Youth and wisdom converge at EFA

Senior living designers and architects are an engaging bunch—at least the ones I’ve met at Long-Term Living’s Environments for Aging conference. At educational sessions and networking events, they freely and critically weigh in on the subject they’re most passionate about: creating environments for seniors that engage, stimulate, and support, while providing choice and control.

That engagement and passion hit home at the AIA/SAGE Student Design Competition review. A standing room only crowd of seasoned design professionals celebrated novice designers whose student projects were viewed with admiration for their forward-thinking concepts that break free of old institutional models. It was uplifting to witness these veterans embrace the first-place work of Brianna Luce and Devin Graham, students at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, California. Their project exhibited inspired and thoughtful resident-centered design. It was work of a confidence and maturity far beyond their years.

Congratulations to the winners and honorable mentions. You’ve got bright futures ahead of you—and a built-in fan base as evidenced by the establishment’s warm welcome.

Patricia Sheehan

Patricia Sheehan was Editor in Chief of I Advance Senior Care / Long Term Living from 2010-2013. She is now manager, communications at Nestlé USA.