David Traut

David L. Traut is a master builder, craftsman, and nationally recognized Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) with over 30 years of experience designing and remodeling homes for people of all ages and abilities. As Owner and President of T-Square Company in Austin, Texas, David has seen firsthand how Universal Design transforms traditional houses into safe, welcoming, and adaptable homes for every generation.

David’s journey into accessibility began in the private sector and expanded through successful HUD and VA projects across Central Texas. His specialized training in Universal Design from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Centre for Universal Design Australia allows him to create solutions that blend safety, beauty, and long-term independence.

Before founding his company, David studied neurophysiology at the University of Texas at Austin, conducting NIH-funded research published in The Journal of Comparative Physiology. He brings the same scientific precision and curiosity to home design—pairing practical building knowledge with innovative solutions that truly improve lives.

He is the author of Age in Place at Home: Adapting the Home Environment for All Generations, a heartfelt and practical guide inspired by the needs of his clients. Through this book, David empowers homeowners, families, and professionals—builders, architects, caretakers, and designers—to embrace proactive design choices that make homes safer, more inclusive, and future-ready.

David’s insights have been featured in The Austin American Statesman (“Homes Trending Forward with Universal Design”) and Creating a Home for All Ages. He is also a frequent speaker for groups supporting MS, ALS, Parkinson’s, and senior living communities, as well as the author of a widely read blog on Aging in Place and Universal Design.

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When he’s not building or writing, David enjoys life in Dripping Springs, Texas, with his wife Kelly. Their home—designed and built by David—reflects his belief that a house should always fit its people. He spends his downtime in the garden, tending raised organic beds, or by his koi pond, where he finds peace, inspiration, and new ideas for helping families thrive in their forever homes.