American Structurepoint Senior Project Architect Vanessa Shumate has been named a 2022 Design Champion by Environments For Aging (EFA) magazine. The awards program honors senior living design professionals for advancing design solutions that effect change and improve the lives of residents, staff, and the greater community.
EFA chose Shumate for her passion for designing spaces that lead seniors to live with dignity, joy, and grace. The publication also cited her strong commitment to involving residents and staff in the design process and her ability to deliver design goals within her clients’ space and budget constraints.
Shumate is American Structurepoint’s senior living design expert. She has designed dozens of independent living, assisted living, affordable housing, and memory care facilities for seniors across the country. Some of her more recent projects include Glasswater Creek of Whitestown, Sweet Galilee at the Wigwam in Anderson, Westminster Village in West Lafayette, Astral of Franklin, and Cearu Medical Resort in Tulsa, Okla.
“This award is a great personal honor,” Shumate said. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to design communities where seniors can live active, fulfilled, happy lives and feel at home.”
Shumate also gives back to the industry by mentoring young people interested in pursuing careers in the architecture, engineering, and construction professions. She has been actively involved with the ACE Mentor Program of Indianapolis for 14 years, holding multiple leadership positions with the organization while mentoring hundreds of high school youth. In 2016, Shumate received an Engineering News Record-ACE National Outstanding Mentor Award for her dedication, creativity and commitment to the ACE Mentor Program. She also volunteers at the Humane Society for Boone County, fostering adoptable cats and assisting in adoption coordination.