The world of senior living has been deeply affected by the COVID-19 crisis, as communities across the country respond to the spread by enforcing numerous requirements to support social distancing and keep residents safe. In this keynote panel, four senior living owners and designers will discuss how this new reality will shape the future of design going forward. They’ll share how their organizations have responded to the pandemic, as well as best practices to consider as the industry begins to ease its restrictions and reopen. Looking forward, the group will discuss the new realities tied to space planning, care models, and product and technology specification in a post-pandemic world.

Moderator: Jennifer Kovacs Silvis, editor-in-chief, Environments for Aging

Speakers: 

Vassar Byrd, CEO, Rose Villa Senior Living
Vassar Byrd has been creating unique partnerships in the senior living landscape for over 15 years. With the financial rigor of a master’s in Economics from the London School of Economics (and a first career as an economist and business consultant) as a foundation, she has reinterpreted and redefined what living in community can mean as we age. Building on the work she began with a master’s in Gerontology from Naropa University (Boulder, Colo.), her focus has been on providing powerful environments fostering personal autonomy, creativity, and profound respect. Her broad base of experience helped her to finance and build a 2014 $60 million redevelopment of Rose Villa, with a $27 million second phase completed in 2019 (a $70 million third phase is on the way!). Rose Villa first won national recognition for its dramatic turnaround and rebranding, as well as its vision of pocket neighborhoods. More recently, Rose Villa has been the first senior living community on the west coast to build net zero energy homes, in its Oaks neighborhood.

Andy Coelho, senior vice president, facilities, design, and development, Sunrise Senior Living
Andy Coelho has been with Sunrise Senior Living since 2004. His primary responsibilities include overseeing the design and construction of new communities under development as well as overseeing the Design and Facilities team, to help make sure existing buildings are safe, comfortable, and best equipped to support Sunrise’s care and programming. Prior to Sunrise, he worked with the architecture firm BeeryRio, which designed the Sunrise mansion prototype. This inspired him to want to see the design process through, from beginning to end, to make a better environment for residents, families, team members, and owners. He is committed to providing the very best atmosphere for the community teams to care for residents and focused on ensuring that the buildings look and feel residential, while simultaneously meeting complex code and life-safety requirements. He earned a BA in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis and a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin.

Eric McRoberts, AIA, partner, RLPS Architects
A graduate of Temple University, Philadelphia, Eric McRoberts has spent his entire career designing senior living spaces that are both residential and have strong connections to the outdoors. He understands the positive impact that thoughtful design can have on quality of life and wellness. Central to his work has been the creation of innovative solutions within a highly regulated building environment. He has served as a speaker and panel member at state, national, and international conferences. He currently serves as a juror for the Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments (SAGE), as an EFA Editorial Advisory Board member, and past chairperson and current member of the American Institute of Architects, Design for Aging Knowledge Community.

Jill Schroeder, CID, senior planner/senior interior designer, Pope Architects
Jill Schroeder is a leader in her firm’s senior living practice. Her established and varied experience in all aspects of the design process complements Pope Architects’ commitment to provide the best in senior housing and healthcare interiors. With over 26 years in the field, she is committed to pushing for innovative approaches to design while optimizing function with the best interest of each resident at heart. A special interest in memory support spaces continues to motivate her in thinking outside the box to serve the sensitive needs of these individuals. She has presented her expertise at EFA Expo and LeadingAge, and she serves on the FGI revision team as they explore and create edits to be issued in the next FGI publication.

LIVE AIR DATE: MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2020, 12-1pm EST