Overall design & development

At Senior by Design, our approach to design and development is intentionally hands-on, research-driven, and deeply rooted in understanding the people who will ultimately call each community home. We work across both senior living and multifamily projects, and every engagement, whether a new build, repositioning, or renovation, begins with an on-site visit. We take the time to understand the location, the surrounding market, and the end user. We study the neighborhood, visit local businesses, observe how people live, and evaluate the competitive landscape to ensure each design feels authentic, aspirational, and enduring. Our goal is always to create spaces that feel welcoming and familiar, while still standing apart in the market.

We place tremendous value on front-end research and planning, knowing that the strongest designs are built on thoughtful groundwork. Having spent years working closely with an owner-operator, we bring a unique operational perspective to our senior living work, while applying that same operational sensitivity to multifamily communities. During schematic design, we actively collaborate with ownership and project teams to help shape layouts that support staffing efficiencies, resident flow, and day-to-day operations, all while maintaining a hospitality-forward, elevated aesthetic. This is a phase we truly enjoy, as it allows us to blend creativity with real-world functionality.

As projects move into Design Development, SBD works collaboratively in the Revit cloud alongside architectural partners, producing detailed drawings, elevations, and documentation that construction teams can confidently build from. Precision matters to us. Clear documentation leads to fewer surprises, smoother construction, and better outcomes for everyone involved. Throughout this phase, we remain highly focused on budgets, working diligently to align design intent with financial realities. Our goal is always to come in at, or under budget while protecting the integrity of the design.

Because we understand the financial pressures faced by both operators and developers, we prioritize transparent budgeting and proactive cost management across every design element, from flooring and decorative lighting to finishes and furnishings. Our experience designing and installing more than 400 senior living communities, along with a growing portfolio of multifamily projects, allows us to guide clients toward smart, informed decisions that balance longevity, aesthetics, and operational efficiency.

For clients seeking an even more elevated and bespoke experience, SBD also offers Curation Lt, our high-end design brand focused on fully custom, curated interiors. Curation Ltd is ideal for communities that desire a more exclusive design language, highly tailored materials, and one-of-a-kind furnishings, while still benefiting from SBD’s deep operational knowledge and proven delivery process. Across every brand and project type, SBD supports projects through all phases of development, continuing into Contract Administration to stay engaged and responsive from concept through completion.