Anne DiNardo

I started thinking more deeply about the importance of legacy on my flight home from the 2026 Environments for Aging (EFA) Conference + Expo, this past March in Phoenix. I often hear industry colleagues talk about what their legacy will be. Because so much of our time and energy is focused on architecture, we naturally think about physical structures and the hope that our work may endure. But on that flight, I found myself thinking less about buildings and more about people.

According to Wold Architects & Engineers’ recent national research report, 92 percent of survey respondents are engaged in or preparing for facility planning, but 72 percent say they don’t feel well-equipped to lead capital improvement projects from planning through construction. Rural healthcare leaders are juggling aging facilities, workforce shortages, tight margins, and difficult funding pathways, which makes it hard to move long-term infrastructure priorities into implementation.

The Environments for Aging Conference + Expo heads to Charlotte, N.C., April 12-14, 2027, bringing together the senior living design community dedicated to creating functional, attractive, and innovative living environments that meet the evolving needs of seniors. The call for presentations is officially open. Because the event draws a highly engaged multidisciplinary audience, the selection process is competitive.