Project Reveal Part I: The Mather Tysons

The Mather is a nonprofit non-denominational organization dedicated to helping older adults redefine life after 50. Through thoughtful programming, active senior living residences and an innovative research institute, Mather offers Ways to Age Well℠.

The Mather Tysons is the organization’s latest luxury Life Plan Community for adults 62 and better, opening its doors at Tysons Corner, Virginia, to independent living residents in March 2024. The first-phase opening includes independent living apartments and amenity spaces on the third floor, such as dining, spa and pool areas. The remaining floors, levels of care and amenity spaces are scheduled to be completed at the end of 2024.

The Mather in Tysons Living Room

Studio 121 was approached to help reimagine the originally approved mixed-use site into residences where residents could enjoy forward-thinking luxurious lifestyles. The overall design infuses WELL strategies with luxury brands, international talent, and sustainability and biophilic design to support Mather’s commitment to Nextraordinary™ living.

Diversity in Art

The Washington, D.C. market is full of diversity, and the client wanted this reflected in the design. We felt there was no better way than to shower the space with creativity and unique perspectives. Thus, we curated custom and commissioned artwork and artifacts from an array of artists around the world.

Luxury and Biophilic Design

Luxury brand elements and biophilic design are on full display in the spa and four dining options, each offering a different style and aesthetic. Dining areas include Maku, Saam, Tashi and Copas.

At the spa, residents are greeted by a marble slab fireplace in the lobby sitting against a backdrop of a thousand refreshing stones. The lounge offers zero-gravity seating and a backlit Himalayan salt wall with a halogenerator that disperses salt into the air. Residents can also choose herbs and flowers from a live herb wall for tea and customized spa treatments.

Specialty kiln-fired glass panels are located in three of the restaurants in patterns, textures and functions unique to each space. Custom lighting, carpet and murals, grab-and-go kiosks, and hidden TVs that drop down for sporting events and news are just a few additional luxurious highlights.

The Tashi carpet pattern mimics the soft rippling of water, while eucalyptus veneer panels frame the custom mural that can be described as looking through the branches of a weeping cherry tree, signifying the gift of cherry trees from Japan in 1912.

Design Hurdles and Challenges

One of our most challenging feats for the design was to connect and unify styles, shapes and materials to embrace diversity while encouraging active living. We took advantage of the building architecture and selected unique finishes and color palettes to illustrate the unity of nature, integrating seamlessly with the biophilic design.

Some other challenges included creating space for amenities within limited square footage, making terraces and the courtyard viewable from every room, navigating supply chain issues during the pandemic, and problem-solving operationally and creatively how to design a kitchen split between two floors. Despite these challenges, we are so very pleased with and in awe of the results. The Mather Tysons has been a pleasure to be a part of, and we can’t wait to see more residents welcomed into their new home.

Project Team