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Team building: Marc Tolson Owner and managing principal of Arrive Architecture Group (Bedford, TX), a firm that specializes in multi-housing residences for individuals, families, and seniors.
By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent
T olson has been with the company since its inception in 1998 as Galier, Tolson, French & Associates. Tolson works hands-on within the firm, actively designing and mastering each building’s design concept. “While we are not our staff’s family, we do try to manage and limit after hours and weekend work,” Tolson says. “We work hard to develop team morale and regularly have events that allow staff to bring friends or family. For our 20th anniversary, we took our entire staff and their families to Walt Disney World. Community and team building is something Arrive takes very seriously.” A CONVERSATION WITH MARC TOLSON. The Zweig Letter: You’ve won several design awards in the senior living market. In your opinion, what are some of the most important design features to include in this architecture niche and why? Marc Tolson: The senior living market has changed
considerably in the last 25 years. In the old days, projects were very focused on the containment and management of elders. Personal choice and options were incredibly limited. When I started designing for seniors, we began with the idea of it being “a place I want to live.” That simple maxim has guided my career. Seniors want choice, variety, independence, meaning, and beauty. They want to be inspired and proud of where they live. Communities now feature a variety of apartment and living choices; unique and resident-driven dining options from grab- and-go to chef tables; and wellness and fitness areas that rival private gyms. These communities also work hard to promote community engagement with their residents from volunteering to hosting events. Finally, outdoor living has taken off in the last 10 years in senior living. Those who had those spaces have managed the pandemic far better. TZL: How do you anticipate COVID-19 permanently impacting your firm’s policy on telecommuting? MT: I really don’t see COVID-19 changing our firm’s policy
THE ZWEIG LETTER OCTO
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