By Design 40: Past. Present. Future. united visionary thinkers and practitioners to investigate the evolution and trajectory of senior living communities. This watershed gathering assembled industry pioneers to uncover how innovation, technology, and human-centered design are reshaping the landscape.
To commemorate the conference’s 40th anniversary, special guest Ron Crawford — the creator of By Design — shared how a profound project at Lakewood Manor ignited SFCS’ passion for serving older adults. What started out as an in-office event spent brainstorming with consultants and facility residents soon became an annual meeting of the minds where attendees were immersed in knowledge about the field and its end-users. This unwavering dedication to lifelong learning and innovation has flourished across all our projects, showcasing how thoughtful architecture can enhance dignity and quality of life for seniors while fostering meaningful connections between designers, operators, and the individuals they serve.
Keynote speaker Riaz Meghji kicked off the first session and delivered a powerful exploration of authentic human connection in senior living. Through poignant personal narratives, Meghji illustrated how empathetic curiosity, and meaningful conversations foster trust and fortify community bonds.
“Even though it's a scarce commodity, if we do not make time for connection, we will need to make time for misunderstandings,” said Meghji.
His presentation culminated in a profound discussion of supporting those experiencing loss and grief, emphasizing that in an industry focused on caring for others, the ability to forge genuine connections and "out-care the competition" through authentic interaction sets communities apart.
In the sessions following Meghji, attendees gained exclusive insights into the future of senior living through experiences such as:
By Design 40: Past. Present. Future. left attendees invigorated and equipped with strategies to immediately enhance their campuses while preparing for the next generation of progressive care solutions. As we reflect on past decades of expertise, research, and passionate advocacy that have shaped modern elder care, we eagerly anticipate continuing these vital conversations and driving meaningful change.
Stay tuned for in-depth articles exploring the transformative insights shared this year and mark your calendars for By Design 41 on February 3 - 5, 2026! We'd love to hear your conference highlights — share your experiences and join the conversation on our social channels. Together, we'll navigate the past, embrace the present, and shape a brighter future for senior living.
Our team is committed to providing quality service, meaningful connections, and thoughtful design. We believe the balance of these key elements has the power to encourage relationships and create exceptional environments where people – and projects – can flourish.
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