…or how thoughtful design can help reposition your community!

Designed in 2006 as an independent living community, McDowell Village was entirely purpose-built against a list of objectives requested by the management company charged with its operation. 

When the building changed ownership in 2009, a portion of the community was licensed in order to offer its residents complete assisted living services and a vastly expanded set of programs was developed.

The new ownership touts a more progressive operating philosophy, and to that end, offers a wealth of activities and amenities that were not previously available.

In order to accommodate the new management’s operating vision and more robust set of offerings, several strategic design modifications were necessary.

• The existing dining room was repurposed to conform to “restaurant style dining,” replete with an up-scale host station, inviting wine display, and an increased seating capacity made possible by integrating comfortable booths and banquettes.

• The dining space historically evidenced acoustical anomalies, so the existing ceiling was lowered creating a more intimate atmosphere and eliminating unwanted ambient noise. The necessary acoustical modifications were accomplished through the use of colorful upholstered leather panels affixed to the main focal point wall. Sound absorption was radically increased, and the bold red and dark chocolate brown leather created a fresh and exciting visual experience for the diner.

• The existing pub was a resident favorite from the day the community opened in 2006; so much so, that attention was necessary in order to increase seating capacity by adding intimate table groupings and an ADA compliant lowered bar access. A real hit with the residents!

• Wellness and fitness are high priorities for the new ownership. Consequently, a new Dakim Brain Fitness Program was designed and implemented.
• The traditional resident library was completely remodeled to accommodate the computer stations that run the Dakim system and considerable effort was made to refit the existing back-of-office areas adding a fitness gym for residents to use with or without personal instruction and assistance.

• A new “Bus Stop” concept was implemented whereby comfortable and accessible bench seating was designed and installed to afford the resident an unobstructed space to wait for transportation to events, medical appointments, and personal outings.

• When market studies revealed that the residents were primarily interested in one bedroom apartments, but with significantly upgraded finishes, a newly designed kitchen featuring contemporary cabinets, glass and stone backsplash, granite countertops, upgraded pattern carpets, stainless steel appliances, upgraded lighting, and two-toned paint schemes were initiated. Additionally, the bathrooms were fitted with custom framed mirrors, adding high-end appeal. The new apartments proved so popular that additional apartments were converted to the new design to answer demand.

The entire design objective was to thoughtfully reposition the property in the marketplace and give expression to the new management’s operating philosophy while creating a fresh, resort style feel to the interior.

Four Crucial Reasons Your Community Needs Boomer-Appeal, NOW!

You’re undoubtedly aware that earlier this year Boomers began turning age 65 at a rate of about 10,000 per day, a pace that will continue for about 20 years. Many of them will eventually become residents of senior living communities. That equates to a long-term growth opportunity for organizations that strategically position themselves for the Boomers, now.

Alta Vista Senior Living-Multifunction Space. Interior Design by Thoma-Holec Design, LLC

Why now?

1) Boomers are the new decision-makers. Although Boomers themselves may not need a senior living community for possibly 10 to 20 years, they have parents that need senior living today. And, generally Boomers are now making the decision for their parents or, at minimum, they strongly influence the decision by pre-screening senior living community options for their loved ones.

2) You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. If Boomers are turned off or unimpressed by what they see, your organization is out because chances are your competitors have renovated, remodeled or built new communities that do measure up to their standards and do appeal to them.

3) Boomers like to share their experiences and opinions whether by voice, text, email, blog, or tweet. You’ll want them to speak positively about your organization so as to avoid negative publicity and to help fuel your organization’s growth.

4) Your community could lose two or more potential residents. If you lose the Boomers you’ll likely lose their parents, relatives, and anyone else to the senior living community they ultimately select and recommend to others.

