what we care about

Aging-In-Place

Design that grows with you


Architecture Focus

Planning for the future doesn’t have to feel like a compromise between function and beauty. We create spaces that evolve gracefully—without losing their character.

Aging-in-place means creating a home that continues to support your needs—gracefully, safely, and beautifully—as life evolves. At May Architecture, we design spaces that prioritize accessibility without sacrificing sophistication.

We think ahead: wider doorways, zero-threshold showers, thoughtful storage, and layouts that accommodate mobility now or down the line. These solutions are seamlessly integrated into your home’s aesthetic, allowing you to enjoy comfort, ease, and independence for years to come.

Our aging-in-place strategies and resources includes:

  • Single-level living spaces 

  • Accessible entries and open living areas for easy circulation

  • Barrier-free bathrooms and kitchens

  • Easy to access storage

  • Smart home features such as automated lighting and health monitoring

  • Future-ready design such as grab bars and elevators, that doesn’t have to look clinical. 

  • Architectural blueprint of a bedroom, bathroom, and hall with measurements showing space for wheelchair movement and aging in place

    Planning for future needs

  • A modern bathroom with white cabinetry, a marble countertop, a glass shower enclosure with marble tiles, and a white freestanding bathtub.

    Creating accessible bathrooms and showers

  • Interior view of a home with a front door, terracotta-colored walls, white trim, and a wooden floor. There is a vintage wooden chest of drawers, a potted fern andart piece. Multiple archways lead to a sunlit room with wallpapered walls.

    Maintaining open flow to allow easy movement

Is this the right house?

We spoke with Alexandria Living magazine for their feature, ‘How to Assess Whether a Home Can Let Parents Age in Place’, sharing considerations that can help occupants (or their children) make informed decisions.

May Architecture founder, Erin May, shared insight into the first things an architect considers… from safe access in and out of the home to how daily movement patterns shape what kinds modifications may be needed.

Aging in place is rarely about one change. It’s about understanding how the layout, circulation, and future needs all overlap. That holistic view is what allows a home to adapt gracefully and support long-term comfort and independence.

You can read the full article for a broader overview of the considerations and where to start if you’re evaluating a home for yourself or a loved one.

Read Article
Open magazine with article about assessing home safety for aging in place, featuring a kitchen photograph and architectural plans.

“The benefit of using an architect is that we make sure everything works together — it’s not just putting a Band-Aid over something.”

Erin May
Founder May Architecture

What Matters to Us
& Our Clients

  • A white house with glass room and large windows and a glass double door, surrounded by greenery, trees, and a stone patio in the backyard.

    Climate-Smart Design

    A practical path to high-performance (i.e. comfortable) homes.

  • A white renovated two-story split-level house with addition with black shutters, a front porch with chairs, a red front door, and a well-maintained lawn with trees and shrubs.

    Our Approach

    We bring fresh ideas and a unique perspective to enhance the beauty, function, and feel of your space.

  • Front view of a three-story brick townhouse with gray shutters and black window frames, surrounded by trees and a brick-paved driveway.

    Historic Homes

    Thoughtful updates that respect the soul of your home.

“Our project was to renovate our entire main floor, including kitchen, by removing several walls to open it up. Erin drew a great creative plan, she helped us choose the contractor, she did a good job supervising the contractor. She was pleasant to work with and always available.”

bill & Pam M.
arlington, virginia