At AG, design is not about our own style and architectural agenda.  Design inspiration emerges from teamwork, research, and building consensus around the “right” idea.  We believe in working with our clients to develop an architectural vocabulary that best suits their organizational needs, a design that creates an environment where their residents can thrive.

With each new project, SantaFe Senior Living is committed to delivering a product that is appropriately suited for the geographic setting and the customer expectations in that area.  Developing a distinct architectural style for the community was a priority during the preliminary planning for The Terraces at Bonita Springs–a greenfield Continuing Care Retirement Community in Bonita Springs, Florida.

In order to facilitate a productive architectural discussion, the process began with composition boards. In the case of The Terraces at Bonita Springs, three style directions were assembled for the client, interior designer and architecture team to discuss.  Conversations and brainstorming revealed a desired style direction for the team to pursue—the “old Florida” feel of a Mediterranean Revival Hotel as influenced by the architecture of Addison Mizner’s 1920’s portfolio.

With the team in agreement based on the conceptual composition boards presented, the next step was an in-depth research phase of the origins of the style and the proper influences that would seamlessly integrate it into the local community.  A close look at Mizner’s career and how his style impacted local architectural history as well as a broader view of the all-encompassing, Mediterranean style began to build a library of material references, resources, and iconic details to consider.  Ongoing discussions between the architecture and interior design team members were critical during this phase as distinct ideas for the project emerged.

With the proper background material gathered, the team began to explore what the exterior façade might look like.  Elevation sketches, doodles, details, and drawings that explore the three-dimensionality of the project were developed and debated.  3-D Sketch-Up models were created to evaluate the scale and proportion of individual buildings and the relationship between structures within the community.

As different ideas began to rise to the top and gain importance in the discussions, the library of resources continued to develop.  For The Terraces at Bonita Springs this involved tile work, ornamental railings, ironwork, window and door details, cast stone details, cast stone column and arcade details, fireplaces, fountains etc… Creating a seamless design that connects the project from the inside out was critical.

For this project, the team was diligent in their exploration of Mizner and the Mediterranean style. Courtyard design, paving patterns, and ceiling details were explored in order to develop a highly articulated exterior and interior design vocabulary for the project.

However, the research and design development went beyond the pure aesthetic details and materials selections to influence the space planning.  The layering of spaces and the sight lines from one room to the next was carefully considered.  Each space was created to be a visual adventure, and it was important to the client to disguise operational efficiencies behind these highly articulated details.

As programmatic needs were adjusted and plans were finalized, the design was modified to address the impact of each detail on the space.  And as the project began to take physical form, the team maintained a keen eye on the details to insure a seamless execution of the design.  The team’s commitment to the client’s architectural vision and making that vision a reality is true advocacy in action.

The Terraces at Bonita Springs offers an architectural style that not only resonates with the residents, it creates a distinct sense of place.  The carefully considered details make this campus seem like a well-established community with a long history which belies the fact that it is brand new.