When walking into a senior living community, the eyes are naturally drawn to the artwork, furniture and accessories. However, there is more to the design than meets the eye, and everything matters down to the smallest detail, even the carpet. Carpet selection is about more than just finding something aesthetically appealing; one must also consider the type, functionality, durability and cleanability. The current challenge designers are facing in senior living is being able to choose carpets that can be scaled for large or small spaces and coordinate in color. Established as innovators in the senior living sector, StudioSIX5 is teaming up with carpet manufacturers to create carpet lines that suit their client’s needs—carpets not only for senior living, but for hospitality, multifamily and student housing projects as well.

“Oftentimes, manufacturers don’t have different scales of carpet in coordinating patterns and colors, so our goal with each project is to develop a series of carpets that color coordinate with one another and can be scaled to fit any size space,” said Dean Maddalena, president of StudioSIX5. The styles of carpet we enjoy using are biophilic [meaning they mimic living things], and feature free-flowing designs or a distressed look. The colors we use depend on the project, but grays have been the predominant neutral, that is moving toward a warm beige-and-gray combination. We also usually include cool and warm saturated colors highlighted in the carpets.”

There are two styles of carpets: the traditional broadloom, which is a 12-foot-long roll, and carpet tiles that come in squares, rectangles or planks. Carpet tiles are ideal for senior living because they have a lower pile height, making it easier for seniors to walk or roll on and making the transition between carpet to LVT (luxury vinyl tile) seamless. It’s important to select carpet that has a superior backing for durability, as well as moisture barriers and solution-dyed nylon yarn systems that make the carpet easier to clean. StudioSIX5 recommends avoiding high-contrast colors when determining the flooring as well. The aging eye cannot quickly adjust from dark to light, and for those living with memory impairments, dark spaces can be perceived as a void.

“When you consider all the criteria of selecting quality carpet, it is helpful when our team works with manufacturers to create designs. We make sure the patterns and colors can be incorporated into traditional, transitional or contemporary environments around the country,” said Maddalena. “New technological advancements are impacting the carpet industry, and we are excited to use them in our future carpet lines. For example, traditional carpets are made by tufting and weaving the patterns. There are new printing capabilities, and now it is possible to create photorealistic carpet patterns on the floor. Even the technology for the tufting and weaving is advancing, giving designers new pattern and color opportunities. If we see a need in our industry that isn’t being met, we want to fill it. If you design for senior living, those designs can be applied to commercial properties and hospitality. However, you cannot design for health care and hospitality and expect it to work in senior living. That’s what is so great about our carpet lines—they can be marketed to these other spaces as well.”

Today, advancements in rendering technology make it increasingly harder to tell some 3-D renderings from actual photographs. As a leader in cutting-edge techniques, StudioSIX5 is taking the design of renderings to a new level through the use of virtual reality (VR). Using VR will allow the design team to navigate through 3-D environments when designing senior living communities. StudioSIX5 starts training this month and will soon use VR to enhance the design process for all their clients. As part of the training, StudioSIX5 will use VR as they design their office renovations.

“Using virtual reality with Revit and 3ds Max is going to give us several advantages,” said Chan Geltemeyer, architectural production designer at StudioSIX5. “Virtual reality will allow us to immerse ourselves in the commons areas, residences and other community spaces we design. We will have the capability to virtually move around the space to see and feel how things will work before creating them in real life. We will address small nuances, mark up models with proposed finishes and change aspects of design with ease.”

This design tool will assist the team in confronting previously unforeseen challenges, allowing them to make changes and stay on schedule. Eventually, StudioSIX5 plans to share VR experiences with clients to make the design review more immersive, particularly for clients who have a difficult time visualizing how a space will look and feel.

“Another unique feature of VR is the ability to adjust the viewpoint—for example, demonstrating the viewpoint from the height of someone sitting in a wheelchair,” said Geltemeyer. “The technology will help us take our designs one step above best practices for bar and counter heights by showing us views from different perspectives. We will engage with the space and amenities, as well as see the space from all angles and adjust the scale if needed. We are thrilled to incorporate VR into our design process, which will result in detail-oriented spaces catered to the people who will live and work in them every day.”    

Having gained a reputation for leading-edge design in senior living, StudioSIX5, a leading national interior design firm, is expanding its services with the launch of Shift Studio Design. The new brand relies on the team’s extensive design experience to offer high-end interior design and interior architecture services for multifamily, hospitality and student housing developments. Dean Maddalena, founder and president of StudioSIX5 and Shift Studio Design, is pleased to announce the launch.

“With a combined 90 years of experience in various industries, our team collaborates to design spaces that are forward-thinking, elegant and contemporary, that exceed the expectations of end users and clients alike,” said Maddalena.  “Having pushed the envelope in several ways for senior housing, our team is eager to draw upon their experience in other industries to set new benchmarks for developments in multifamily, hospitality and student housing. Our team will have new opportunities to use their creativity and infuse StudioSIX5’s commitment to excellence in each project. We are passionate about creating cutting-edge interiors that incorporate innovative, functional and arresting designs for our clients every step of the way.”

