Gorman's Designer Gets CAPS Designation

September 12, 2013  by in Designer Weekly   

Tina Rossi, who works in the Gorman's Southfield, Mich., showroom, is now a Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) designer.

Aging in Place, a program run by the National Association of Home Builders, focuses on universal design, which is geared towards baby boomers who wish to enhance and improve their homes so they may stay in them as they age.

Through three courses offered throughout the country, the program teaches technical, communication, business management and custom service skills. After certification is received, specialists must complete continuing education requirements.

 "As Americans live longer and more active lives, there is a growing need in this segment of the market," Rossi said. "Overall, this design element can be virtually invisible as many solutions exist to make the home beautiful while also safe for those living in it."

 Rossi assists clients with furniture and finish selections, reviews and makes suggestions to contractor's floor plans and collaborates with occupational therapists about home accessibility. Changes she may suggest range from changing a floor plan to provide greater mobility to adding arthritis-friendly door handles.

"We are very proud of Tina Rossi for not only completing the CAPS program, but also seeking a new way to help her clients," said Tom Lias, Gorman's president and CEO.

Rossi received her degree in interior design from Henry Ford Community College. Affiliated with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Rossi has volunteered with the organization to design 13 resident rooms for Turning Point, a domestic abuse shelter in Mt. Clemens, Mich. 

She also has been featured in a series of online design segments.