My name is Kelly Nesbitt. I am an Accessibility Consultant, Home Designer, and certified Occupational Therapist based in Portland, Oregon, offering in-person consultations in Portland and Vancouver, Washington, with virtual services available nationwide.

With 25 years of clinical experience in neurology and gerontology, paired with expertise in home design and modifications, I specialize in creating thoughtful, affordable solutions that support aging in place, diverse abilities, and positive health outcomes. I provide client-centered care, task analysis, expert problem solving, and actionable recommendations tailored to individual needs.

My services include home safety assessments, home modification consulting, remodeling for accessibility, preventative fall prevention education and creative housing strategies such as home sharing, multigenerational living, elder cottages, and landlord-occupied arrangements.

I also bring expertise in sensory-spatial design for neurodivergent individuals, creating calming, functional spaces tailored to unique sensory and cognitive needs. Additionally, I incorporate age technology, including smart home devices and assistive systems, to ensure homes are adaptable to current and future challenges.

I work with a diverse clientele, including solo agers, empty nesters, individuals navigating life transitions, midlifers, chosen families, people with disabilities, those with varied abilities, and boomers adapting to changing abilities while seeking innovative housing solutions.

With over 17 years of experience in home design and project management, I’ve remodeled two homes, managed new construction, transformed landscapes, and built a two-story tiny house—all with a budget-conscious approach. My background as a professional artist infuses creativity and playfulness into my consulting, making each project unique and client-focused.

I have an extensive professional network that I am eager to grow. I am seeking collaboration with builders, contractors, designers, architects, vendors, caregivers, real estate agents, landlords, property managers, aging specialists, city officials, and nonprofits to expand inclusive and accessible housing solutions.

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Occupational Therapist in Oregon  # 1036721

Certified Occupational Therapist in Washington # 60952325

Member Home Modification Occupational Therapy Alliance

Member Portland Area Rental Owners Association

Member Home and Community Therapist Network

Executive Certificate in Home Modifications - ECHM (February 2025)

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist - CAPS (February 2025)

Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics

RESUME

LINKEDIN

services, portfolio, Reviews

SERVICES

Aging In Place (Zoom)

Let’s start the conversation and begin the process of future proofing your home. We will make your home safer, more comfortable, and easier to navigate as you age. As a skilled Occupational Therapist and home design expert, I provide personalized recommendations for simple updates, smart remodeling, or downsizing options tailored to your needs and budget. I encourage adult children of older parents to join in on this call.

✅ Before the call, if able, please send me photos of your bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, stairs or entry steps.

✅ On the call we’ll discuss practical solutions to help you (or a loved one) age in place with confidence.

✅ Adult children assisting parents are also encouraged to schedule their own consultation (or join as a family unit).

AGING IN PLACE PRESENTATION 

Discover how to stay safe, comfortable, and independent in your home as you age. This presentation explores the benefits of aging in place, common challenges, and practical solutions—from home modifications to community support and future planning.

✅ Length: 1.5 hours (In person presentation)

✅ Format: Presentation, discussion, tea & snacks

✅ Visuals: Slide show available (if tech is provided)

✅ What is Aging in Place? Challenges of Aging in Place. Strategies. Home Modifications. Community Services. Planning for the Future. Q&A

✅ Please schedule a 20 minute free call HERE to see if this presentation would be a good fit for your organization.

HOME SAFETY ASSESSMENT (HOME VISIT)

I will come to your house for an in depth assessment. Together we will create a home that’s safe, functional, and tailored to your evolving needs. As a licensed Occupational Therapist and Home Accessibility Consultant, I’ll assess your space inside and out to identify hazards like tripping risks, poor lighting, or fire dangers. We’ll focus on key areas such as stairs, bathrooms, and kitchens, with special attention to mobility, vision, or hearing challenges.

Together, we’ll develop a personalized plan of action with:

✅ Immediate fixes: Simple, low-cost adjustments for quick improvements.

