Alicia Nicolay, director of design at Spellman Brady & Co. (St. Louis)
Alicia Nicolay (Headshot: TK)
Editor’s Note: This article is part of Environments for Aging’s Industry Predictions series. Throughout January, EFA will share perspectives from respected industry voices on where the sector may head in 2026 and what challenges and opportunities are on their radar.
Headshot: Elizabeth Wiseman Photography
Environments for Aging’s 2026 Senior Living Design Predictions series wraps up with Alicia Nicolay, director of design at Spellman Brady & Co. (St. Louis).
Here, Nicolay discusses some of the opportunities and challenges she sees for 2026, including addressing the critical need for senior housing in the middle and low-income market segments and collaborating with operations teams to develop engaging multiuse spaces.
Environments for Aging: What lessons did the industry learn from 2025’s challenges?
Alicia Nicolay: I think we all thought 2025 would be the year that projects would shake loose and we would become busier than ever. Although work was steady, I don’t think it met what we all expected.
The need for housing still exists now more than ever. I think we all learned how to roll with the changes and unmet expectations—renovations instead of new construction, clever funding sources, and timeline adjustments to address supply chain issues.
EFA: Where do you think the senior living industry will head in 2026?
Nicolay: I’m very hopeful that 2026 will be the year for projects to come to fruition. We can finally start addressing the critical need for senior housing in the middle and low-income market segments—a demand that has been underserved for too long.
EFA: What do you see as the biggest opportunity for change in the new year?
Nicolay: The need for senior housing remains extremely prevalent and is becoming increasingly critical. We must focus on our middle- to low-income seniors and provide them with a level of care that is just as impactful and dignified as what higher-income residents receive.
EFA: What emerging trends or opportunities are you most excited about?
Nicolay: I’ve always been excited about multiuse spaces. I think collaborating with operations teams to creatively utilize spaces throughout the day—and even developing trending activities for residents—is ideal.
The continued addition of fun and entertaining amenities is so exciting, from pickleball courts to golf simulators, and even duckpin bowling!
Anne DiNardo is editor-in-chief of Environments for Aging and can be reached at [email protected].
