Emily Flax

FOUNDER

In 2008, Emily Flax received her degree in Industrial Design from Western Washington University and has since become an avid innovator in the field of design and aging.  Flax spent many years working as an Industrial Designer for several companies in the greater Boston area where she was responsible for consumer research, concept prototyping, 3D renderings and engineering drawings for product design development.

After four-years of working in a subacute nursing facility where she developed and led specialized programs that both gave patients purpose and enhanced their quality of life, Emily returned to the world of design by launching Active Matters LLC, with the goal of bringing empathy driven space and product design to an active and independent aging population. As Principal of Active Matters, Flax is responsible for developing approaches to assessing client needs and ultimately to developing solutions helping older men and women to age in place with home modification and behavioral recommendations to promote safety, visitability, and socialization.

Flax is passionate about exploring design concepts that support and empower a thriving aging population.  In a society where an increasing percentage of the population is older, Flax believes it is essential to reimagine how people of all ages will live and participate in an aging society. Her relevant certifications, professional network connections, continuing education, and participation in design competitions lead to her centrality in the conversation about design and aging.