Architecture, planning and technology firm IBI Group has brought Maarit Heinonen-Smith on board as its UK retirement living and senior care lead

She joins from PRP Architects, where she worked on the specialist housing team as the lead architect on several flagship projects, designing and delivering care solutions for people aged over 55.

Heinonen-Smith (pictured) commented: “I am very excited to join IBI Group in this new position.  I am passionate about designing and delivering inspiring residential architecture, which allows for flexibility, individuality and changing needs, as well as promoting the health and wellbeing of the residents.

“IBI Group’s expertise in the healthcare and residential sectors, coupled with its technology offering, means it’s in a perfect position to add real value to clients and end-users alike.”

Regional director UK & Ireland, Paul Hewes, said that retirement housing can help to prevent some of the “largest hurdles facing elderly people in the UK today”, adding “IBI Group is proactively responding to this growing market by hiring experts such as Maarit, and working closely with partners across the retirement living and senior care sector”.