Ageless Living: A Conversation Around Design for Senior Living Typologies
Senior living and assisted living were hit hard by the pandemic, but now that the proverbial dust has settled, do what interior designers need to consider when designing and specifying for this market? In this episode of I Hear Design, guests Allison Wolfe and Phoebe Stein offer some valuable insights on the trends and typologies that are influencing the design of senior and assisted living environments as well as the challenges designers can expect when planning for this important segment. They will also be part of an in-person panel discussion on Sept. 14th in Atlanta at Shaw Contract's showroom, as the official kickoff to an ongoing in-person series going into 2023 that you don’t want to miss.
Meet our guests:
Phoebe Stein, president, OLIVE Presents/Ageless Living Collaborative
Early on in her career, she spearheaded the introduction of cellular technology for U.S. West Cellular in Arizona, and later was tapped to launch flat screen technology for SONY. Her entry into hospitality design industry, with the now iconic brand Crypton, led her to launch and build brand awareness for countless others in the industry. Phoebe has built brands, communities and industries, in multiple market segments.
Her crisis management work in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, earned her a PRSA Silver Anvil Commendation award.
Prior to re-launching Phoebe Stein Public Relations, now OLIVE PRESENTS, Inc., in Chicago, she served as in-house, counsel at the Leo Burnett Company and managed national accounts for global public relations firm, Golin Harris.
During the past 15 years, she has worked to develop and evolve the connectivity of the senior living design segment by aligning designers, manufacturers and suppliers in meaningful industry initiatives.
Her passion for design and identifying best outcomes for seniors led her, with David Ashen, to co-found the Ageless Living Collaborative, a 501c3, which provides industry information to a broad range of providers, suppliers, designers and owners, as well as consumers, offering solutions to challenges faced today in senior living.
Today, her primary role is that of business strategist, connector and communicator, fixer and out-of-the-box thinker.
She and her family reside in Chicago.
Allison Wolff, director of marketing, Senior Living & Healthcare, Shaw Contract
About the Author
Robert NieminenRobert Nieminen
Market Content Director
Market Content Director, American School & University, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Market Content Director of four leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: American School & University, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.
He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.
Robert's work has earned him industry-wide recognition throughout his career, including:
- ASBPE Award (2019, 2018, 2017, 2015)—Best Regularly-Contributed Column; retrofit
- TABPI Award (2017, 2016)—Top 25 Entries, Cover Story; Retail Environments
- WPA Maggie Award (2011, 2010, 2008)—Best Publication, Trade; interiors+sources
- FOLIO: Eddie Gold Award (2022, 2007)—Best Feature Article & Special Section; interiors+sources
- Contributing author of ASID’s 2020 Outlook and State of Interior Design report, as well as The State of the Interior Design Profession (Fairchild Books, 2010), which earned a place on the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers’ “50 Must Read, Must Have” book list.