It’s likely that even as you read this article there are Boomers scoping out your community ― online or in person. Will they be attracted by what they see? Does your community have a fresh, updated look and feel that Boomers will relate to and feel comfortable in or does it look frumpy, cold, or institutional? Does your community have the modern amenities and conveniences to which Boomers are accustom and improve quality of life? That, in a nutshell, is what Boomers are voraciously seeking for their parents and ultimately themselves.

Is your community lacking Boomer-appeal?
Thoma-Holec Design can help. We can quickly determine the best course of action suited to your budget and objectives. We are experienced in evaluating and assessing senior living communities and making recommendations to enhance Boomer-appeal and improve overall marketability.

Whether you engage us for a consultation, senior-appropriate furniture and flooring specifications, large or small renovation, repositioning, conversion, remodel or new construction project, your organization will benefit from our expertise and highly-specialized senior living interior design skills.

Contact Bonnie at 480.671.9307 or bonnie@thoma-holecdesign.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Thoma-Holec Design Advances from National to International Senior Living Interior Design Firm with New Canadian Client.

We are pleased to have recently begun work with a new Canadian client. Our initial projects are memory care design for existing communities in Red Deer and Calgary, Alberta.

Our advancement to International Senior Living Design is a testament to the outstanding reputation we’ve earned and our highly-specialized expertise. We are proud of the innovative work we’ve done to enhance the lives of so many seniors across America and look forward to expanding our reach to Canada and other countries.

Interior Design by Thoma-Holec Design, LLC

Alta Vista Senior Living Now Open!

Alta Vista Senior Living, a new 172,000 square-foot community is situated on a six-acre site in Prescott, Arizona opened in September. The community includes 88 units of independent living and 44 units of assisted living linked by a 14,000 square-foot recreation center.

Thoma-Holec Design designed the interiors. Tucson, Arizona-based STG Design was the architect and Retirement Community Specialist (RCS) based in Phoenix, Arizona is managing the community.

 

Alta Vista Senior Living-Independent Living Lobby. Interior Design by Thoma-Holec Design, LLC.

 

Your thoughtfulness in supporting and recommending Thoma-Holec Design enables us to continue doing what we do best ― enhance the lives of seniors. For this we are thankful.

Phoenix Magazine September 2011

 Our key accomplishment with the bistro is an area that offers an invigorating and stimulating environment, which is conducive to socialization and interaction with staff, residents and family. As with every project, we also followed specific senior design principles to ensure mobility, safety, and comfort for the residents as they age. Our design solution also incorporates materials designed for long-term durability and maintenance, which eliminate the need and expense of premature replacement.

The scope of the project was a complete remodel of Dayton Place’s Independent Living residence. Thoma-Holec Design was responsible for space planning, millwork design, architectural detailing, lighting design, finish selections, window treatment, furniture and artwork procurement, and installation.

Morningstar Senior Living Dayton Place

We sincerely thank MorningStar Senior Living for their business and continued confidence in our ability to provide leading-edge senior living design that improves the quality of life for seniors: our core value and passion!

Greoundbreaking of Tockwotton on the Waterfront

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI  - More than 100 people gathered on Waterfront Drive Friday morning, June 24, for a ground breaking ceremony at Tockwotton on the Waterfront.

The 137,754 square foot, five story structure is the first to be located south of Interstate 195 within the East Providence Waterfront District. The $52.3 million project will be spread across six acres near Bold Point Park.

The non-profit Tockwotton organization is more than 150 years old. It’s current facility on East Street in Providence, built in 1864, can be seen from the new site just across the water. Construction on the new facility is expected to be completed by Dec. 2012.

Once up and running, the new Tockwotton will provide each of its 156 residents their own apartment with a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, cable television and telephone service. Additionally, the new community will enable couples to remain together while receiving different levels and types of support.

According to a press release, the new facility’s design will incorporate a model where residents can maintain their life-long routines within small, autonomous “households.” It will also include an assisted living residence with expanded common areas and modern amenities, a transitional-support household to help those who aren’t in need of 24-hour security but need more care than assisted living and a memory-support household that will provide specialized care and therapeutic activities for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.

