Clifford Curry, FAIA

Co-Founder

Architect Clifford Curry’s fifty-plus year career has been dedicated to strengthening underserved communities using architecture, design-and collaboration.

In 1968, while still in architecture school, he created the first-ever master plan for his hometown of Bloomington, Indiana. Next, he relocated to Oregon (where he remains) and led an urban renewal project for the city of Salem. In both cases he forged consensus between civic leaders and residents from all walks of life, resulting in a collective vision for a more vibrant and livable city. These early commissions influenced his belief that all types of problems can be approached from a design standpoint.

For over thirty-five years, Cliff focused his practice on senior living. He designed 320 affordable, service-rich facilities that have been home to 2.4 million seniors in the US, China, Canada and the UK. Worlds away from the usual, dreary “old people’s homes,” Cliff innovated buildings that mitigate loneliness, elevate quality of life and promote wellbeing-years before this thinking was fashionable. Drawing on his city planning experience, Cliff also ensured the facilities were perceived as an asset to surrounding neighborhoods. Arguably his work changed the paradigm for senior housing.

In 2007, out of a desire to further the use of design as a tool to improve the lives of people who don’t usually have access to design services, he co-founded the Curry Stone Foundation with his partner, historical archeologist and community activist Delight Stone. Together with their team, they promote, empower and inspire a global generation of social design pioneers working in-and with, diverse communities.

In 2015 The American Institute of Architects recognized Cliff with a Fellowship designation in recognition of his work in the senior living community and promoting humanitarian design. In 2015 the SF AIA honored the Curry Stone Foundation with one of their annual awards.