I was pleased to see such an emphatic recognition of the value of good design and aesthetics, both spiritually and in terms of marketability. Too often “good design” and “aesthetics” imply “expensive” and the province of “high end” markets.

As the founder of a firm that specializes in designing and managing the construction of retirement communities, I have always been troubled by the notion that good design is a luxury. Nothing could be further from the truth. Beauty and aesthetics are a natural byproduct of good design. Given the same functional requirements and identical resources, the best designer will produce the best product.

Popular television programs such as Project Runway demonstrate this phenomenon in front of our eyes in real time. Beautiful, engaging apparel is created from seat belts, recycled paper, themed from artwork, or made from repurposed denim clothing. Amazing results are born from seemingly impossible challenges. Good design does not require the finest Corinthian leather or 24 carat gold to be legitimate or sublimely functional. Luxury can be derived from anything that functions well, is appealing to the eye, and evokes positive emotions.

Designing environments that transition to the changing needs of people as they age in place requires high levels of creativity, skill and experience. The physical elements that support independence at every level of need can, if properly conceived, blend in seamlessly, beautifully, and at reasonable cost.

The Power of Observation

Observation and the ability to become the user in your mind are the prerequisites for this challenge. As designers, we can learn something new every day, just by watching the end user.

Recently, my 87-year-old father’s health took a turn for the worse. He went from totally independent and mobile to unstable and frail. He currently depends heavily on a walker, even to get around his own apartment at Charlestown Retirement Community (a Continuing Care Retirement Community, CCRC, that my team helped develop). While his apartment was the best, in fact, cutting-edge when we designed it, seeing my Dad in action continues to open my eyes.

The team at KGRW and Associates helped convert a former seminary into one of the nation's largest CCRCs.

The article's author, Kevin Glover (red vest) with his Dad and some of his family.

Our team, KGRW & Associates, continues to refine our design and construction management techniques through the simple acts of watching and listening. Engaging our customers throughout their experience of aging in place remains the most humbling and important part of the process.