“With this new model, we’re trying to bring the meaning of ‘home’ back to the seniors in our care,” said Tockwotton Executive Director Kevin McKay.

“Our residents will have their own room, their own bathroom, and will have access to a kitchen to eat when they’re hungry. There won’t be long corridors or nursing stations, instead we’re creating households within the building to return a sense of intimacy to the care setting. As people age, we want them to maintain their dignity, privacy and independence. This new building will help us achieve that mission.”

Mr. McKay said the project also has economic upside. More than 600 temporary construction jobs are expected to be created along with 36 additional healthcare staff positions once the facility is open.

But this kind of project doesn’t happen overnight. Bringing Tockwotton from Providence to East Providence is a project more than seven years in the making.

Plans for the facility date back to 2004 with a financing deal struck earlier this month. Tockwotton secured $42 million through non-rated, tax-exempt bonds offered by the Rhode Island Health and Educational Building Corporation. The remaining $10.5 million will be raised from owner equity. Champlin Foundation has contributed to the effort, and a capital campaign is underway to close the gap. To date, $1.86 million has been raised towards a goal of $5 million.

Although Tockwotton is a non-profit organization, it has volunteered to make a payment in lieu of tax to the City of East Providence and will donate 1.7 acres of its waterfront land to the city, thereby extending public access to Narragansett Bay.

Among the several public officials who picked up ceremonial shovels at the ceremony’s conclusion was 103-year-old Tockwotton resident Evelyn Katzman.

Moved to New, Larger Design Studio

Thoma-Holec Design has moved into a new, larger 4,200 SF space in Mesa, Arizona. Our new, inspiring design studio/office and warehouse space positions Thoma-Holec Design for future growth in parallel with the accelerating need for senior living and it enables us to work more efficiently and manage the increasing number of projects and referrals that we steadily receive.We truly appreciate your referrals ― Thank you!

New Location:
Superstition Springs Professional Park
7255 East Hampton Ave, Suite 112
Mesa, AZ 85209

Promoted to Interior Designer

Jill C. St. Germain has been promoted from design assistant to interior designer. She recently graduated with highest honors from the Art Institute of Phoenix, in Phoenix, Arizona, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design. Jill has been with Thoma-Holec Design since 2007, when she began as an interior design intern.

In her new role, Jill is responsible for all facets of the design process including specification of finishes and furnishings, procurement, specification implementation, and project installation. Jill’s talent, skills and desire to enhance and enrich the lives of seniors will well serve our clients, their residents, and Thoma-Holec Design.

Jill has been active as a volunteer for St. Vincent DePaul, NEWH, Keep America Beautiful – Papago Park, Girl Scouts of America, and Habitat for Humanity. She is also a LEED GA candidate.

Newly Hired Interior Designer & Business Development Manager

Bonnie J. Lewis joined our team, in early May, as Interior Designer and Business Development Manager. She is responsible for developing new business, identifying new market opportunities, and interior design project work.

Prior to joining Thoma-Holec Design, Bonnie was an Interior Designer for Scottsdale-based Brix Home. For five years prior, she owned and operated Enhanced to Sell, LLC, an award-winning Valley-wide vacant home staging company in Arizona. Previously, Bonnie was Marketing Communications Manager for several Fortune 100 and 500 companies, including Rockwell Automation and ITT Industries, in addition to start-up companies, where her contributions led to business development and revenue growth. She has extensive experience in developing and executing successful strategic and tactical global marketing plans. Her unique background of marketing, sales, business development and interior design will be an asset to Thoma-Holec Design.

Bonnie holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing Communications from DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, and an Associate Degree in Interior Design from Scottsdale Community College, Scottsdale, Arizona. She is an Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and an Associate member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Bonnie has been active as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity/ASID with “green product” research and site builds.

