Most homes aren’t designed with mobility in mind. It’s not negligence, it’s simply not the default priority. But as soon as a homeowner starts dealing with limited movement (temporary or permanent), that oversight becomes painfully obvious. That’s why architects who understand how to integrate mobility solutions into residential properties will always be in hot demand.

If you want to be able to make smart decisions here, know that you don’t have to be a specialist in accessibility. However, you do need a working knowledge of what’s available now: compact stairlifts that blend into the wall, vertical platform lifts that don’t hijack the floor plan, and inclined elevators that make multi-level living possible for someone who can’t take stairs anymore.

An increasing number of clients are asking about these features. Some are planning for retirement, others just want to be prepared. Either way, your job is to make sure the structure doesn’t get in the way of someone living comfortably and safely in their own home.

Mobility Is Becoming a Standard, Not a Bonus

Residential accessibility used to be something people added after they needed it. But that’s changing. With over 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. now living with some form of disability, and the global aging population growing rapidly, architects are being pulled into this conversation sooner rather than later.

And it’s not just physical access, but also peace of mind. Homeowners want reassurance that their house won’t turn into a logistical nightmare if their circumstances change. If you can design for that flexibility from the outset, you’re already adding long-term value. More importantly, you’re making life easier for someone down the line (possibly much sooner than anyone expects).

You’ve Got More Options Than You Might Think

A decade ago, residential mobility upgrades were either custom-built or borrowed from institutional settings. Today, the landscape is different. Equipment manufacturers have caught up to both aesthetic demands and space constraints, offering more options that blend into the architecture rather than sticking out like afterthoughts.

Platform Lifts (a.k.a. VPLs)

These move people vertically between floors, often without the need for a full elevator shaft. They’re especially useful for short travel distances, like garage-to-living-room level changes or raised main entrances. Many models can be installed without a pit or overhead clearance, which simplifies integration into new builds or renovations.

They still need proper framing and electrical, of course, but you’re not dealing with the same complexity as a full elevator system. The key is planning space early, so it doesn’t turn into a compromise later.

Inclined Elevators

Not to be confused with stairlifts, inclined elevators follow the line of the stairs but function more like a platform lift. They’re wheelchair-compatible, larger, and more robust. If you’re working with a client who wants aging-in-place flexibility without sacrificing style, this is a solid midpoint between a stairlift and a full residential elevator. Bear in mind that if you’re not currently working with such a client, you’re almost guaranteed to in the future: 75% of adults over 50 say they want to age-in-place, according to AARP.

Installation is more involved (you’ll need to factor in structural support and coordinate custom track paths), but for the right client, it’s a strong solution.

Types of Stairlifts and Where They Fit

Stairlifts have evolved a lot. Newer models are quieter and sleeker than their predecessors, plus they’re available in several configurations.

If you’re specifying one, you need to understand the types of stairlifts available:

• Straight stairlifts are designed for uninterrupted flights.
• Curved stairlifts are built to order and can wrap around landings or spiral staircases.
• Perch stairlifts are ideal when the user has difficulty sitting down or when stairs are too narrow for a traditional seat.

Each comes with its own design implications, so don’t just leave it to the installer. If you plan for the type of stairlift early, you’ll save your client money, avoid last-minute changes, and end up with a more seamless result.

Clients Expect Thoughtful Integration, Not Just Function

Today’s homeowner doesn’t want their living room looking like a rehab clinic. They want lifts to work quietly, install cleanly, and match the home’s design language. That might mean hidden rails, recessed tracks, or even built-in conduits for future use without making it obvious. Some want flexibility built into the structure: e.g., a wall prepped for a future lift, even if it’s not needed right away.

So, aesthetics matter, but functionality matters even more. The real ask though is subtlety: mobility features that support independence without dominating the design.

Think of Mobility as a Design Layer, Not a Retrofit

Some architects treat accessibility like something to figure out after the floor plan is done. But that mindset is flawed, heavily. You want to treat mobility features as you would HVAC routing or plumbing layout: something to be coordinated from the beginning.

Even if no lift is being installed immediately, plan the structure so that one could be added later with minimal disruption. That alone can dramatically increase a home’s long-term usability.