ADA Awareness: Critical Missteps to Catch In Design Phase
June 4, 2026
11:00 AM ET / 10:00 AM CT / 8:00 AM PT / 4:00 PM GMT
Duration: 1/2 hour
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Summary
This presentation explores the most common ADA-related design pitfalls that expose architects and interior designers to liability, reputational risk, and costly remediation. While many professionals approach ADA as a checklist within building codes, it is also a civil rights law - creating situations where design professionals, owners, and contractors can be brought into legal disputes.
Attendees will gain clarity on ADA requirements that are often misundertood and can leave project teams vulnerable. The session will examine real-world scenarios across architectural and interior design scopes, highlighting where breakdowns most often occur.
Participants will learn to identify red flags early in the design process, understand the downstream consequences of common oversights, and implement strategies to mitigate risk. The goal is to strengthen awareness, improve design decision-making, and protect both the user experience and the professional integrity of the design team.
Speaker
Sean Hilgeman, RA
Sr. Manager of Design Community Engagement
Bobrick
Sean Hilgeman is an architect based in the Northeast, specializing in bridging the gap between designers and product manufacturers. With experience in design firms dating back to 1999 - including serving as an owner and partner in two practices - he understands both the needs of architects and what it takes for a product to become the Basis of Design.
Working on behalf of leading manufacturers, Sean has developed tools and product information systems that help architects make informed decisions, build trust, and create mutually beneficial relationships between design firms and manufacturers. His approach is rooted in long-term, consultative engagement, with a strong emphasis on ethical service.
Sean believes that the role of a product representative extends beyond sales. He advocates for a consultative approach centered on educating the design community - particularly in the areas of product function, application, and code compliance - ensuring that the right products are specified to the benefit and safety of end users.
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