To face current and future challenges in senior living, the industry needs a robust and diverse workforce of industry professionals who are passionate and dedicated to driving new ideas and solutions.
So who better to ask how to attract that next generation of talent than the inaugural class of Environments for Aging’s Next Wave Awards.
Launched in 2025, this new awards program honors professionals with fewer than 10 years of experience who are already pushing boundaries and delivering innovative solutions.
Here’s what they had to say.
If we can change the stigma of senior living and really showcase the vibrant and truly unique communities we’re designing and building that would be a wonderful start. We as architects, designers, etc. are given this wonderful opportunity to enhance the lives of our most vulnerable populations through creating spaces that allow them to live out their last, and sometimes best, years as well as become part of a supportive community.—Morgan Pinch, project architect, associate, HKS (Dallas)
As the sector grows and more innovative projects are completed, I think it will naturally attract talent. There’s sometimes a perception that senior living isn’t as exciting as other design paths, but the reality is it offers incredible creative opportunities. Balancing resident needs, operational efficiency, budgets, and aesthetics requires some of the most thoughtful design opportunities. Showing how impactful the work can be—will help draw more professionals into the sector.—Joe Ijjas, senior associate, Soto Architecture & Urban Design (Washington, D.C.)
Continue to work on ways to change the misconceptions of senior living, including sharing more information and supporting interactions with schools, neighborhoods and communities.—Carolina Grandelle Steckley, design manager, Curated by Sunrise (McLean, Va.)
Collaboration is key. We need to step outside our own circles—attend food service trade shows, wellness events, and connect with colleges and universities to show students what senior living design is all about. Even platforms like podcasts can help spread the word and spark interest in this field.—Matthew Funk Barley, Interior designer, RLPS Architects (Lancaster, Pa.)
For more insights from the 2025 Next Wave honorees, check out their profiles in EFA’s fall issue or read here.
Anne DiNardo is editor-in-chief of Environments for Aging and can be reached at [email protected].
