Inside View: Christine Soma, Pope Architects

Architect and project manager for Pope Architects

Architect Christine Soma may be the first to tell you that the senior housing that she's designing today is not your grandma's retirement homes. There's much more attention to design and detail in today's facilities, which can include club lounges, bistros and spas. The senior-housing industry is reinventing itself and buildings are being designed for comfort, safety and livability.

Soma, 32, has joined the growing housing team at St. Paul-based Pope Architects, where she will focus on senior-living environments. Approximately 70 percent of Pope's housing portfolio is senior housing. Pope has eight senior-housing projects totaling more than 600 units under construction in five states. The firm has an additional 400 units expected to break ground this fall.

Soma previously worked for Horty Elving. She's involved in professional organizations including the Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments, which focuses on "improving physical environments for older adults."

Q: Why specialize in senior-housing architecture?

A: "I've always wanted my job to be in a field or with an organization that cares a lot about cultural or social change. I wouldn't say I sought out senior environments … but then I saw how much opportunity there was to make all these social changes. I'm so passionate about the work we do. I think there's so much opportunity to update or change the cultural perception of senior living."

Q: What are some trends in senior-housing design?

Q: What are you currently designing?

A: "I'm working on Summerhill Crossing Senior Housing in Cottage Grove. It's an 86-unit senior apartment building [that will include a spa, beauty salon and bistro]. I'm working on a nursing home/care center for Essentia Health in Sandstone. I'm also likely going to work on the upcoming Hudson, Wis., project, which is in the design phase. [Pope is designing a 160-unit senior housing/assisted-living facility for Presbyterian Homes & Services adjacent to the Hudson Hospital campus. It will include a medical suite for DaVita dialysis clinics.]

Q: What does the future hold for you?

A: "I want to really push the envelope on the design side of our projects. Whether in market-rate, high-end housing or senior environments, it's really important to stay fresh and keep our projects on the cutting edge. On the business development front, I want to continue to develop the positive relationships we have with existing clients and seek out opportunities."