The name “Shift” was specifically chosen to convey the concept of motion and a sense of moving forward. The goal is to literally shift design norms and move concepts to the next level. The team has worked with clients from coast to coast providing customized interior design packages that pull inspiration from the area’s local flair and culture, targeted demographics and surrounding buildings. After aligning goals, desires and needs with each client, the team conducts research and gathers inspiration imagery, design ideas, materials and concepts that transcend into the client’s vision.

“We not only take a playful approach to what we do, we also deliver an astounding level of professionalism to complete and meet the goals of each project,” said Maddalena. “We have years of experience in several markets, and this acquired knowledge allows us to design with purpose and challenge the norm. We have long-term relationships with many of our clients because we are fun to work with, create excitement through designing unique interiors that stand out and ultimately produce environments that inspire. We pride ourselves on creating that special “wow” factor for each of our projects. This results in higher occupancy rates for housing and provides just the right ambiance for a memorable experience.”

Shift Studio Design’s goal is to bring fresh ideas to the table and create establishments, housing and communities that help people celebrate life. The company offers thorough and  comprehensive services, and an elevated design sense with a mixture of personality and professionalism. The new company already has three multifamily projects underway: Elan Addison Grove (Addison, Texas), Elan Preserve (Grapevine, Texas) and Elan Powers Ferry (Atlanta, Ga.).

“We have proven our ability to shift the perception of senior living, and now we are broadening our focus to include other industries and push the envelope of design in those respective spaces,” said Maddalena. “Our team is well-versed in all areas of design, including space planning, FF&E, finishes, specifications, procurement, expediting, and construction administration. We strive to give our clients extraordinary results that adhere to their project requirements and budgets and go beyond their expectations. We partner closely with our clients, offering our expertise to provide thoughtful design, smart solutions and superior quality to maximize growth. I am personally thrilled to see how we can help a new group of developers and consumers who deserve the best.”

As more providers shift toward incorporating hospitality-driven designs into senior living communities, it is critical to pay attention to more than just fabulous aesthetics. Spaces also need to be functional for the people who will live, visit or work there—even down to the tiniest and subtlest of details. At StudioSIX5, associate and furnishings design coordinator Melina Robles and designer Stephanie Biesenbach have a keen eye for incorporating senior standards into designs that are more reminiscent of a ritzy hotel or modern multifamily development. In one of their recent projects, The Arbor at BridgeMill, the client wished to include a “wow” factor in every aspect of the community’s design. From the grandiose lobby, the team brought each area to life by selecting elements with senior ergonomics in mind. In addition, these spaces do not look like the typical design details people would expect to find in a community for senior adults.

“We were excited to have the freedom to create an edgy and modern feel throughout The Arbor at BridgeMill,” said Biesenbach. “The overall ambiance and décor resemble a refined, rustic lodge or mountain retreat. Surrounded by an expanse of natural beauty filled with trees and streams, yet located close to Atlanta, we felt strongly about adding a contemporary flair. We used many natural tones, rustic tiles and rich woods, as well as custom carpets that are blue and curvy with natural elements to mimic a stream trickling through the forest. The owner wanted a grandiose entrance, which we enhanced with funky, unconventional furniture, playful artwork and an open space that spills into the bistro and living areas. The stunning entry resembles that of a five-star hotel. At every turn, people will find a combination of textures, contrasting colors and statement pieces resulting in a fun-yet-sophisticated vibe.”

The art package is equally fun, incorporating sculptural wall décor, abstracts, landscapes and long displays of acrylic pieces. In addition to art, StudioSIX5 curated a stunning collection of unique furniture and accessories.

“There are many considerations when choosing furniture that is suitable for seniors,” said Robles. “We look for very specific dimensions, test the firmness of the cushions, ensure the pieces have arms and are easy to clean. The goal is to help seniors feel supported in their everyday lives and allow them to get up or sit down without feeling like they need assistance. Regarding cleanability, the upholstery seat decks are easily removable for staff to clean up crumbs or spills with ease and keep the furniture looking its best. We also use fabrics treated with a moisture barrier to prevent stains.”

StudioSIX5 started this project three years ago and worked closely with the client to really determine how to make sure the design exceeded expectations. As a visionary in the industry, Dean Maddalena, president of StudioSIX5, encourages all design teams to push the envelope while abiding by senior living best practices. The team finds inspiration through travel, international interior design publications, five-star hotels, boutique hotels, local history fashion and flair, hospitality-driven establishments and even social media. For this project, the team drew on modern elements from Atlanta, natural influences in the surrounding landscape, and the history of a nearby mill that the town is particularly fond of, hence the name of the community: The Arbor at BridgeMill.

The Arbor at BridgeMill is approximately 260,000 square feet and features 177 units, which are a mixture of independent living, assisted living, memory care and duplexes. The companies that brought this community to fruition are: Choate Construction, WDG Architecture, The Arbor Company and Aspire Senior Living. The community opened in the last quarter of 2017.

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.”