Sneak Peek – The 2026 FGI Code
Hosted by the Design for Aging Knowledge Community on November 11, 2025.
Description
The 2026 FGI Code for Planning and Design of Residential Care and Support Settings is out for publication. In this session, the chairs of the residential document committee will review revisions that have been incorporated into this new document. The FGI Residential Code provides baseline requirements for the design and construction of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospice facilities, independent living settings, adult daycare facilities and wellness centers.
Revisions to be discussed include a restructuring of the document; clarification of requirements based on building typologies; new resident room size and capacity requirements; revised laundry requirements; revisions to clarify requirements for household models; dining space requirements; the addition of requirements for facilities serving individuals of size; the addition of dialysis requirements; and the addition of a new chapter specific to residential mental and behavioral health facilities. Learn about these changes, how they affect the design and construction of residential care facilities, and how you can contribute to the 2030 revision cycle.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the major revisions to the FGI Code for Planning and Design of Residential Care and Support Settings and why they are important.
- Learn how changes to the 2026 FGI Code impact building safety for all residents, staff, and visitors in senior living environments.
- Learn how changes to the 2026 FGI Code address building systems for resident health and safety.
- Learn how changes in code language affect the design and construction of residential care facilities to promote inclusivity and welfare.
Speakers
John Shoesmith, FAIA
John Shoesmith is a principal at Perkins Eastman and leader in the firm’s senior living design practice. With a 30-year career dedicated to the planning, programming, and design of innovative senior living environments, John’s work spans the full continuum of senior living—from active adult communities to long-term care homes—with a special focus on memory care environments. His dedication to design for aging was shaped by his grandmother's struggle with dementia, inspiring him to create environments that promote authenticity, success, and purpose. A recognized thought leader, John is a frequent panelist at regional and national conferences and has received numerous awards for design excellence, best practices, and advocacy. In 2024, he was elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows for his significant contributions to architecture and society. He uses evidence-based design practices and champions regulatory improvements in senior living environments through his work with the Facility Guidelines Institute.
Addie Abushousheh, PhD
Dr. Addie Abushousheh is a multidisciplinary gerontologist working at the intersection of aging, organizational strategy, and environmental design. With a foundation in architecture and advanced expertise in applied gerontology, systems thinking, and organizational development, Addie advances empowerment-oriented systemic alignment—ensuring that care, services, structures, and settings support agency, self-sufficiency, and quality of life for older adults and those who care for them. Over the past two decades, Dr. Abushousheh has served as an advisor to federal agencies, national foundations, care provider organizations and design firms, shaping guidelines, policy, and strategy that span the continuum of aging services. Addie also maintains leadership roles with the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI), the AIA Design for Aging (DFA) Knowledge Community, and other national quality improvement initiatives.
Gaius Nelson, RA
Gaius Nelson is president of Nelson Tremain Partnership, an architectural practice focused on improving design solutions for older people. In 1987 he pioneered the first skilled nursing Household/Neighborhood in the U.S. at Evergreen Retirement Community and in 2019 designed the nation’s first WELL™ certified Assisted Living at The Views of Marion. He works diligently to promote non-institutional, resident focused environments for living through design, education, and policy advocacy. He shares his expertise through frequent presentations and by serving on civic and industry committees including the FGI Revision Committee since 1998. He is the 2025 Center for Health Design Changemaker Award recipient.