The Key to Successful Seniors Living Projects: Merging Strategy, Design, and Viability

We sat down with our Head of Strategy & Commercial – Seniors Living, Sam Snaddon, to explore what makes aged care and seniors living projects truly successful. With a decade of experience on the client side at one of Australia’s largest providers, Sam offers a unique perspective on bridging commercial realities with human-centred design. Below, he shares his insights on aligning operational needs, commercial viability, and exceptional design to deliver projects that are both functional and meaningful.

Balancing Commercial Pressures with Design Excellence

One of the greatest challenges for clients is embedding commercial understanding and pressures within consultant teams, while still allowing space for exceptional design outcomes.

In initial briefing meetings with clients, my experience enables me to develop a deep understanding of their needs and challenges. Internal stakeholder management is a delicate process in all projects, but within an operational business, it becomes even more complex. Each operational and clinical department has its own priorities, and if the balance isn’t struck early, the design of a new aged care home or seniors living community can be compromised.

Listening First, Then Strategising

The key is to listen to each group’s requirements - ensuring all voices are heard, priorities are balanced, and solutions are implemented within a commercial framework that maintains the viability of the project. When done well during the concept phase, this process can significantly streamline the programme, saving both time and cost. And in our industry, time is money.

The Urgent Need for Thoughtful Development

There’s no denying the growing demand for aged care facilities, nor the pressing need to refurbish or redevelop outdated stock. But ensuring new projects are viable, operationally efficient, and most importantly- homely for residents and their families is absolutely crucial. When these elements align, desperately needed new homes can be delivered more quickly and with greater confidence.

Adding Strategic Value: My Role at HSPC

Recognising these challenges, HSPC is committed to delivering strategic, design-led solutions. With my addition to the team, we’ve deepened our ability to provide meaningful insights and added value to our clients. Having spent a decade as a client at one of Australia’s largest aged care and seniors living providers, I bring a nuanced understanding of what’s required—from commercial strategy through to day-to-day clinical operations.

Bridging Strategy, Planning, and Design

My background in property development and corporate real estate, paired with a commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and connected environments for older Australians, enables us to offer a uniquely integrated service. My role bridges commercial real estate and seniors living strategy with planning and design—ensuring the client’s voice is heard, understood, and reflected throughout the entire project lifecycle.

Designing for People and Performance

By combining commercial expertise with design excellence, HSPC—supported by specialists like myself—ensures that aged care and seniors living projects are not only financially viable but also thoughtfully designed for residents, staff, and operators alike. This integrated approach accelerates project timelines, enhances quality, and ultimately delivers the kind of social infrastructure our ageing population both needs and deserves.

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