Before opening Thoma-Holec Design, LLC in Gold Canyon, Arizona in 2006, interior designer LuAnn Thoma-Holec spent many years doing model home merchandising. “I helped sell a lot of homes, and made a lot of builders wealthy,” she reflects.

In 1996, working as vice-president of a large interior firm’s model home division, Thoma-Holec landed a a senior-care facility commission in Prescott, Arizona. “It was a high-end project, and the client was extremely knowledgeable,” says Thoma-Holec, who received her bachelor’s in interior design and museum arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The project was also her “aha” moment. “For the first time in my career, I felt like was actually helping to improve the quality of life for someone, especially in their last few years.” That seniorcare project led to three more, and to Thoma-Holec’s decision to go back to school to earn a graduate certificate in gerontology from Arizona State University, as well as to specialize in the senior market.

The transformed lobby includes bistro tables and a small bar, which facilitate conversation.

Walk into the lobby of Dayton Place, a senior living community in Denver, and you’ll see residents chatting over coffee and cookies, watching a game on a TV or checking e-mails on laptops. The lobby is sunny, bright, modern and cheerful, part of a recent property renovation led by interior designer LuAnn Thoma-Holec, whose Arizona-based Thoma-Holec Design specializes in senior-care design.

Dayton Place, a MorningStar Senior Living community, was originally built in the 1970s, and includes a three-story independent living building with one- and two-bedroom apartments and an assisted living unit. As part of a recent upgrading and expansion, MorningStar added a series of cottages, a recreation center and converted part of the assisted living building into a secure memory-care unit designed for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

“Dayton Place was a meticulously maintained property,” explains Thoma-Holec, who began working on the project’s various phases with her design team in 2008, “but it had never really been updated. It had that typical healthcare look–pink walls on one floor, pale blue on another, cranberry-colored carpeting in one area, forest green in another.”

Thoma-Holec was asked to reenergize most of the existing public spaces, to create a residential-style interior for the new recreation center, and to put together some model interiors for both the new cottages and the independent living building. The design had to appeal to the residents, whose average age is about 85, as well as to their adult children, who often make housing decisions for aging parents.

Wing chairs and deep colors give the library in the independent living building a warm ambiance.

One of the first projects Thoma-Holec and her team tackled was the remodeling of the independent living building’s lobby, the main entry point for the complex.

“I noticed that the original lobby was really large, and didn’t have a lot of furniture in it,” recalls Thoma-Holec. “The only time residents seemed to use the space was when they were waiting for transportation to take them somewhere. There wasn’t much conversation there.”

The design team decided to create an internet cafe theme for the lobby, making a destination space for residents to congregate and linger. Carpeting was replaced with practical wood-plank-style ceramic tile flooring, and a bar was built along one side of the lobby, where residents could have coffee or juice, chat or watch television. Several groupings of bistro-style tables and chairs, as well as armchairs placed closely together, also foster conversation. New lighting, paint, modern art, bold accessories and colorful fabrics add cheer to the space.

The bistro area in the new recreation building has enough seating to accommodate a party.

In the new memory-care unit, Thoma-Holec designed a comfortable gathering space where residents could come out of their rooms and enjoy a residential-style living and dining area. A traditional bookcase, fireplace and television provide a focal point for groupings of armchairs, while a nearby dining table doubles as a place where residents can work on cooking and crafts projects.

Thoma-Holec opted for a luxurious residential look for the new recreation building, detailing the living room space with leather and fabric sofas, a generous ottoman, custom bookcases and a tile-clad fireplace. The recreation building’s bistro area features juice and coffee machines, and enough barstools and dining chairs to allow a group to gather for a party around the granite countertops.

Designing models for the new cottages and the original independent-living apartments, Thoma-Holec veered away from trite, “grandma’s house” looks in favor of more sophisticated options, and varied styles from traditional/ transitional to downright contemporary. “You have to remember that these residents had some of their peak years from the 1950s to the 1970s,” says Thoma-Holec, “years when they worked, raised children and decorated their own homes. They can be quite comfortable with modern.”

