Tailoring Multifamily to Senior Residents

Manny Gonzalez: “We need to continue to evolve and allow homes to meet the resident’s changing needs.”

LOS ANGELES—KTGY Architecture and Planning principal Manny Gonzalez has been appointed to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, one of the highest honors at the AIA. Gonzalez is known for his work in designing 55+ housing and has spearheaded a path toward research-influenced design. In light of his the honor, we sat down with Gonzalez for an exclusive interview to discuss trends in 55+ housing and what he feels still needs attention. GlobeSt.com: How do you feel about being elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects? Manny Gonzalez: To put it in simple terms, I am thrilled about getting my “F”! I have been fortunate enough to win quite a few industry design awards over my career, from Gold Nuggets, to Best in 55+ Housing Awards, but to be recognized by my peers with the second highest honor an individual architect can receive from the American Institute of Architects was the last thing on my professional bucket list. The highest honor awarded by AIA is the Gold Medal, which is awarded to only one architect internationally each year.

GlobeSt.com: How does design for 55+ housing differ from mainstream home design? How is the approach different?