Meet Alan Theobald, Architectural Designer

Alan has been part of Iconica’s architectural team for 28 years, contributing his expertise to a wide range of projects, with a special focus on senior housing. With 28 years of experience under his belt, Alan brings a wealth of knowledge, a collaborative spirit, and a practical, field-informed approach to his work, especially when it comes to designing senior living communities.

A Career Rooted in the Field

Alan’s interest in architecture began at a young age, as he watched his father work as a site superintendent.

“I got to see firsthand him working on buildings and the plans he used to build them. At one point, my dad said even I could do better than the drawings he was given – which, looking back, wasn’t the most glowing compliment, but it stuck.”

That early exposure, combined with some winter job site work, helped Alan decide he was better suited to an indoor career.

“I realized I didn’t like working outside in the cold. I figured I better find an inside job.”

A Passion for Senior Living Design

Much of Alan’s recent work at Iconica has focused on senior housing, a term he uses intentionally.

“We avoid using words like ‘facility’ or ‘building.’ It sounds institutional. What we design is housing. It should feel like home.”

What keeps him motivated? The people.

“We go back and walk through the communities we’ve designed and hear directly from the residents. They tell us what they like and what could be better, and that feedback shapes the next project. It’s what makes it enjoyable.”

From Pencil to Digital—and Everything in Between

When Alan started at Iconica, drawings were done with pencil and paper. Blueprints were printed in an ammonia-filled room that left your sinuses “painfully clear.” Today, nearly every element of the process is digital.

“With our integrated design approach, I spend most of my time communicating—talking to the MEP designer, the structural designer, the interiors team. It used to be that we designed in silos and passed things along. Now it’s all about coordination and speed.”

While technology has brought many improvements, he notes it has also increased expectations.

“People think computers make everything instant. But good design still takes time. When changes come in last-minute, it can put real pressure on the team.

Why Iconica?

Alan believes one of Iconica’s greatest strengths is its design-build model.

“We encourage our architectural team to visit job sites. A lot of firms don’t do that—and you can tell by the drawings. Understanding how things are built makes you a better designer.”

He also values the emphasis on communication across disciplines.

“It’s not just about doing your part—it’s about working together to create something better.”

Advice for the Next Generation

Alan has a simple but crucial piece of advice he shares with interns and new team members:

“If you’re not sure, ask. We’d rather answer a question than have something built wrong and need to be torn out. Communication is everything.”

Outside the Office

When he’s not sketching plans or coordinating design meetings, Alan enjoys spending time outdoors, no matter the season.

“In summer, I’m on the patio or in the pool with my family. In winter, I like to ski. My daughter enjoys it too, and it’s something we can do together.”

Interested in working with experienced, thoughtful designers like Alan?

Learn more about our senior living project here.