The common area in the memory-care unit has a residential look and a table large enough for cooking projects.

During the design process, the Thoma-Holec team followed guidelines for senior design. While the look is residential, furnishings and materials were matched to users. Chairs are a certain size and height to facilitate ease of getting up and down, while arms are comfortable to prevent bruising. “We use a lot of fabrics with moisture-barrier and anti-microbial properties for the seating,”explains the designer, “especially in the assisted living building. We used it creatively to help with incontinence and medication issues.”

Flooring material and furnishings were placed to help with mobility. Contrasting colors were chosen to help with depth perception; vivid hues are easier for aging eyes to see. Thoma- Holec also used color cues on different floors for ease of wayfinding. “There was no overall color scheme for the project,” she says.

The project was completed in 2010, but Thoma- Holec admits there was a bit of wariness on the part of the residents when the renovation started. “Many of the residents liked what they had, and their feathers were a little ruffled when they found out things were going to change.” Once everything was in place, the response was overwhelmingly positive.

In the independent living building’s new library, a resident librarian made the room “hers” by rearranging Thoma-Holec’s artfully placed books into neat, alphabetized rows. “That’s what we want them to do,” the designer points out, “to feel like the place is their own.”

A model bedroom in the cottages offers a mix of modern and traditional elements.

Perhaps the best compliment on the new design came from other residents, who were a bit suspicious about the new lobby. “When we had the chairs in place,” Thoma-Holec recalls with a smile, “they came in and told us that the room felt like sunshine.”

This trade publication features articles of interest to architects, interior designers, landscape planners, developers and industry partners. Dayton Place Senior Living is located in Denver, CO and is managed by Morningstar Senior Living. To view or download the entire publication CLICK HERE.

Photo realistic images take away the uncertainties that clients or residents may have about a project.      A 3-D photo realistic rendering can be executed during the design process to depict an accurate view of what the interior or exterior of a project is going to look like. They also assist in resolving problems prior to making costly construction mistakes.

Alta Vista Senior Living is located in Prescott AZ. This community is currently under construction with a planned opening date of July 2011. Interior and exterior renderings were executed by Thoma-Holec Design primarily for marketing purposes. Because the renderings appear to be a photograph of the completed interior, the prospective residents can easily picture themselves in the space, understand the level of finishes and furnishings and ultimately are willing to make an early lease commitment.

Another option is to create 3-D animation, which appears like a video of the interior space, providing the illusion that you are walking through the interior space and visualizing all of the rooms complete with furnishings and appointments. Although more costly, the 360 degree animation provides an accurate depiction of completed rooms and buildings

A realistic interior or exterior rendering can be completed for remodels, repositioning, or new construction.

For additional information on Alta Vista in Prescott, AZ visit their website at http://avprc.com.  Retirement Community Specialists will be  managing and marketing the new independent and assisted living community.

Be certain to watch for our August newsletter and blog site  to see how the completed interiors compare to the photo-realistic renderings!

Dayton Place Lobby Before Remodel!

Remodeling or repositioning a community is always a challenge. Just the process is difficult, time consuming and often surprising. You may assume that the wall that you want removed is nonbearing, but then as the demolition begins, a support column is discovered. That electrical or plumbing should not be located there, but yet, it is. And then, you have to deal with the residents!

Anyone who has worked in the senior living industry knows that residents don’t like strangers coming into their home and messing things up. They like it the way it is, pink walls, cranberry carpet and all! Even though those chairs are not comfortable and Harriet can’t get out of it once she is seated, it is still her favorite chair.

Dayton Place, Denver CO is managed by Morningstar Senior Living. The independent living building had cranberry carpet and pink walls and had not been remodeled in over 20 years. Historically it’s occupancy hovered in the high 90’s, sometimes with a waiting list. But then the economy changed and as with most independent living communities the census was beginning to change.

