By Robert Kastelic, Co-Founder at Akb Architects – Toronto 

When I was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, my world shifted in an instant. What had once felt predictable and strong became uncertain. But as I sat with that fear, a question surfaced – one that would change not just the course of my life, but the trajectory of my career. 

How can architecture support not just living with a condition like Parkinson’s, but truly living, right to the end?  

Whether you’re dealing with a diagnosis, aging, raising a family, or just navigating daily stress, thoughtful design can support your wellbeing in ways you might not expect. Here are some everyday ways to bring that kind of support into your own home. 

Bring nature inside – even in small doses 

You don’t need a forest in your backyard to feel the calming, restorative benefits of nature. Start by keeping a few plants in your main living spaces – kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms are great places to add a little greenery.  

Open the blinds during the day to let in the view, no matter how modest. If you’re making updates, consider adding a skylight, a small window, or even just rearranging furniture to highlight a view of trees, the sky, or garden. These simple touches bring in the quiet energy of the outside world, which can ease stress and help you feel more grounded. 

Natural and in-home lighting 

In our homes, we should focus on letting as much natural sunlight in. It’s important to let sunlight in as it helps regulate sleep and boosts our mood – but it also allows better visibility. In areas of your home that don’t get a lot of sunlight, it’s important to install brighter, glare-free lights in the centre of those rooms. 

In low lighting environments, there is a higher risk for falls and accidents as your line of sight isn’t as strong. It’s ideal to consider installing motion censored lights and automatic night lights in hallways and bathrooms for added safety, especially during the night. 

Generosity of space and thresholds 

Bumping into walls and catching your clothes on door handles is never ideal. It’s important not to clutter tighter hallways or small spaces, as it increases the chance of accidents and falls. These small chances might not seem like much, but these small design elements will stop becoming these big barriers in your everyday life. 

Clearer halls, flush thresholds, and fluid transitions between rooms are more than accessibility features, they’re invitations to move freely, safely, and confidently. 

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Improving the accessibility in your home is an important issue for many in the Parkinson’s community. Every province and territory in Canada have programs available to support home modifications for accessibility. Please review your province’s program to see if you’re eligible. The Home Accessibility Tax Credit is another option for eligible people across Canada. 

Robert Kastelic and Duff Balmer are working to engage with the Parkinson’s community to get a better understanding on the unique challenges, needs, and opportunities individuals face when living at home throughout different stages of their journey. Through this valuable feedback, their goal is to develop a comprehensive set of design guidelines that empower individuals and their care partners to create home environments that support long-term health, comfort, and well-being. To complete the survey, please click here. 

The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. While Rob and Duff are licensed architects living with Parkinson’s and a member with the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), the content herein is not tailored to any specific project or client. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional guidance tailored to their particular circumstances. Robert and Duff disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this blog.