Universal Design - More than just a Grab Bar

Annemarie Diaz, Development and Engagement • July 14, 2022

TRS is proud to have staff certification in Universal Design by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)! 


NARI’s UDCP program recognizes professionals who have demonstrated a dedication to assisting clients with making their home safer and more accessible, while employing the latest design trends. This prestigious certification is reserved for professionals who have demonstrated tenure in the industry, satisfied continuing education requirements, and abide by the NARI Code of Ethics and the NARI Standards of Practice. Achieving certification requires that professionals demonstrate expertise in the areas of Universal Design Fundamentals, Client Needs Assessments, Design, Construction Techniques, Electrical Systems and Assistive Technology, Plumbing Systems, and Exterior Universal Design Considerations. 


There are a lot of terms in the industry that pertain to building and remodeling homes and commercial buildings to improve access. Universal Design (closely related to but broader than Aging in Place) is a design perspective that focuses on ensuring residential environments and products can be used by all members of the family, regardless of their age, size, or physical abilities, throughout each person’s life span. 


More and more of our clients have growing families with children being born, young people added through blended families, and older parents moving in with their adult children. Many of today’s households contain members of widely varying ages, sizes and abilities, a Universal Design approach helps us to think through how spaces will be and can be used by all members of the household. Having a staff member certified in Universal Design helps us to be able to educate our teams and clients on options which can make homes safer and more accessible for everyone.


The core principles of Universal Design include equitable use, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, ensuring information is perceptible, minimizing hazards, ease of physical effort, and thinking through size and space from a lens of accessibility. 


Contact us to learn more about how the concepts of Universal Design can be used to optimize functionality without compromising beauty in your new home build or remodel!


See more on Universal Design Certification at the NARI (National Association of Remodeling Industry) website

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Purposeful Design Series: Maximizing Home Organization

By Annemarie Diaz • May 13, 2025
Who doesn't want, or need, better and more beautiful ways to manage home organization? In this blog we review several different forms of home organization from built-ins to laundry and mudrooms to the boutique closet and function forward design.

BuilderStories Interview with Annemarie Diaz: Service, Leadership, and Teamwork

By Erika Diaz • April 29, 2025
We are happy to share a special blog this month, as one of our founders Annemarie Diaz was interviewed by Eric Fortenberry, CEO of JobTread, this year's winner of Best in Show at the International Builder Show! Each week Eric invites a leader in the building and remodeling industry to share the story of their business and what they are most passionate about, what keeps them running. In this JobTread Builder Stories Podcast , Annemarie shares insights, both personal and professional, behind the core principles that drive our business— leadership , teamwork , and service . At TRS Build , we don’t just build homes; we build relationships, foster growth, and ensure that every project delivers outstanding results while keeping the client’s vision front and center. If you’re interested in hearing directly from Annemarie about what sets TRS Build apart, listen to her full interview on the JobTread Builder Stories Podcast online here , or just look up Builder Stories on your favorite Podcast app. In this blog, we’ll explore Annemarie’s perspective on leadership, teamwork, and the service mentality that drives TRS Build and how these values shape our company culture and our approach to client care.

The TRS Build Process: From Design to Completion

By Annemarie Diaz • April 8, 2025
At TRS Build , we believe having good processes in place is essential to support efficient and smooth project delivery, from initial project development through design and construction. That is why we take great pride in our Design-Build process, ensuring every project we take on in Austin , Georgetown , and surrounding areas is completed with the utmost care and attention to detail. From the initial design consultation to the final walk-through, our goal is to provide a seamless and rewarding experience for our clients while delivering outstanding results. If you’re considering a home remodel , home addition , or custom home in Austin , understanding the process can help you feel confident in your decision to move ahead with a home remodel or construction. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of working with TRS Build from design to completion, giving you insight into what makes our approach unique and why it’s trusted by homeowners throughout the Austin area.