Design that welcomes everybody
without compromise.
It's Time To Reinvent Architecture
Why doesn’t the world have better accessible spaces? Why do professionals think the ADA is “good enough”? It’s because the typical components of accessibility - ramps, grab bars, and other elements - are grafted on as afterthoughts. And since we all fear the trappings of getting older, or becoming less able, designers don’t explore a deeper potential.
It’s time to move beyond "ADA compliance", and create beautifully inclusive Architecture. Buildings need to work for everybody and every body: young, old, wheeling, walking, sighted, blind, six foot three or three foot six.
It’s time to elevate accessibility to an art form by reimagining beautiful buildings as not just dramatically sculptural or deeply connected with nature, but also infused with humanistic purpose: to orchestrate a profoundly comfortable, functional existence for human beings in all our diversity and throughout our lives.
Reaching that harmony of form and purpose is possible and necessary. It is a new definition of beauty; an alchemy combining the creativity of art and the science of accessibility that lifts architecture up to a new level for everyone: The Art of Access.
The architect and universal design expert transformed a wheelchair user’s Berkeley home with an inconspicuous elevator. But he believes there are many ways to approach aging in place.
By Ben Ikenson
dwell Magazine
SEE US IN
PARTNERS & CLIENTS
We worked with SF non-profit to create the Inclusive Design Standards - a guidebook and certification system to create better, more accessible, more inclusive multifamily projects. Learn from our 30+ years of accessible multifamily design experience by downloading a copy here.
February 13, 2025
Mikiten Architecture and The Art of Access are thrilled to announce that Erick Mikiten has been elevated to the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
This honor recognizes architects who have excelled in their field and made outstanding contributions to architecture and society on a national level.
Erick Mikiten was acknowledged for his leadership in designing projects that showcase innovative Universal Design and for accessible code development through his work as a Governor-appointed member of the California Building Standards Commission. He has influenced the national conversation on inclusive design, making more places enjoyable for more people.
Erick collaborated with the non-profit The Kelsey to create the Inclusive Design Standards. This certification and guidelines system is used by design teams nationwide to make multifamily projects more accessible and inclusive. He is also developing additional standards for Hospitality, Single Family, Workplace, Museum, Retail, Transportation, Education, and Outdoor Space projects.
In addition to designing radically inclusive buildings throughout California, Erick consults with design teams on projects across the US, Europe, and Asia. He is writing a book to guide owners in creating their Dream Home and another book to help architects work with families with needs around disability, aging in place, and multigenerational living.
Less than three percent of AIA members hold the esteemed FAIA designation. This year, 83 member architects out of over 100,000 AIA members were elevated to Fellowship status.
The 2025 Fellows will be honored at an investiture ceremony at Boston’s famed Trinity Church during the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA25) in Boston this June.
Erick Mikiten Honored with AIA Fellowship
NEWS
