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Architecture Professor’s Universal Design Advocacy Work Featured in The Oklahoman

An accessible kitchen built by Ideal Homes and Neighborhoods.

Architecture Professor’s Universal Design Advocacy Work Featured in The Oklahoman


Date

September 8, 2021

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David Boeck, an associate professor in the Gibbs College of Architecture, was recently featured in The Oklahoman [subscription required]. The article, titled “Can aging-in-place, universal design go mainstream? This Oklahoma homebuilder is betting on it,” features Boeck’s recent work with Ideal Homes and Neighborhoods, incorporating aging-in-place and universal home design into Ideal Homes’ new construction in Norman, Moore, and Stillwater.  

Universal home design emphasizes adding features to homes to make them more accessible to both aging homeowners as well as any homeowners that desire more ease of use in their home. Homes may include solid-surface flooring, door levers instead of knobs, raised outlets, a lack of steps, etc. In the case of Ideal Homes, homeowners choose what features they want included in their home. 

Boeck, a certified Aging in Place Specialist, has been advocating for homebuilders to offer more accessible features in their builds but has not found much success until speaking with Vernon McKown of Ideal Homes and Neighborhoods.


Recent Gibbs College News

May 15, 2026

Gibbs Construction Science Professor Begins Term as ASC President

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May 13, 2026

Gibbs College Celebrates Service of Associate Dean for Research and External Engagement

Following years of contributions to the College’s research and strategic initiatives, Gibbs College shares that Associate Dean for Research and External Engagement Angela M. Person, PhD, will step down from her position at Gibbs College as she moves to Tucson with her family, effective June 30, 2026.


May 06, 2026

Gibbs College Hosts 2026 Graduate Student Showcase

On April 24, 2026, the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture hosted its annual Graduate Student Showcase, a celebration of research, design innovation, and creative exploration across all graduate programs within the College.