Melton’s Dedication to Accessibility
When we think of accessible design, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards often come to mind as the benchmark for inclusivity. While these federal standards provide a critical foundation, they are just the beginning. At Melton, we believe exceptional design goes beyond just checking boxes! It transforms spaces into environments that truly work for the people who use them, reflecting their needs, enhancing their experiences, and supporting their full participation in everyday life.
This philosophy has guided us across a variety of accessibility-focused projects. In 2023, we partnered with There With Care to install a ramp for a family navigating an unexpected medical crisis, ensuring their home could better accommodate their child’s needs. Similarly, our work at Rocky Mountain Equality brought their facility into compliance with federal accessibility standards, ensuring all visitors can move through the space with ease.
Accessibility in Action
This year, we embarked on a Melton Cares project with a broader scope: remodeling the entire first floor of a home to accommodate the needs of a family member who navigates the world with the assistance of walkers and an electric wheelchair. With input from our team of in-house experts, this project was an opportunity to create a space that not only meets ADA standards but also prioritizes the lived experiences of the family members who will use them.
The Melton team designed clear, unobstructed pathways that allow the electric wheelchair to access the bathroom from multiple entry points. We also created a barrier-free bathroom equipped with ample grab bars, a bedroom desk that accommodates the electric wheelchair, and furniture with enough storage for necessary care supplies. The remodel included ways to minimize the need for assisted transfers in and out of the wheelchair and included an inclusive play space for siblings and friends.
Since all original bedrooms were located on the second level of the home, a new accessible bedroom and bathroom were added to the first level. To accommodate the new accessible spaces on the first level, the Melton team relocated the laundry room and pantry. We also widened a primary hallway pinch point to improve bedroom entry access. Slip-resistant interior finishes were selected to ensure safety and easy navigation throughout the home.
Moving Beyond ADA Standards
ADA guidelines set a necessary baseline for accessibility, ensuring physical spaces are usable by individuals with disabilities. However, accessible design is about more than compliance—it’s about understanding how people interact with the built environment and using this understanding to craft spaces that serve them in meaningful ways!
For example, the elevator installation at the Equality Center of the Rocky Mountains wasn’t simply a technical upgrade; It was part of a larger effort to make the space welcoming and functional for all individuals, regardless of their mobility. Similarly, the design choices for our 2025 project focused on creating a first floor that fosters independence as well as connection, and a sense of belonging for the family it will serve.
Collaboration Drives Thoughtful Design
The best design solutions are born from collaboration. At Melton, we engage with clients, community organizations, and the people who will use the spaces we create to ensure every detail serves a purpose. Accessibility design isn’t just technical—it’s deeply personal.
For our 2025 project, the Melton team worked closely with the family every step of the way. Feedback from all members of the family was essential in not only creating an accessible space, but an environment that felt like home for everyone. From textures of different materials to paint colors and more, every element that goes into a design is vital in tailoring to each individual’s unique needs.
By listening to those who will live in and navigate the spaces we design, we move beyond the standards to craft solutions that make a tangible difference. This people-first approach drives every project we undertake, from small-scale upgrades to comprehensive remodels.
Building a Brighter, More Equitable Future
Few things shape the quality of our lives quite like the built spaces we spend them in. At Melton, we believe great design puts people first. This belief is rooted in our core values, exemplified by our B Corp status, and demonstrated by our commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Together, with the help of our clients and community partners, we’re building a brighter, more equitable future for the communities where we live, work, and play!
Thank You, Trade Partners
The 2025 Melton Cares initiative wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our community trade partners who donate their time, talent, and services.