S3 E3 — The Code Ahead: A Preview to the 2026 FGI Residential Code

Podcast — January 30, 2026

Introduction

In this episode of Between the Lines with FGI, John Williams and Marissa Lamperis Kastrinos introduce the first installment of a three-part series that focuses on each of the documents in the 2026 FGI Codes, starting with the Residential document.

Marissa and John welcome Addie Abushousheh, Gaius G. Nelson, and John Shoesmith, the chairs of the Residential Document Group of the 2026 Health Guidelines Revision Committee (HGRC), who provide an inside look at the key changes to the 2026 FGI Code for Planning and Design of Residential Care and Support Settings, as well as their inspiration for leading these changes.

The 2026 FGI Residential Code provides baseline requirements for the planning, design, and construction of nursing homes, hospice facilities, assisted living settings, residential behavioral and mental health treatment facilities, long-term residential substance use disorder facilities, settings for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, adult day care and adult day health care facilities, wellness centers, and outpatient rehabilitation therapy facilities. This episode discusses additions and revisions to the 2026 FGI Residential Code, including clearer language addressing dining spaces, resident room capacity, and small-scale environments.

This trio of experts shed light on the revision process of the FGI Codes/Guidelines through the HGRC and industry perspectives that shaped the outcomes. They discuss the major shift in how information is delivered through FGI’s new approach to providing both code requirements and advisory guidance.

About Our Guests

Addie Abushousheh, PhD, EDAC, Assoc. AIA

Addie Abushousheh is principal and CEO of AdvantAges by Design and a nationally respected organizational and environmental gerontologist. Her work focuses on aligning people, places, process, and purpose to strengthen performance across health care and senior living organizations. She brings more than two decades of interdisciplinary experience spanning architectural design, applied research, workforce systems, and organizational strategy.

Dr. Abushousheh serves as chair of the Residential Document Group of the 2026 HGRC, is a leader for the AIA Design for Aging (DFA) Knowledge Community, and holds adjunct faculty positions at several universities. Through her consulting practice helps organizations translate insight and evidence into operational clarity, environmental quality, and measurable outcomes.

With expertise ranging from pre-architectural programming to regulatory strategy, workforce alignment, and applied research, Dr. Abushousheh is a trusted advisor to executives, design teams, policymakers, and foundations. Widely published and a frequent national speaker, she guides organizations in building environments and systems that support people in thriving across the lifespan.

Gaius G. Nelson, RA, EDAC 

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.

Gaius shares his expertise through frequent presentations and by serving on civic and industry committees, including long-standing involvement with the HGRC since 1998. In recognition of his enduring impact on innovation and regulatory reform, he was named the 2025 Center for Health Design Changemaker Award recipient.

John Shoesmith, FAIA, NCARB, EDAC, LEED AP, Principal, Perkins Eastman

John Shoesmith is a principal at Perkins Eastman and a leader in the firm’s senior living design practice. 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, he is a frequent panelist at conferences and has received awards for design excellence, best practices, and advocacy.

In 2024, John was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows for his significant contributions to design for aging. He uses evidence-based design practices and champions regulatory improvements through his work with FGI as a steering committee member and chair of the Residential Document Group of the 2026 HGRC.

Acronyms Mentioned

RDG – Residential Document Group

AHCA – The American Health Care Association

NCAL – The National Center for Assisted Living

AHJ – Authorities Having Jurisdiction

HGRC – Health Guidelines Revision Committee

Take a deeper dive into the 2026 FGI Residential Code

An on-demand webinar is available at FGI University that breaks down the specific updates mentioned in this episode, plus additional context and practical takeaways, directly from the chairs of the Residential Document Group of the 2026 Health Guidelines Revision Committee (HGRC).

Earn CEUs Anytime with FGI University and Between the Lines with FGI:

Gain even more insight with the extended version of this episode while earning continuing education units (CEUs)! Head over to FGIUniversity.org our educational platform for the FGI Codes/Guidelines, and explore CEU- and HSW-approved audio courses designed to make earning credits effortless—perfect for learning on the go.

To make it even better, use promo code BTL10 at checkout to get 10% off any Between the Lines with FGI course and the on-demand webinar for the 2026 FGI Residential Code. Listen, learn, and save today.

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