I’m still in my infancy in architecture compared to those with 30, 40 or more years invested in their careers. I got my license at age 27, and I’ve been registered a short four years. Presently, I lead a team at Arrive Architecture Group in Bedford, Texas, that designs independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities across the U.S.

My interest in architecture began during my freshman year of high school when I took an architectural graphics class. Over the course of that semester, we designed a single-family home, creating construction drawings and a detailed section model, and my love of architecture and housing was born. I took several more design courses in high-school before deciding to pursue a bachelor’s in interior design, followed by a master’s degree in architecture.

When I came to Arrive in 2012, the economy was still struggling to get back on its feet and I was excited just to land a paying job in architecture. With my interest in housing, I began working initially on multifamily projects, but after a couple of years, and several great projects for senior living environments, I began to refine my skills and focus on this new sector.

I found that my passion for seniors is rooted in my experiences with my own family. I grew up in a small town where, at the time, the options for senior living were incredibly limited. In fact, most of the context in which senior living was mentioned was negative. That was where people were “put” and where it “smelled like a hospital.” As an alternative, my parents and grandparents played the role of caretaker for my great grandfather who was suffering the effects of dementia. While my memories of those years are positive, I’m certain some of the enjoyment of his final years was forfeited by them as they handled the demands of caring for an aging loved one, from meals, cleaning, and assisting with bathing to trips to doctors. I often wonder if that time could have been more enjoyable for all if there had been quality care available, in an environment designed to meet his needs as he battled dementia?


So, while I did not set out as a high-school student to design senior living communities, my education and life experiences have both served to inform and develop a passion for senior living that drives my career today. I still find there’s no more exciting space to design than where people live. Our homes are where we eat, sleep, play, raise families, and relax. It’s where we stay when we’re sick or healthy and where we grow older. More than that, our homes hold our most intimate memories with those that we love.

I strive to create spaces that allow the elders of our society to age with grace and dignity. By considering how we function in our traditional homes, I work to replicate the aspects of home that spark the most fulfillment—meal times, kitchen and dining interactions, hobbies—into my projects. All of these are opportunities to drive social interaction and stimulate the senses which are proven to positively impact the health and well-being of our seniors. I believe this industry is just getting started and am excited to see the positive impact we can have on the next generation of elders.

Michael Fittz, AIA, is a project architect and leads a senior living team with Arrive Architecture Group in Bedford, Texas. He can be reached at michael@arriveag.com.