To paint a picture of the senior living design landscape in 2026, Environments for Aging magazine invited industry leaders to share their thoughts and insights for the new year.
Respondents shared a range of ideas—from the rising costs of capital, construction, labor, and consumables and addressing the underserved middle- and affordable markets to rethinking intergenerational design approaches and expanding amenity spaces—as well as the top opportunities and challenges on their radars
This year’s industry predictions include senior living organization executives and architecture and design experts. We’ve gathered their insights together in one place, so take a look—and tell us what you think will happen in 2026.
2026 Senior Living Design Insights
• Vassar Byrd, chief executive officer, The Kendal Corporation
• Steve Lindsey, chief executive officer, Garden Spot Communities
• Alicia Nicolay, director of design at Spellman Brady & Co.
• Robert Simonetti, senior living studio leader, LaBella Associates
• Grant Warner, senior living practice leader, associate partner, BKV Group
Anne DiNardo is editor-in-chief of Environments for Aging and can be reached at [email protected].









