Pi Architects

05/28/2026

"Growing up, you never imagine it could be you or someone you love who one day isn't as independent, needs more help, or faces limits you didn't see coming. I've been fortunate; most of my older relatives have maintained their mobility, independence, and sharp minds. My great-aunt Margie is a perfect example. Into her 90s, she lived alone, was able to drive for longer than anyone expected, and had a remarkable memory for names, dates, and stories. Eventually, however, Margie's health declined, and she needed more care than our family could provide. The first nursing home she was placed in felt more like a hospital ward than a place to live. It wasn't an environment that supported healing or lifted morale. Thankfully, her daughter was able to move her to a different home. The building itself wasn't the most modern, but the difference was immediate. Staff were friendly and attentive, colorful artwork lined the halls, and real efforts were made to engage residents. It felt warm, safe, and dignified; not cold or impersonal. Margie was a unique individual with needs, preferences, a personality, and a history, not just a room number or a chart.

"Seeing the impact of environmental and care quality up close opened my eyes to the real needs of both residents and staff and to how important it is to design and deliver services with them in mind. This work matters. If we can brighten even one resident's day or make one caregiver's shift a little easier, it's worth it."
-Kristen Kaiser, Pi Architects - Interior Designer

05/27/2026

To celebrate Older Americans Month, Pi asked our team about those older individuals who have inspired them in their lives and careers:

"A few years ago, I took my son, Max, to visit residents at a nursing home. At first, he was shy and unsure, but it didn’t take long for homemade cookies and cold milk to make him welcome.

As he and the residents sat together over their snack, Max discovered that the men around him were heroes. One was a former Texas Longhorns field goal kicker who told him about making a game-winning kick against the Oklahoma Sooners. As a devoted Longhorn fan, Max was fascinated. Another had fought in the Battle of the Bulge and described the winter conditions of the Ardennes Forest. A third had served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II and shared stories of distant oceans and tropical islands.

That morning, Max learned lessons more valuable than those taught in a classroom. Each person has a unique story. Many, if not all, are heroes who have lived, loved, sacrificed, and worked for something greater than themselves. All we have to do is slow down and take the time to listen."

– Mark Warrick, Pi Architects, Vice President

05/25/2026

Honoring Heroes on Memorial Day

Memorial Day was established to honor and remember U.S. military personnel who lost their lives in their service to the country. Originally called Decoration, the first official national observance was on May 30, 1868. Many senior living communities are home to men and women who have served in the armed forces. There are several steps they can take to honor them this Memorial Day:

* Work with a local school/university to hold a Memorial Day band concert. Acknowledge veterans at the beginning and invite them to stand and be recognized.
* Create a ‘Wall of Heroes” and invite residents to post photos, quotes, and/or stories commemorating veterans among their family and friends or sharing their own stories.
* Work with a local bookstore to hold a pop-up book sale featuring books and videos with military themes or authored/produced by veterans.
* Hold a lecture series with local authors or educators about military issues. Invite veterans in the community to participate.
* Share a list of local Memorial Day events and celebrations, highlighting community activities such as picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.
* Organize a Memorial Day weekend discount program for veterans and local residents at participating businesses and stores.
* Take advantage of free or low-cost resources—such as articles, videos, and educational programs—for social media content, community activities, and newsletters. A great resource is The National WWII Museum.
* Host a Memorial Day art show featuring artwork created by veterans and community members, including patriotic-themed pieces.

05/22/2026

To celebrate Older Americans Month, Pi asked our team about those older individuals who have inspired them in their lives and careers:

“There is much to admire and respect about my Lǎo Lao, which is Mandarin for maternal grandmother. However, there are three things I admire most about her that continue to inspire me. Number one is her focused determination; no obstacle has ever been too big for her to tackle. For any problem, she'd be the first to provide a solution! Second is her resilient drive. She moves with lightning-fast purpose; when she is on a mission, there is no stopping her. Finally, her compassion is endless. She always has enough kindness and willingness to help anyone in her community -- from making fried rice for her neighbors to cleaning and caring for the streets near her. She’s always moving, always doing, and always helping others!”
--Wei Sun, Pi Architects

05/22/2026

🍔 Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer. Enjoy and celebrate the start of picnic season with a little history of hamburgers. Read below about creative and engaging activities to help senior living communities make the most of this now-famous sandwich of summer! (traditional or plant-based!) 😎

www.piarch.com/blog/2026/summerpicnicfavoritetherichheritageofthehamburger-bm86h

05/21/2026

To celebrate Older Americans Month, Pi asked our team about those older individuals who have inspired them in their lives and careers:

“While managing apartments in Gainesville during college, I met a resident who had no family nearby and lived a very isolated life. Her closest companions were her pet birds and a few renters around her age in the complex. I made a point to check on her daily, whether she stopped by the office or I visited her apartment. Although she was surrounded by the energy and activity of college students, there were no intentional social spaces or organized activities that fostered connection or meaningful engagement.

My experience with her strengthened my passion for creating intergenerational spaces that cultivate connection, safety, and a sense of belonging. I am driven to design environments that encourage lifelong learning, shared experiences, and meaningful interaction, where younger people can learn from the wisdom and perspective of older adults, and older generations can be energized by the creativity and curiosity of the younger generations.”

--Darren Azdell, Pi Architects - Regional Director, Principal Architect

05/20/2026

To celebrate Older Americans Month, Pi asked our team about those older individuals who have inspired them in their lives and careers:

“I attended a church located near an assisted living community with about 40 residents. Once a month, members of our church visit to host birthday celebrations for the residents, complete with cake, singing, and party hats. Seeing the joy and sense of connection these gatherings brought to the residents, many of whom rarely had visitors or nearby families. That experience left a lasting impression on me.

That inspired my passion for designing spaces that foster celebration, connection, and community. I strive to create environments that are more than places for seniors to live; I want to design spaces that truly feel like home, places where residents feel valued, engaged, and able to thrive rather than simply exist.”

--William Cook, Pi Architects - Urban Designer

05/19/2026

Happy Older Americans Month! First established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the observance was to honor the growing population of Americans aged 65 and older and to address their specific needs. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining independence, wellness, and social connections. At Pi, we celebrate older adults by promoting wellness and longevity.
Read more below ⬇️

The idea that “age is just a number” is certainly true for many people who have blossomed, achieved greatness, found fame, or reinvented themselves later in life . This Older Americans Month, we would like to highlight a few of our favorites: Colonel Harland Sanders was modestly successful as a

05/14/2026

During the LeadingAge Texas session “Know Before You Grow”, Greg Hunteman of Pi Architects presented pertinent information on how consumer preferences should shape a community's design decisions. Which brings me to our master planning process: an eight-step roadmap to your community's success that considers residents' needs and wants before expansion. We would be excited to help with your community’s future growth.

05/13/2026

It's time! Greg Hunteman, Mark Warrick, and Jamie Shepard will be at LeadingAge Texas looking to make new connections, see some familiar faces, and spark meaningful conversations. We'd love to see you there!