ASID launches research project on baby boomers

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The American Society of Interior Designers, along with a group of sponsors, launched Oct. 1 a new study to examine the impact of interior design on people as they move into and through their later life stages, according to an ASID release. |ret||ret||tab|

Sub-Zero, an ASID industry partner has joined as a sponsor in conducting the study.|ret||ret||tab|

In previous research ASID found that the nation's aging population not only has specific interior design needs, but baby boomers are also more likely to seek assistance from an interior designer. |ret||ret||tab|

Barbara Nugent, FASID, chairwoman for the ASID Marketing and Communications Council, said, "We will investigate the importance of design services in meeting the needs of the enormous baby boomer population. |ret||ret||tab|

"We want to learn the extent to which they are thinking about or anticipating their future living space needs. And, if the issue is on their radar screen, we'll find out what they are planning to do about it. We will also inquire about experiences they have had accommodating the needs of their aging parents, and whether they've considered their own personal future needs in response to those experiences."|ret||ret||tab|

ASID President Juli Catlin, FASID, said, "This a very important study whose purpose is to help us, as interior designers, understand whether aging baby boomers are expecting to renovate their existing homes, move into new existing homes, or build new homes specially designed for their aging needs. We'll also find out what sort of design assistance or help they will be looking for in this process."|ret||ret||tab|

The research is structured so that differences between key subgroups can be measured. |ret||ret||tab|

Dan Hough, head of research at L.C. Williams and Associates in Chicago, the independent research firm conducting the research for ASID, said, "Each life stage will be examined, relative to the need for "age-friendly" living spaces. This will allow designers to specifically address immediate concerns for each stage and anticipate changing needs. |ret||ret||tab|

"We will talk with people who are currently facing the special challenges brought on by aging, those 10 to 15 years removed, and those five to 10 years removed. Comparisons of data obtained from each area of the country will also help designers to increase their understanding of the needs of those who live in their geographical market area."|ret||ret||tab|

When the research project is complete and all data analyzed, ASID will launch a communications and education program titled, "Aging and the Impact of Interior Design." |ret||ret||tab|

"Through this program," Nugent said, "ASID will provide customers, designers and partners with important knowledge about the impact of interior design and how it can meet the needs of people, both approaching and in the older life stage markets. |ret||ret||tab|

"All the information and knowledge we gather will be made available to, not only our members, but also the public in general via ASID's Web site (|bold_on|www.asid.org). ASID will prepare and deliver continuing education units available for credits, covering the research results, explaining lessons learned and providing practical tips for interior designers and other interested audiences. |ret||ret||tab|

"These educational presentations will be made at conferences and trade shows serving the interior design industry beginning June 18, 2001, at NeoCon Chicago 2001 and continuing at all of ASID's subsequent University Campus programs."|bold_on||bold_on||ret||ret||tab|

ASID represents the interests of more than 30,500 members, including 20,000 interior design practitioners, as well as students and industry and retail partners. |ret||ret||tab|

ASID's mission is to be the definitive resource for professional education and knowledge sharing, advocacy of interior designers' right-to-practice, and expansion of interior design markets.|ret||ret||tab|

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