design4age is a women-led consultancy focused on early-phase strategy for senior living developments. Founded by Amy and Melissa, both experienced senior living architects and advisors, we guide communities through the critical steps before architectural design begins.
Because aging well starts long before the first brick is laid.
melissa c. pritchard
AIA, NCARB, LEED ap BD+C
Shaped by her personal experiences, and her job in a nursing home as a teenager, Melissa has dedicated her 30 year career as an Architect to improving environments for older adults. Melissa focuses on ways to improve resident wellness, dignity and support human connection. One of Melissa’s special talents is encouraging clients to think beyond boundaries and to challenge the traditional norms of senior living.
Melissa spent nearly 20 years of her career at one of the top 5 Senior Living Architecture/Engineering/Interior Design firms in the country. She worked her way up to being one of the Managing Principals, and the visionary leader of the firm. During her tenure, she also led the Business Development effort, bringing in $20 - $25 Million in new projects each year.
Early in her career, Melissa developed a passion for design for older adults with cognitive impairments. She has become an industry leader in research, design and implementation of ground-breaking memory care environments. As a result of her cutting-edge work, she was awarded the inaugural Design Champions Award from Environments for Aging.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) Degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and maintains Architectural licenses in multiple states. She is an active member of the Chief Executive Network (CEN) and the Resilient Aging Environments Network (RAEN), among several others. She holds certifications with NCARB and the Green Business Certification Institute (GBCI).
Outside the office, Melissa finds joy in travelling the world with her husband, spending time with family and her beloved mini dachshunds, gardening, hiking and embracing the outdoors.
amy carpenter
AIA, NCARB, LEED ap, EDAC
With over 30 years of experience as an Architect, Amy has provided planning, design and construction documentation services for a wide variety of residential communities. She has a passion for crafting specialized and supportive physical environments for older adults. Amy’s work has included the full care spectrum, from Active Adult and Affordable Senior Apartments through Long-term Care and Memory Support residences, as well as the associated community buildings and amenity spaces.
In addition to her design work, Amy has a passion for helping to shape our nation’s model building codes to allow for more person-centered care and better environments for elders. Amy is also active in the Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments (SAGE) and co-leads their annual Post-Occupancy Evaluation efforts.
Through her Post-Occupancy Evaluation work, and her 12-year tenure as a Board member at White Horse Village, Amy has a strong understanding of operations, management, resident satisfaction and staffing concerns for Life Plan Communities.
Amy has a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) Degree, as well as a Certificate in Interior Design, from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. She also has a Certificate in Lighting for Health from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Amy is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and holds certifications with NCARB, LEED and the evidence-based design credential and certification (EDAC).
Outside of work Amy enjoys watching ice hockey, live music, solving puzzles and travelling to the Caribbean.
work with us
Thinking about starting a project or want to learn more about working with us? Please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.