Dayton Place Bistro After Remodel!

Our main objectives were to update the interiors for marketing purposes, and to create new activity areas for the residents. The lobby was oversized and decorated as a living room. Residents would sit in the living room/lobby and watch incoming and outgoing traffic, wait for the bus, with little conversation amongst each other.
The living room screamed for a new activity area that would provide a coffee area with refreshments, newspapers, magazines, WIFI and a TV. We barely had the chairs in place and residents began to mosey into the new space, find their new favorite chair and begin to converse. One resident summed it up: “It is so bright, and fresh, it feels like sunshine in here!”

Dayton Place Coffee Cafe' After Remodel!

So, even though remodels can be difficult, the joy of what we do is that when a remodel is finished, we are appreciated. Appreciated by the very residents who did not want us to make those changes!

Following is an excerpt of LuAnn’s contributions:

When approaching the design of TV and entertainment rooms, designer LuAnn Thoma-Holec recommends a different approach for each type of long-term care facility.

Memory care and skilled nursing communities will typically create a smaller living room atmosphere. These will include a large plasma TV located in a cabinet that can be closed when not in use. Sofas, lounge chairs, cocktail/ottomans and recliners offer a living room atmosphere and comfortable seating.

Assisted living communities can create a theater-type experience. However, the seating may not be fixed, but rather an upholstered “lounge”-type seating with a cup holder within one arm. Most of the AL communities consist of 80 residential units or more, with multiple common areas to accommodate additional activities.

Independent living communities should create a full theater experience, complete with surround sounds, large automated screens, fixed theater seating and refreshment center. Special features should be shown throughout the day or evening. Recent installations have incorporated a large plasma TV that remains in place when a movie is not in progress.

To read the full article entitled Room with a view, please download the .pdf.

Villa Hermosa Full Service Bistro

Alternative dining venues for long term care communities are one of the fastest growing amenities in new construction and existing communities today.

Often as people age, they eat less, which can lead to undernourishment and health concerns. Environments that encourage and contribute to eating well may reduce malnutrition in the elderly. Despite of a reduction in appetite, seniors may actually eat more when they are eating with others and when eating in an alternative dining venue. Creating gathering places as an alternative dining experience, where residents are encouraged to socialize, participate in community activities, and interact with other residents and family may encourage improved health. Designers involved with long term care communities should consider methods to make bistros a location to encourage gathering of residents.

The design of a well executed bistro will require extensive programming to determine what amenities will be included. The service provider, management team must determine if the bistro will be operated by staff members, volunteers, or self service. Will products be provided as a supplement to the existing meal plan, or as a point of sale item? What products will be provided? Coffee is a must, but do you also provide espresso and lattes? How about a wood fired grill for made to order pizza’s? Panini’s, homemade soup, special desserts, wine, sandwiches, salads, pastries and fresh baked cookies are all options to consider.

Stratford Scottsdale Memory Care Ice Cream Parlor

There are varying styles and themes of bistro’s depending upon the level of care in the community, regional influences etc. The simplest of bistro is a hospitality counter providing an area for residents to enjoy coffee, espresso, cookies, fresh fruit, and juices. These are typically included within the resident’s monthly fees. This self serve counter may be available on a 24/7 basis or at specific times throughout the day.

Some communities will provide a full service alternative dining experience with for sale merchandise. This full service counter will require a staff member or a volunteer resident to work the bistro. Items may be available made to order, and/or be located in a visible cooler. This more extensive bistro will require code compliance with the health department and possibly other state or local jurisdictions. Temperature controlled storage for specialty wine, tap beer, and special liquors may be offered for the independent residents.
Bistros should be an exciting, invigorating, destination location. Seating should be appealing and comfortable. Cleanliness is demanded, and aromas may be a valued part of the dining experience. Ensure adequate and flexible lighting for reading, games, TV viewing, and conversation.

