Who is ready to turn the corner on everything that has been in front of us in the last couple of months? I know I am. While The Douglas Company has been fortunate and grateful to continue operations as an essential business during this pandemic, it has, of course, prevented me from getting out and seeing clients, prospects, and my networking partners, unfortunately. As I’m sure many can relate, Zoom is just not the same!
That being said, and while it could have spawned from better circumstances, there will be some interesting and exciting times ahead for the design and construction of multi-family spaces in particular senior living communities.
We have been busy in our estimating and pre-construction departments assisting clients with conceptual budget estimates and value engineering as usual and look forward to seeing more and more creative ideas on how to address health crisis type issues that can impact a community. There will be adjustments to both programming and design going forward in senior living. Some examples I have heard about include improved air quality/HVAC systems, increased square footage for social distancing, smaller neighborhood type site plans for shelter in place demands, and additional attention to indoor/outdoor transitions for outdoor access during a quarantine, etc.
I think it is key for us all to remain optimistic, take what the market gives you, and hit it out of the park at every opportunity. May sound easier said than done, but we are up for the challenge and ready to turn the corner!
Don Diedrick
Director of Business Development
