepare building consent drawings, or structural or fire design
- Certify Building Code compliance
- Assess an individual's health or functional needs
About
Research focus
Housing accessibility, autonomy, and ageing in place.
Design-literate
Architectural training and New Zealand residential design experience.
Questions
Is Placewise a certification or rating scheme?
No. Placewise does not certify, rate or accredit homes. It offers workshops and design suggestions, and can complement any scheme you are working with.
Is this the same as an occupational therapy assessment?
No. Placewise looks at homes and plans from a design perspective and does not assess an individual's health or functional needs. An occupational therapist is the right professional for that, and Placewise can work alongside them.
Can you work with my builder or designer?
Yes. Suggestions are written so you can hand them on. Placewise does not replace their work.
Do you prepare drawings for building consent?
No. Placewise provides design guidance only. Where a project needs licensed or registered professionals, Placewise refers you to them.
Contact
Ask about a workshop, or tell us about your home and what you would like to change. We will reply by email.