La Siena Hospitality Counter

The best location for an active and utilized bistro is often directly near the main lobby area. Residents enjoy views to the outdoors that are active with visitors and staff interaction. This location also becomes the perfect marketing tool in demonstrating an active, healthy environment for prospective residents.

The best bistro designs are cozy, with an unpretentious atmosphere, with lots of room to people watch, read the newspaper, surf the net, watch TV or just have a conversation with your friends and neighbors. Features may include a designated or building wide wireless internet access, computer labs with interactive hardware to stimulate resident’s minds. High definition televisions complete with Wii, CD’s DVD’s and other “cyber stuff” will allow residents to bring their own laptop and surf the web while socializing.

Think of your favorite coffee shop experience and recreate the same atmosphere for the senior population. A variation of the bistro theme if designed and programmed correctly is suitable for every level of care including higher levels of care such as memory care and skilled nursing communities.

Manse on Marsh, San Luis Obispo CA

Every person involved in the senior living industry, whether it be a marketing director, caregiver or housekeeper, has to have a passion for the senior resident, or else their work is just like any other meaningless job.

The Assisted Living Federation of America’s (ALFA) supports the unique philosophy that distinguishes assisted living from other long term care options. The goal of assisted living is to both provide resident-centered care, and provide that care in a residential setting. The philosophy provides residents freedom of choice, independence, and the opportunity to live; aging with dignity, privacy and respect. In contrast to other long term care options, Assisted Living embraces quality of life as well as quality of care, and supports the resident’s decision to live and die in the place they call home.

http://www.alfa.org/alfa/ALFA_Core_Principles1.asp?SnID=1036163062

We don’t live in “facilities” we live in a home, in a community, in a neighborhood. I literally cringe when I hear the term “facility” used to describe where our seniors reside. Wikipedia’s definition of facility: A commercial or institutional building, such as a hotel, resort, school, office complex, sports arena, or convention center. Certainly not where I would like to live, how about you?
Our environment influences every aspect of our life from the moment that we are born. Many studies have been completed on how the interior environment affects our psychological, sociological and physical well being. An interior designer must take into consideration the individuality of various occupants of an environment; their likes, dislikes and personal histories. Understanding that a senior living community is comprised of residents from varying backgrounds and lifestyles; with similar and dissimilar health risks and health requirements are key to good design. How then, can an environment be designed to appeal to every resident? The reactive answer is that it can’t. But of course it can; if designed with the resident in mind.

Manse on Marsh, San Luis Obispo CA

Thoma-Holec Design is often asked to design a community with a specific theme: Tuscan, territorial, country, modern, etc. Typically this theme is established by a group of individuals who will never live in the community, but represent other interests: the builder, developer or management team. The theme may have been established from the demographics of the surrounding area assuming that the particular style would appeal to the residents. But, not all residents will have the same demographic, social economic status, education level, or life experience. Not all will be comfortable in the environment that their next door neighbor prefers. Each person is an individual with individual tastes and desires.

Design is always subjective, always moving, always changing. Themes come and go, styles change with the economy. Why then, would we expect our senior residents to be comfortable in an environment that is trendy today, or a color scheme that fits the climate in another region, or a theme that intrigues the developer?

As a designer I have the opportunity to tour a multitude of communities in all states and cities. Often I see a theme that has been established and that theme is contiguous throughout the community. The same carpet and style of furniture is carried throughout three floors of the building. Multiple lounges and common areas are available for the residents to enjoy and utilize, but all with the same color scheme, furniture style and finishes package. If a resident is uncomfortable with the theme or color scheme, there isn’t a location to enjoy other than their own apartment.

A creative and motivated interior designer will take the opportunity to vary the theme, change the colors, and invigorate the space with new themes and destination locations throughout the building. Creating a ladies lounge in appropriate colors, a masculine sports lounge with the favorite team memorabilia, a theater in a classic style, a bistro that is lively and socializing will require thought and research.

After all, it IS about the residents, isn’t it?