My creative design work and research seeks to bring to the forefront the multigenerational and multicultural need for living environments, work environments and social environments that are inclusive, universal and sustainable in the process of creating a Total Design. The trending needs of an aging Baby Boomer population that expects to Age-in-Place and a military population with greater physical and interpersonal needs, are two sources of concern and a call to action for Interior Designers. There is within the design, construction and product industry the ability to create or retro-fit built environments that can meet these needs, but what is lacking is a proactive and collaborative approach that brings together governmental, medical, and design resources to educate and create a “working blueprint” that individuals can experience and then implement. I am exploring opportunities to develop within the region a facility that would become a hands-on experiential “laboratory” for accessible and sustainable design, equipment and products. I envision a place where anyone in the community with or without a disability can experience accessible entrances, pathways and spaces such as a kitchen, bathroom, living space, bedroom, and office. Through these experiential opportunities such a using a wheelchair, walker or cane to get in and out of a shower or experience macular degeneration as one tries to walk or read, I hope to educate and prepare our community for the realities of changing abilities but not quality of life. As a Registered Interior Designer and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist I ultimately “hang my hat” at the end of the day on the fact that the decisions I make respect and enhance the life, health, safety and welfare of my clients and the public.

Registered Interior Designer, State of Connecticut

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)

M.A., B.S.  Environmental Factors: Interiors

                  California State University Long Beach

Christy Somerville Interiors, Consultant   

Allen Residence, San Diego, CA
O’Brien Residence, Orange, CT
Ross Residence, Orange CT
Marfred Paper Company, Inc. Sun Valley, CA
Specialty Merchandise Corporation, Chatsworth, CA
Vacation Condominium, Palm Springs, CA
I.B. Reder Company, Inc. Norwalk, CA
Sofa Factory Fountain Valley, CA
New England Metal Company Providence, RI
Rogers Distributors Corona, CA
I.T.T. Barton, City of Industry, CA
Frederick’s of Hollywood Corporate Office, Hollywood, CA
CAMA, Inc. New Haven, CT
Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons, Hospital of Saint Raphael, New Haven, CT
Dr. Ronald Delfini, DDS, New Haven, CT
Chesebrough-Ponds, Inc. USA, Clinton, CT
Decorum II, Inc.          Fullerton, CA
Design Possibilities     Fullerton, CA 

Past-President, Connecticut Coalition of Interior Designs (CCID)
Allied Member, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
Professional Member, Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC)
Member, National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE)
Graduate Member, Experiential Education Academy (EEA)

Presenter, National Society for Experiential Education
            Integrating the National Society for Experiential Education’s                                  

Presenter, Northeast Region, Interior Design Educators Council
            Studio Designer Business Software Curriculum

National Panel Member, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences

Development of a Pre-professional National Assessment Exam and Certification for Interior Design, 9-12

Chair, Professional Development Committee for the Experiential Education Academy
            Development of aSurvey of EEA Graduates for Advance Studies

Interview, Hartford Courant, At Home Section                                                                                              “Design Career Fever” HGTV has turned us all into decorators; but some of us go a step further.

Interview, Stony Brook College, CT
            Integration of Internships as Experiential Education into Academic Courses

Abstract Reviewer, Annual Conferences, Interior Design Educators Council

Textbook Reviewer, Fairchild Books

Universal Design Build, NAHB                                                                                                           
Color Works Design Forum, ASIDCT                                 
Aging-in-Place CAPS I, II, Business Courses, NAHB                                                          
Design Trades Conference.  State of CT                                                        
Design and Construction Industry, CT                                                                       
Green Build Product Expo, USGBC                                                                         
Universal Design - Patricia Moore, ASIDCT                                                         
Designer Advantage Seminar, NYC
JLC Live Residential Construction Show, RI                                                               
Universal Design by Mary Jo Peterson                                                                          
Growing A Practice to Produce Ever Greener and More Durable Buildings, AIACT
Aging-in-Place Research Site, Intel Research Laboratory, Washington
Lighting Design and Products Seminar, IES                                                          
Sustainability Design from Theory to Practice, AIACT                                  
Accessible Spaces - Patricia Moore, CCID                                                                                                
Lighting Design and Products, IES