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Presented by
Gaius Nelson, RA, EDAC – President, Nelson-Tremain Partnership
John Shoesmith, AIA, EDAC, LEED AP – Principal, Perkins Eastman
Addie Abushousheh, PhD – Founder & Strategic Advisor, AdvantAges by Design, LLC
Course Description
Exciting changes await users of the Facility Guidelines Institute library of documents. Introducing the 2026 FGI Code for Planning and Design of Residential Care and Support Settings and its complementary FGI Handbook. These new and improved documents expand the capabilities and resources available to FGI users through enhanced online interface options and additional explanatory guideline options. The FGI Residential Code provides baseline requirements for the design and construction of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospice facilities, independent living settings, adult daycare facilities and wellness centers. The companion FGI Handbook offers explanatory guidance of the code and additional best practices information to supplement the code minimum requirements. Revisions to the 2026 document to be discussed include an added table outlining building typologies, added resident room size and capacity requirements; revised laundry requirements; clarity of the application of requirements for household models; clarity on dining space requirements; the addition of requirements for facilities serving individuals of size; the addition of dialysis requirements; and the addition of a chapter specific to residential mental and behavioral health facilities. Learn about these changes, how they affect the design and construction of residential care facilities and how you can contribute to the 2030 revision cycle.
Learning Objectives
Investigate the intentional change from FGI Guidelines to FGI Code documents in 2026, consolidating minimum program, space, risk assessment, infection prevention, architectural detail, surface, built-in furnishing, and building system requirements in one convenient place.
Evaluate revisions to the 2026 Residential Code intended to improve the health, safety and welfare of residents in residential care and support settings.
Analyze the new approach to mechanical systems classification and requirements in the Residential Code to better align with ASHRAE standards to ensure safety, sustainability, and occupant comfort
Understand how you can contribute to the 2030 Residential document.