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Education and Experience:
Charles is a graduate from The College of Environmental Design and Architecture at the University of Colorado in Boulder. He also studied Architecture and Art for 12 months at The University of Regensburg, (in the former West Germany). He traveled throughout Europe while studying Art, Architecture and German. He spent much of his time sketching and watercolor painting.
Upon graduation from CU Boulder Co.in1984, Charles lived and practiced as an intern architect in Aspen, Colorado and specialized in custom residential, and hotel design and detailing. He also gained significant experience with historical remodels.
In 1987 while working as an Architect in training for the award winning Aspen,CO.firm of Hagman -Yaw Architects, He worked with the team for several years completing construction documents for The Aspen Ski Company Hotel. I still remains Aspen's only five star hotel.
Mr. Schwab's first complete set of construction and detail drawings and while a project manager was created while working as the Architect intern on the Aspen Center for Environmental studies (ACES), under award winning Architect Tim Hagman. This project is located in the heart of Aspen. This is now an AIA Colorado, award winning building and features "green"sustainable and passive solar design and construction. Much of Charle's earlier design and detail work can be seen throughout Aspen.
In 1992 he returned to the Midwest to begin his own practice. Upon his return, he lived with and was a caregiver for his Grandfather. It was after his Grandfather suffered a series of strokes that Charles realized most American homes do not meet the needs of the elderly or most anybody with a physical disability. He came to believe it was nearly impossible to live your entire life in your own home.
Since 1992, Charles has been specializing in universal design and green sustainable housing. He is an active proponent of sustainable building practices,water preservation and energy saving alternatives in building design and construction.
These experiences motivated Charles to create the concept of The Universal Designed "Smart" Home : the merging of universal design and sustainable, green building construction as homes for the 21st Century.
While completing the written portions of Universal Designed Smart Homes for the 21st Century in February 2003, Charles had a bike accident that left him with a shattered left humerous and an eventual prosthetic implant. He found his own home (not of his design) to be non-accessible even with this type of disability.This experience, as well as being a caregiver for his Grandfather, has convinced Mr. Schwab of the importance of universal design and housing that encourages easy living for people of all ages and abilities.
His experience with energy efficient building and green building practices has convinced him that the combination of the two traditionally separate schools of design and practice is the common sense housing type for the 21st Century.
In 1993 Charles wrote designed and published America's first Universal Design Home Plans book that also include energy efficient, green design and construction details. The book is titled Universal Designed "Smart" Homes for the 21st Century, 102 Plans you can order and build. He is working to design, educate and inform so that these homes will become common in the 21st Century.
Charles continues to be an advocate for universal design and energy efficient housing design. He contributes to Special Living magazine, EP/ Exceptional Parent magazine and PN/Paraplegia News magazine. The plan book has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, New Mobility magazine,Ultimate Home Design magazine, Quest Magazine, Canada's Abilities magazine and dozens of newsletters.Please click the articles button @ left to read articles written by Mr.Schwab.
Although Charles is active on a national level he takes pride in providing individual service and hands on design and expertise.He is an active member (AIA) of the American Institute of Architects. (CAPS) Certified Aging in place Specialist,(CGP) Certified green Professional and a 50's Plus housing Council member. he is also a member of several Independent Living organizations.
Charles Schwab Architect and Schwab Publishers is not affiliated or related to the Schwab brokerage company.
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