2020 EFA Design Champions: Pushing Ahead

EFA’s annual awards program recognizes the industry professionals who are taking senior living design to the next level.

Published: July 15, 2020By Anne DiNardo, Executive Editor

An architect who delivered a prototype design as a flexible solution to help a client expand nationally, an interior designer spreading the importance of lighting in the built environment to impact seniors’ health and well-being, and a CEO who is pushing his community to be a leader in sustainability and wellness. These are the individuals driving change in the senior living industry—and who have been named winners of Environments for Aging’s 2020 Design Champions award.

In its third year, EFA’s annual awards program recognizes those individuals going above and beyond to push the industry’s evolution. The online nomination process began in late winter and concluded this spring. The editors reviewed submissions of architects, owners/operators, interior designers, and more who are serving the industry and introducing fresh and innovative ideas to help further the evolution of senior living environments. Specifically, we were looking for individuals who contributed to advancing the industry over the past two years and whose ideas are improving the lives of residents, families, and staff.

This year’s three honorees stood out for going beyond the accepted norms to drive new conversations, new strategies, and new design solutions. And that’s not all. Equally impressive are their visions for the future, where buildings and communities are more resilient to change, become hubs for connection and services, and embrace healthier building strategies.

Here, you’ll find profiles and a Q+A with each of these three professionals, highlighting their recent work as well as their goals going forward. We’ll also celebrate them during EFA’s annual awards luncheon taking place at the 2021 Environments for Aging Expo & Conference in Chattanooga, Tenn.