Gregory Richardson has recently joined Quorum Architects, Inc. to assist in our pursuit of quality senior living facility design. Early in his career, Greg adopted a whole-minded, design/build approach to senior facility design. His years of experience designing and producing senior living projects has allowed him to apply these lessons learned to create the next generation of thoughtful design for these communities.
Having developed complex projects of various sizes, Greg’s experience encompasses Senior Apartments, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Alzheimer & Memory Care, Skilled Nursing Care, Therapy Facilities and Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
Greg is a team leader who works alongside all team members to provide a design anyone would be proud in which to live or work. His thoughtful designs help the resident feel safe and comfortable in their environment; while providing the owner with a fresh design in the most economical and pleasing fashion.
Our goal is to provide an outstanding facility that performs well for the owner as well as the residents.
Greg is a team leader who works alongside all team members to provide a design anyone would be proud in which to live or work. His thoughtful designs help the resident feel safe and comfortable in their environment; while providing the owner with a fresh design in the most economical and pleasing fashion.
Our goal is to provide an outstanding facility that performs well for the owner as well as the residents.
I have been asked by people outside of the field – “what is unique about senior living design?”. I have usually responded that it is a relatively new market accommodating the needs of a growing population of senior citizens. However after years of designing and years of thoughts and considerations I have come to a different understanding.
ReplyDeleteYears ago I worked on an art museum project where the senior architect described the building as a “warehouse for art”. Although technically accurate, this always troubled me as a young ambitious designer. As I toiled over each detail and worked hard to make the visitor’s experience special and inspiring I knew this was not a storage space but a place that gave the art purpose and allowed the art to contribute to society.
As I have now spent many years working on and designing senior living communities, I have come to a better understanding for senior design. Senior facilities of the past were more like warehouses. Providing a sterile and institutional environment where elders could be safe and cared for efficiently. New facilities must fulfill a much higher goal. A place that provides the resident safety, dignity and purpose is a must. The Eden Alternative states “Meaningless activities corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essential to human health”.
Designing a senior community must consider all of the factors that make the facility a home and provide meaning to its residents. Elements like family, spirituality, rehabilitation, personal growth, learning and entertainment must all be considered. It does not matter if I am designing a skilled nursing facility or a resort style senior complex the goals are the same. I want to provide a warm comfortable environment where opportunities to fulfill a purposeful life are increased and not diminished.
- Gregory Richardson
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