Business Details
20 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design for Senior Centers
Lifespan Design Studio is a specialized architectural firm dedicated to creating universally accessible, aging-friendly environments that enhance usability for people of all ages and abilities. Founded in 2006 by architect Doug Gallow and gerontologist Ellen Gallow, our practice combines decades of expertise in senior center design with a deep understanding of human-centered design principles. With over 120 senior center projects completed across 31 states, we bring unparalleled industry knowledge to every engagement, prioritizing universal design solutions that go beyond ADA compliance. Our services span architectural design, facility assessments, site evaluations, and educational workshops, supporting clients in both public and private sectors.We collaborate with local professionals nationwide while maintaining direct client relationships, ensuring our specialized expertise benefits projects of all scales. Our teams commitment to advancing senior-friendly design is demonstrated through active participation in national conferences, professional organizations, and ongoing education initiatives. We believe architecture should empower rather than limit, creating spaces that adapt to evolving human needs throughout lifes journey.
Services
Senior Community Center Design
Architectural Consultation
Facility Assessments
Universal Design Solutions
Workshops & Seminars
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We have completed 120+ senior center projects across 31 states
- Our team includes a certified architect with specialized aging program education
- We provide nationwide consultation while partnering with local professionals
- We offer facility assessments and design solutions beyond ADA compliance
- We conduct educational workshops at national aging and design conferences
Services
Senior Community Center Design
We specialize in designing senior community centers that accommodate diverse age groups and abilities. Our approach combines functional accessibility with aesthetic appeal, creating spaces that foster social engagement and wellness. Our nationwide experience ensures designs that meet both local needs and universal standards.
Architectural Consultation
Our consultation services guide clients through all project phases from initial planning to construction. We offer expert advice on space utilization, programming, and aging-friendly design principles. Our specialists collaborate with local architects to ensure optimal outcomes for senior-focused facilities.
Facility Assessments
We conduct comprehensive evaluations of existing facilities to identify accessibility improvements and functional upgrades. Our assessments include space utilization studies and renovation recommendations that enhance usability for all age groups while maintaining operational efficiency.
Universal Design Solutions
Our universal design approach creates environments accessible to people with varying abilities and life stages. We implement solutions that exceed ADA requirements, focusing on intuitive navigation, adaptable spaces, and barrier-free access in both new constructions and renovations.
Workshops & Seminars
We provide educational sessions on aging-friendly design for professionals and consumers. Our workshops cover senior center planning, universal design principles, and accessibility best practices through presentations at national conferences and specialized training programs.
People
Doug Gallow
Architect & Founder
Doug Gallow, FAIA, founded Lifespan Design Studio after completing Johns Hopkins' Certificate on Aging program. With over 120 senior center projects nationwide, he specializes in aging-friendly architecture and universal design principles.
Questions
What is universal design in architecture?
Universal design creates accessible environments that accommodate people of all ages and abilities without requiring special adaptations.
Do you work with local architects on projects?
Yes, we collaborate with local professionals nationwide while providing specialized senior design expertise for optimal project outcomes.
What types of facilities do you design?
We specialize in senior community centers, adult day care facilities, senior housing, and commercial spaces with aging-friendly design.
How do you handle out-of-state projects?
We use effective long-distance methods developed through nationwide experience while maintaining direct client communication throughout the process.
Do you provide facility assessment services?
Yes, we conduct comprehensive evaluations including space utilization studies and accessibility improvements for existing senior facilities.
