EFA Next Wave Winner: Morgan Pinch, Project architect, associate, HKS
Morgan Pinch started her career in hospitality and multifamily housing before seeking an opportunity for “something that provided more purpose and fulfillment,” she says. Five years ago, she found that answer in senior living design, where she’s dedicated her career to creating mission-driven environments that enrich the lives of residents.
Holding a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma, Pinch is a licensed architect and currently serves as a project architect at HKS Inc. (Dallas). Driven to create distinctive, experience-rich communities, she earned a leadership role on the Corso Druid Hills project in Atlanta, a $260-million, 543,000-square-foot community.
On this complex development, Pinch has led a large team of architects, designers, and engineers through significant challenges, including a lengthy historical review process and value engineering efforts that kept the project financially viable. Her integral role and leadership earned the client’s trust, who has insisted on her continued involvement throughout the project and for future phases.
Beyond her project work, Pinch is passionate about driving new research and innovation in senior living. She recently co-authored an article exploring how the built environment can mitigate caregiver burnout and is a strong proponent for incorporating Brain Health concepts into design projects.
To deepen empathy and understanding within her studio, she is revitalizing the “Sleepover Project,” an initiative where team members spend 24 hours living as a resident in a senior living community in hopes to discover incremental ways to better design for residents, guests, and staff alike.
She also actively contributes to the broader design community through her involvement with the American Institute of Architects Dallas Emerging Leadership Program and the Women in Architecture and Urban Design Committees. Additionally, she is part of the Associate Executive Committee and is part of the mentorship program within HKS, hoping to build the next wave of leadership within the organization.
Through her project leadership, commitment to research, and community involvement, Pinch aims to deliver environments that maximize seniors’ quality of life, ensuring that this sector continues to meet the evolving needs of residents and caregivers.
What drew you to a career in senior living design?
I have an extensive background in multifamily residential and luxury hospitality. And while I still enjoy both, I found myself yearning to pivot myself to something that provided more purpose and fulfillment. Enter senior living, which is a beautiful combination of it all.
What’s been your most rewarding project to date?
It’s the one I’m working on currently: an expansive aging-in-place community, Galerie Living’s Corso Druid Hills, on the outskirts of Atlanta. It has the potential to redefine what senior living is, providing an opportunity for its residents to stay active and curious while enjoying their last years with dignity. I’ve been calling it a luxury cruise ship but on land—it’s a phenomenal project and I look forward to its completion in 2028.
What has surprised you most about working in this industry?
I’m shocked at how the negative stigma of senior living is still lingering outside of the industry. The new communities and spaces that we as designers, developers, etc., have been working on for years are far from the early days of “nursing homes.” The seniors we’re designing for want their full, exciting life to continue but with a bit more support and community.
What’s a challenge you’d like to see the senior living industry address in 2026?
Caregiver burnout is top of mind. I’ve been actively involved in conversations regarding brain health and burnout within HKS. While nursing burnout has been the priority, especially after the extreme demands of the COVID pandemic, we’ve become acutely aware that caregiver burnout is as much of a pressing issue affecting operators, residents, and the like.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?
Take the opportunities as they come, even if it scares you. I’m proud of the career I’ve built thus far, but it was only because I embraced being uncomfortable, growing, and learning through baptism by fire.
What’s one word your colleagues would use to describe you?
Exuberant. I’m definitely one of the louder people in the office. But you can’t blame me for trying to lead my team with passion and a bit of humor when necessary, can you?
What’s an unexpected item on your desk?
Probably this round, olivewood serving board. I enjoy cooking and baking so when I have the time, I like to try out a new recipe and have my co-workers be the taste-testers. The serving board, in my opinion, just elevates the whole experience.
Outside the office we’ll likely find you …
Being a social butterfly with my friends either out and about or hosting them in my 1912 craftsman home.
What’s a must-have skill to succeed in senior living design?
Adaptability and flexibility. I realize those are two skills, but they go hand in hand.
Click here to read more about all of EFA’s 2025 Next Wave Award winners.
