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NKBA Opens Registration Portal for Certified Living in Place Certification Program

October 15, 2018

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), through a strategic alliance with the Living In Place Institute (LIPI), is offering the LIPI Certified Living In Place Professional (CLIPP) Certification Program to any qualified professional desiring CLIPP certification. LIPI has established an NKBA Scholarship allowing NKBA members to participate for $949 — a savings of $350 off the regular price of $1,299 — for the certification course and materials.

The U.S. population is aging at a rapid rate: From now through 2036, 10,000 people will celebrate their 65th birthday every day. There are certain physical realities of growing older that design can accommodate, but the issues are not limited to aging alone; the U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimate that roughly 20 percent of Americans have some physical limitation or disability, making design principles pertaining to accessibility and safety important for an even broader swath of the population.

LIPI’s CLIPP certification program was developed specifically to make all homes accessible, comfortable and safe. To that end, NKBA endorses LIPI’s GOAL 2028! campaign that challenges all design, construction, medical and other professionals to work to achieve 50 percent fewer falls in the home by the year 2028. A combination of safer designs and products, as well as inter-professional teaming with aligned individuals and associations/groups in all facets of home and human interaction, will collectively deliver the goal.  

“Living In Place is a practical and vital approach whose time has come,” said Mary Jo Peterson, CLIPP, CMKBD, CAPS, an award-winning designer whose work has earned national recognition and induction into the NKBA Hall of Fame and a member of the Living In Place Advisory Panel. “It addresses the intent of universal design in a positive and proactive program, responsive to the ever-changing human condition and the needs of today’s business environment.” 

“This partnership with LIPI is in keeping with NKBA’s goals overall: to offer professional development and educational opportunities, and to create beautiful, functional and safe kitchens and baths,” said Suzie Williford, NKBA executive vice president of industry relations and chief strategy officer. “The NKBA is pleased to support Goal 2028! and deliver an important educational shift in planning and designing the two most susceptible spaces of the home: the kitchen and the bath.” 

“We are honored to have our CLIPP certified program exclusively endorsed by the NKBA,” said Erik Listou and Louie Delaware, LIPI co-founders and partners. “This alliance is a win-win for current and future NKBA members and others who are committed to making all residential environments safe, comfortable and accessible.”