Designing With Purpose | Episode 3

Designing a senior living community isn’t just about the building.

It starts with a few important questions:

How will the facility operate?

How will staff care for residents efficiently?

And what kind of environment will residents and their families experience every day?

In this episode of Designing With Purpose, we talk about how those early decisions shape everything that follows — from staffing efficiency to creating spaces that feel welcoming, social, and truly livable.

Because great senior living design isn’t just about architecture. It’s about creating a place where people can feel at home.

If you're planning a senior living project, this conversation is a helpful place to start.

#seniorlivingdesign #seniorlivingdevelopment #ArchitectureWithPurpose #seniorlivingcommunities #architecturepodcast #DesigningWithPurpose #thrivearchitects

10 Year Wrap Up: Projects

Across all three offices, our team delivered meaningful work through the years—each project shaped by the communities we serve. Here’s a few we worked on during 2025.

WAUKESHA OFFICE: Construction is underway on Phase II of Evin at Oconomowoc, a $16 million expansion delivering modern independent and assisted living residences in a scenic golf-course setting. The team is also leading the design of a new multi-tenant office building in Big Bend, which will soon welcome Virtue Dental along with future tenants. Additional work includes the two-phase expansion of White Stone Community Church, creating enhanced gathering space for the congregation, and The Grand Castle Hills Senior Living—a $14.3 million project that added 55 residential units, a green room, home theater, and rooftop patio designed to foster connection and community among residents.

APPLETON OFFICE: The Appleton team has been hard at work designing a new church in Green Bay and collaborating on multiple projects with the Oneida and Menominee Nations. They also completed design work for a Park Pavilion and Concession Building for the Village of Hortonville.

MADISON OFFICE: Our Madison team recently completed an addition for Lighthouse Christian School and continues ongoing work with Dental Health Associates throughout Dane County.

We’re proud of the impact these projects have—and energized for what’s ahead in the next decade.  

#ThriveArchitects #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #WisconsinBusiness #CommercialArchitecture #MidwestDesign #10YearsOfThrive #ArchitecturalDesign #DesignThatThrives #ArchitectureFirm #WaukeshaWI #AppletonWI #MadisonWI #ADecadeOfDesign #GrowingTogether

Designing Calm, Creating Connection

We’re proud to share our recent project for Orenda Counseling in Cedarburg, WI—a thoughtfully designed 1,477-square-foot interior remodel that supports healing, privacy, and peace of mind.

The reimagined waiting area sets the tone with a rich palette and welcoming details: a deep blue accent wall illuminated by bronze sconces, paired with a mustard yellow leather couch, soft seating, and a central coffee table. A client message board fosters connection and community.

The layout includes four multi-use office spaces designed for one-on-one sessions or small meetings, a dedicated conference room, and a streamlined administration area—all carefully planned to support both functionality and emotional comfort.

#ThriveArchitects #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #CommercialArchitecture #OrendaCounseling #CedarburgWisconsin #ArchitecturalDesign #HealingSpaces #DesignWithPurpose #MentalHealthArchitecture

A Space Designed to Bring People Together—One Recipe at a Time

We’re excited to unveil Happy Place Cooking Space in Cedarburg, WI—an inviting, 1,295-square-foot teaching kitchen crafted with accessibility, learning, and connection at its heart.

This cheerful interior remodel reflects the energy of shared meals and joyful learning. Cream-toned walls provide a fresh backdrop, while a bold red cooking island, seafoam green cabinetry and warm wood details add character. A yellow checked floor defines the prep zone, where stainless steel appliances—including a convection oven, refrigerator, freezer, sinks, washer/dryer, and dry storage—create a fully equipped, real-world kitchen experience.

A separate training room is outfitted with tools and features scaled for learners of all ages and abilities, empowering both kids and adults to feel at home in the kitchen.

With open shelving and an intuitive layout, this space is as functional as it is fun—designed to encourage exploration, independence, and community through cooking.

Because thoughtful design can make every space a happy place.

#ThriveArchitects #MilwaukeeArchitects #WisconsinArchitects #CommercialArchitecture #HappyPlaceCookingSpace #CedarburgWisconsin #InclusiveDesign #CommunityKitchen #TeachingKitchen #AccessibleArchitecture #ArchitecturalDesign #KitchenRemodel #CookingTogether #DesignForAll