Craig Witz

PrincipalPrincipal

Founder of Witz Company, Craig advises senior living organizations on strategic planning, master planning, and development project management. With more than 30 years of experience, he has helped guide over $750 million in senior living development during the past decade. His expertise includes Life Plan Communities, campus expansions, repositioning initiatives, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and new community development. Craig is active with the Intergenerational Task Force, a collaboration of SAGE and AIA Design for Aging. He is a frequent industry speaker, written industry whitepapers on master planning, intergenerational design and placemaking, and licensed attorney.

Mon Apr 12•3:45 PM – 4:45 PM

E06 – The Intergenerational Roadshow: Exemplars, Evidence, and Evolution

The Intergenerational Task Force has spent the past two years exploring one deceptively simple question: What does meaningful intergenerational integr

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The Intergenerational Task Force has spent the past two years exploring one deceptively simple question: What does meaningful intergenerational integration actually look like in community-based living environments? Through surveys, design charrettes, stakeholder engagement, and the identification of exemplary projects, the Task Force has been testing assumptions, documenting lessons learned, and developing practical frameworks that move beyond aspiration toward implementation. This session will share emerging findings from the initiative, highlight innovative examples nominated by industry peers, explore common themes and challenges appearing across projects, and introduce new tools and resources designed to support planning, design, and operational decision-making. Attendees will also receive an updated roadmap outlining opportunities, barriers, and next steps for advancing age-integrated environments, along with insights from a newly released white paper documenting lessons learned to date. Whether you are a designer, provider, developer, owner, researcher, or community leader, this session will provide actionable insights into one of the most discussed-and most frequently misunderstood-emerging trends in senior living and community design.

Educational SessionNew Models & Residential Environments

Jeffrey BeegleSenior Director of Projects, Three Pillars Senior Living Communities

Lisa WarnockPrincipal and Founder, Glow Interior Designs

Craig WitzPrincipal, Principal

Tue Apr 13•9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

E11 – From Campus to Community: Measuring Intergenerational Design in Senior Living

Many senior living communities describe themselves as intergenerational, but few can define how their physical environments actively support meaningfu…Many senior living communities describe themselves as intergenerational, but few can define how their physical environments actively support meaningful connections across age groups or evaluate the success of those efforts. Presenters will explore ho…Many senior living communities describe themselves as intergenerational, but few can define how their physical environments actively support meaningful connections across age groups or evaluate the success of those efforts. Presenters will explore how intergenerational planning principles are translated into measurable design strategies and community outcomes. Two organizations will share how they are fostering meaningful interactions through p…Many senior living communities describe themselves as intergenerational, but few can define how their physical environments actively support meaningful connections across age groups or evaluate the success of those efforts. Presenters will explore how intergenerational planning principles are translated into measurable design strategies and community outcomes. Two organizations will share how they are fostering meaningful interactions through public-facing amenities, wellness and educational programs, workforce housing, community partnerships, and shared destinations. One community is building new environments that will not only enhance campus life but also address gaps in amenities and resources for the surrounding area. The other is combining new construction with adapting existing assets to partner with local organizations and community residents. Both are removing barriers between campus life and the surrounding community. Drawing inspiration from the assessment framework being developed by the SAGE Intergenerational Task Force, presenters will explore how design decisions influence social engagement, belonging, and participation across generations. Attendees will learn practical strategies for assessing existing environments, identifying barriers to connection, and designing spaces that strengthen relationships between residents, staff, families, and the broader community. This session will demonstrate how communities of varying sizes, locations, and missions can leverage design to create more vibrant, inclusive environments.Show More

Educational SessionNew Models & Residential Environments

Jeffrey BeegleSenior Director of Projects, Three Pillars Senior Living Communities

Dustin JuliusPartner, RLPS Architects

Craig WitzPrincipal, Principal

Jonathan HollingerPresident & CEO, Pleasant View Retirement Communities

Craig Witz

E06 – The Intergenerational Roadshow: Exemplars, Evidence, and Evolution

E11 – From Campus to Community: Measuring Intergenerational Design in Senior Living

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