Written By: Bethany Sciortino Director of Business Development
As the senior housing landscape evolves, the pressure on developers to deliver future-ready, financially viable communities has never been greater. At Forum Architecture & Interior Design, we work at the intersection of innovation, empathy, and strategy, bringing meaningful design solutions to the forefront of senior living development.
Ahead of FSLA Engage this month in Ft. Lauderdale, we’re sharing the top issues developers face today and how we’re helping solve them with purpose.
Designing for Two Generations at Once
The senior living conversation is no longer just about Baby Boomers. Gen X is on the horizon, with distinct lifestyle expectations: greater autonomy, tech-forward living, and wellness-driven environments. We’re designing spaces that flex like amenities, units, and programming that speak to independence, personalization, and connection. From refined 55+ communities to purposefully programmed memory care buildings, we consider generational nuance at every scale.
Watermark at Coral Gables
The Financing Squeeze & Market Volatility
The current capital stack for senior housing projects is complex, with more scrutiny on margins, ROI, and operational efficiency. Our team brings strategic foresight to the table: our designs carefully balance density without sacrificing livability, support operational workflows, and integrate beauty with buildability. The result? Thoughtful architecture that supports long-term viability and confidence from lenders.
The Pointe at Lakewood Ranch
AI Integration in the Design Process
Developers are increasingly looking for speed, data clarity, and ROI predictability. We’re embedding AI into our process to deliver all three. From earlystage massing studies to efficiency analyses and site testing, our AI-driven support tools empower smarter decisions, faster. For clients, this means fewer assumptions, fewer redesigns, and more control upfront.
Adaptive Reuse as a Rising Solution
As land availability tightens and municipalities grow more selective, adaptive reuse is emerging as a powerful answer. Senior housing fits uniquely well into these conversions -from former hotels to underutilized office buildings. Forum completed a standout conversion project that blends historic preservation with modern senior living needs, resulting in both community impact and economic efficiency. More info on this project will be shared on our socials soon.
Designing for Wellness, Not Just Care
Today’s seniors (and their families) are looking beyond care levels. They want design that encourages purpose, autonomy, and belonging. Our projects prioritize daylighting, nature integration, walkability, sensory design, and the small but critical touches that support cognitive health and joy in everyday life. Architecture and interiors work in lockstep to create spaces that feel like home and function like communities.
Above: Waverly Terrace
Left: Lulav Sqaure
What other considerations do we think make greater impact?
• Workforce Support: Efficient layouts and staffcentric design help mitigate operational burnout.
• Intergenerational Integration: Thoughtful proximity to schools, daycare, and walkable retail enriches resident life.
• Climate Resilience: Storm-hardened design and sustainability measures are increasingly nonnegotiable.
At Forum, we’re not just designing buildings, we’re helping developers and operators navigate today’s challenges with creative, cost-conscious, and futureminded design. Our decades of experience in senior living (Independent, Assisted, Memory Care, and 55+) and our integrated architecture and interiors process ensure consistency from concept to completion.
Want to have a more pointed discussion on your latest development?
Our Director of Business Development, Bethany Sciortino will be at FSLA Engage, July 23-25 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Interface Seniors Housing Southeast August 27 in Altanta, GA., Connect with her to share insights, and explore how we can help bring your next senior living project to life
Left: Providence at Pembroke Pines Middle: Hearthstone
Bottom: Overture at Hamlin
Please send questions, comments, or inquiries to bizdev@forumarchitecture.com 237 S. Westmonte Drive,
Founded in 1986, Forum Architecture and Interior Design has been a leader in the core markets we serve through collaboration, consistency, and creativity for over 38 years. 100% employee-owned, Forum is an ESOP - we are all committed to your success!