✅ Mid-term upgrades: Practical modifications to enhance safety and comfort over time.

✅ Long-term goals: Larger projects or renovations planned strategically to align with your budget and priorities.

✅ Detailed Summary: You will get a written report and digital PDF to share with family and friends.

Take the first step by scheduling an intro call HERE - from there, we will set up your home visit in Portland or Vancouver.

LANDLORD-OCCUPIED DWELLING 101 (ZOOM)

Want to rent out rooms in your house or a suite in the basement? Rent out an ADU in your yard? Rent out a portion of your duplex? Converting your property into a landlord occupied dwelling comes with pros and cons. With opening up your home, you may need to make some structural changes, and you will need to learn the skills of landlording. I can help you transform your home into a dual-purpose property, balancing personal living space with rental opportunities. I’ll guide you through tenant screening, setting fair rules, protecting your property, and designing rooms for easy shared living. Get the tools and know-how to succeed as an ethical, confident landlord.

Multigenerational Living & Home Sharing (ZOOM or home visit)

Turn your home into a flexible space that comfortably fits more family members or can earn you some extra rental income through home sharing. Whether you’re an empty nester, going through changes, or planning for multiple generations, I’ll help create a functional, adaptable layout that respects privacy while keeping connection, maintains clear boundaries, and accommodates various ages/stages. Let’s start on Zoom.

HOME RENOVATION & REMODEL

Let COACH NESBITT teach you how to be the “quarterback” of your remodel. I’ll help plan your project, coordinate vendors, solve problems, ensure quality, and make your home accessible and functional—saving you time and money along the way.

✅ Schedule a free 20 minute call HERE to see if your project is in alingment with my skills.

UNIVERSAL, INCLUSIVE, ACCESSIBLE DESIGN

I can be the bridge between designers/architechs and the end-users to help create more inclusive, accessible, and adaptable spaces for people of all abilities. Combining medical expertise in Occupational Therapy, Home Modifications, and Placemaking, I ensure your project is functional and empowering. I collaborate with clients, end-users, architects, designers, and contractors to balance needs and aesthetics. Key services: Task Analysis, Design Liaison, Customized Solutions, Future-Proofing.

✅ Schedule a free 20 minute call HERE to see if your project is in alingment with my skills.

CONSULTATIONS FEES

PORTFOLIO

BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS of my remodels & new construction

The Tower of Power.

New construction, hybrid timber frame, double decker art studio, backyard speakeasy performance space, tiny home, 10-12 footprint, 25ft eave, seasonal plumbing (sink/toilet), electric heaters, mini fridge, ceiling fan, and 50 amp panel. Portland, Maine.

Project manager; Kelly Nesbitt, Designer; Rachel Conly @ Juniper Design, Construction; Greg Gilman & company

IN-LAW SUITE

Remodel and new addition construction, 3 room, single level studio, 500 sqft.

Project manager; Kelly Nesbitt, New Addition Designer; Das Chapin Design, Construction; Mark Pendergrass & company

REVIEWS

Referrals are appreciated

Please share my services with friends, builders, contractors, architects, designers, gerontologists, housing specialists, life care planners, senior real estate agents, property managers, elder attorneys, and relevant community organizations.

Thank you!

RESOURCES & EDUCATION

LISTEN TO THE “ON POINT” RADIO EPISODE ABOUT BOOMMATES

High housing costs are pushing more Americans to find roommates, including baby boomers and empty nesters. We take a look at the growing trend of intergenerational living and ask could ‘boommates’ help ease the housing crisis?

LEARN about HOMESHARE ORegon

Homeowners share their spare room. Renters have a truly affordable place to call home.

JOYFUL PLACES - WATCH TRAILER HERE

Joyful Places is a potential upcoming TV show series that follows former occupational therapists Gretchen Kingma (realtor) and Tiffany Dill (designer) as they find and renovate homes for people with disabilities and their families, a demographic set to explode as the Baby Boomer generation reaches old age.