StudioSIX5, one of the nation’s leading interior design firms in the senior living sector, is thrilled to announce the official signing of the contract for its 400th interior design project. The 400th project is Everleigh Short Pump, a senior living community under development in the affluent suburbs of Richmond, Virginia. The community will have a transitional feel, morphing traditional and contemporary designs into a fusion of understated elegance. The community will include trends StudioSIX5 pioneered, infusing years of expertise into an industry that desperately needed a facelift and distinct flair.
“We are proud of our ability to vary our approach and create designs unique to each market,” said Dean Maddalena, president of StudioSIX5. “We set the trend for creating interiors that break away from the standard mold of senior living communities. When we started in this space, we deliberately decided to pursue innovation and inspiration rather than sticking to a cookie-cutter approach. When we reimagine everyday furnishings, services and spaces, we seek to make them more exciting, functional and supportive to the residents and caregivers who view, enjoy and use them. We also take inspiration from the surrounding area’s culture to incorporate local flavor.”
“Located in the up and coming Short Pump Town Center, Everleigh Short Pump is in a prosperous part of town,” said Julie Roberts, design coordinator for StudioSIX5. “We decided to use nearby Richmond as our main city of influence due to the historic architecture and traditional style throughout. To tie everything together, our team pursued traditional elements reflective of Richmond with hints of contemporary flair to make the community relevant to today’s seniors. The area’s government vibe creates a very sophisticated ambiance that we will fuse into the community’s artwork and decorative accessories. We have worked on other Everleigh communities before, and they each align with our firm’s philosophy, as each community is tailored to its location, as well as to the company’s brand.”
Moving forward, StudioSIX5 believes the integration between senior housing and the surrounding communities will continue to bridge the needs and lifestyle expectations of seniors. The industry itself is evolving and looking outward for opportunities for engagement readily available outside of the campus, rather than bringing everything inward for residents only. No longer satisfied with being isolated on the outskirts of town, seniors want to live in the hubbub of a thriving city within close proximity to their family and friends. For example, the location of Everleigh Short Pump will give residents the option of utilizing the services of nearby retail and other businesses, in conjunction with on-site amenities.
“Our most recent projects integrate leading-edge technology, hospitality and multifamily trends, which help our senior living clients offer environments that enhance the residents’ overall experience,” said Maddalena. “Studies show that 10,000 people turn 70 every day, and they are healthier than seniors in previous generations. That said, seniors move into communities at a younger age, and look for a fresh, five-star experience. It should feel like a seamless and exciting transition.”
These ageless seniors appreciate variance in design as well, such as open and flexible commons spaces ideal for a variety of activities. In the apartments, seniors desire open and airy floorplans with lots of windows and natural light. The needs, desires and expectations of both seniors and the industry have and will continue to drastically change, and StudioSIX5 constantly evolves to accommodate these changes.
“In the last five years we have grown from a team of 16 to a team of 70 to meet the demands of our clients and the industry,” said Maddalena. “In response to growing needs and new trends, we have expanded into product design for furnishings, flooring and technology. We have extended our purchasing services to include lighting and flooring, which is saving our clients large sums of money. Our firm always adapts our services to meet the needs of our industry. Most importantly, our main goal is to continue to strengthen our customer service and quality design that leads the industry.”