| Education and Experience:
Charles is a graduate from The College of Environmental Design at the University of Colorado in Boulder with an emphasis on Architecture. He also studied for 12 months at The University of Regensburg, (in the former West Germany). He traveled throughout Europe studying Renaissance Art and Architecture. He spent much of his time sketching and watercolor painting while traveling. While attending the University of Regensburg all courses were studied in the German language.
Upon graduation from CU Boulder Co.in 1984, Charles lived and was mentored by some of Colorado's best and well known Architects as an intern architect in Aspen. He assisted in custom residential, and hotel design and detailing and construction administration. He also gained significant experience with historical remodels and working with neighborhood and local approval processes.
In 1987 while working as an Architect in training for the award winning Aspen firm of Hagman -Yaw Architects. He worked with the team for several years completing construction documents for The Aspen Ski Company 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 on Hallam Lake in the heart of Aspen. This is now an AIA Colorado, award winning building and features sustainable and passive solar design and construction as well as other green products and details. It is open to the public daily in Aspen as an environmental and wildlife sanctuary.
In 1987 Charles worked under the employ of Charles Cunniffe Architects AIA. as an Intern Architect. Mr. Schwab worked with Mr. Cunniffe for several years on various new homes and remodels as well as light commercial projects. In 1992 he returned to the Midwest to study for his NCARB Architect exams and eventually began 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 one's entire life in their own home. Since 1992, Charles has been specializing in the universal designing process. He is an active proponent of sustainable building practices, healthy materials, clean air, water conservation and energy efficient building design .
These experiences motivated Charles to innovate with the concept of The Universal Designed "Smart" Home plan book. The plan merge universal design and sustainability in home construction.
While completing the written portions of the book, in February 2003, Charles had a bike accident that left him with a shattered left humorous and an eventual prosthetic metal implant. He found his own home (not of his design) to be difficult to use, even with this type of non-mobility, none the less, acute injury.This experience, along with being a caregiver for his Grandfather, has convinced Mr. Schwab of the importance of universal designing for 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 philosophies (up to this time in 2003) of design and practice is the preferred housing model for the 21st Century.
In 2003 Charles wrote, designed and published America's (and the world's) first universal designed and sustainable home plans book ( 1st edition, 52 plans in 2004, 2nd edition 72 plans) The 3rd edition was published in 2005 with 102 plans.
He is continuously working to design, educate and inform so that these homes will work into the 21st Century. He enjoys working with people of all ages and abilities and anyone who wants to stay home for a life span at with complete independent living.
Charles continues to be an advocate and design Universal Design and energy efficient housing. He contributes to EP/ Exceptional Parent magazine and others. He wrote for PN Magazine on a bi-monthly basis in a column titled Around the House from 2000 to Jan 2017. PN is the official magazine for the Paralyzed Veterans of America. ( www.pvamagazines.com )
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.
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