Mosaic Design Studio

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# I'm an Interior Designer: I Solve Problems You Didn't Even Know You Had

Grab a coffee (or wine, no judgment) and let's celebrate something epic: the American Society of Interior Designers turning 50 in 2025! As President of the Ohio South/Kentucky Chapter, I'm doing a happy dance over this milestone. Half a century of making spaces work harder, look better, and creating lasting memories!

I'm Lisa Cini, founder of Mosaic Design Studio. I've spent years transforming chaos into harmony for senior living communities, hospitals, hotels, and my own four-generation household. ASID has been my tribe—a community of 25,000 dreamers (13,500 designers, 5,500 students, 6,000 industry partners) who believe design isn't just about pretty pillows.

Interior designers are the unsung heroes of "Oh, I didn't think of that!" We solve problems you didn't know existed—like counters too high for Grandma or lighting that makes Zoom calls look like horror movies. At Mosaic, I design memory care spaces that feel like home, not institutions. Think non-slip floors that don't scream "hospital" and layouts helping those with Alzheimer's navigate without stress.

ASID designers live by a strict code of ethics, prioritizing safety with fire-resistant materials, ADA-compliant designs, and sustainable solutions. Since 1975, we've evolved from s**g carpets to biophilic design, creating spaces where people live, work, play, and heal.

My multigenerational home experience (documented in my book "Hive") was design boot camp—clever layouts, empowering tech, and lots of love. That spirit drives Mosaic's award-winning senior living spaces. Whether designing accessible furnishings with Pottery Barn or writing "Boom: The Baby Boomers' Guide to Preserving Your Freedom," I'm making aging in place feel like a celebration.

Join the ASID party! Visit www.asid.org to connect with resources and help us shape the next 50 years of design. Because when it comes to creating spaces that make life better, safer, and more fabulous? We've got you covered, problems and all.

Lisa M. Cini, ASID, IIDA, NCIDQ
President, ASID Ohio South/Kentucky Chapter

My family has been hit on both sides with Alzhemeirs and Dementia. First with my grandmother that lived with us in our 4 generation household until she passed at 96 and then my mother-in-law.

While I have been designing for Alzhemeirs / Dementia environments for over 30 years (yepper I'm getting old), It never ceases to amazing me how little the resources are to help the families. That was the primary reason I wrote Hive: The Simple Guide To Multigenerational Living. to help others on this journey.

Out of this experience my husband Greg Cini created a state of the art 76 bed memory care home called Cotterhouse of Worthington.

Even with all our experience, the system is still broken and we can do better.

Check out his interview where he expresses the heartache of how this information was delivered to his mother and him.

Early conversations are crucial... but ones of hope and compassion. I realize there is still little that can be done but how we approach Alzhemeirs and Demetia can make all the difference.

Navigating Care | Support After Diagnosis Segment 04 What happens when someone you love is diagnosed with dementia and needs to be in a community setting? The uncertainty can be very scary! Luckily there is a s...

Rethinking Collaboration and Community in Aging
I recently had the honor of participating in "The Big Table," a compelling community engagement initiative spearheaded by the Columbus Foundation. The invitation came from the esteemed Pamela D. Shields, founder and organizer of the Urban Aging Residents Coalition (UARC), under the thematic banner of "Aging: The New Diamond in the Rough."
Hosted at The Werner House, my residence and a historic venue, the event featured four distinct round tables, each fostering dynamic discussions among a diverse cross-section of community members. Attendees ranged from experts at The Center for Abundant Aging, Gillie Center, and Columbus Recreation, to professionals from the Wexner Center and The Ohio State University. This mix not only enriched the dialogue but also highlighted the community's vested interest in the future of senior living and aging in place.
Key Insights from the Discussion:
Community Safety and Security: Essential for keeping seniors integrated in their communities.
Transportation: Improved access to facilitate ease of mobility for seniors.
Communication: Streamlined information on available services, accessible through a one-stop-shop approach.
Intergenerational Engagement: Encouraging connections across different age groups to enrich community ties.
Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the resources and options available for seniors.
Aging in Place: Innovative strategies to support continued home ownership and care, including shared living to reduce costs and combat isolation.
Located across from Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, The Werner House not only offers a rich historical context but is also a living showcase of aging-in-place solutions. It has been meticulously restored to host a variety of events, from weddings to community dialogues, making it a central hub for fostering community and supporting the dignified aging of our senior population.
Let's continue to build on these insights to ensure that our seniors not only age safely but thrive in their communities on their own terms.

Congratulations to our newest addition to the Mosaic Family! We love Boone! He makes all our zoom calls much more enjoyable. Omernick Congratulations!