Los Angeles Build Expo 2026
Los Angeles Convention Center - West Hall A - Los Angeles, CA
Cheryl Sanders
Vice President | The Designers Group
Presenter bio
Cheryl Sanders, VP of Healthcare at The Designers Group, has dedicated more than 35 years exclusively to Senior Housing Design. She holds a BA in Interior Architecture and is a C.I.D. (Certified Interior Designer), the highest level of accreditation awarded to interior designers in California. Cheryl’s work has focused on senior housing, hospitality, and corporate design for both new construction projects and renovations of all sizes, with projects spanning from California to New York. She is highly experienced in fire and life safety regulations, ADA requirements, earthquake standards, infection control, and building codes. Working closely with architects, general contractors, and in-house maintenance teams, Cheryl ensures that every environment she designs prioritizes safety, functionality, and full code compliance for her clients. Throughout her career, Cheryl has spoken at major design and senior housing conferences across the country. Her work and insights have been featured in Design Environments for the Aging and Healthcare Design magazines. She was also featured on HGTV’s Designer’s Challenge, where she discussed interior design considerations for seniors living at home.
Blima Ehrentreu
Founder & CEO | The Designers Group
Presenter bio
Blima Ehrentreu is a visionary leader, award-winning designer, and advocate for purpose-driven innovation in the built environment. As the Founder and CEO of The Designers Group (TDG), she has transformed the commercial, residential, and healthcare design landscape with a commitment to integrating technology, sustainability, and social impact into every project.
Under Blima's leadership, TDG has earned recognition for its forward-thinking approach and inclusive culture. As an MWBE-certified firm, TDG fosters diversity while delivering cutting-edge designs that enhance functionality, efficiency, and well-being. The firm has also been recognized as a Women-Forward Workplace and one of the Best Places to Work in CRE.
Blima's commitment to innovation is evident in TDG's Tech Hub, where AI-powered space planning and smart building solutions drive efficiency and sustainability. Her passion for social impact is reflected in initiatives such as TDG Gives Back and TDG Furniture Exchange, which promote sustainability and community support. Additionally, TDG Insider provides aspiring designers with mentorship and internship opportunities, fostering the next generation of talent.
Through her leadership, Blima continues to redefine industry standards, shaping the future of design with a focus on technology, inclusion, and meaningful impact.
Smart Design & Technology: Enhancing Efficiency in Commercial Construction
In today's rapidly evolving commercial construction landscape, integrating smart design and technology is key to optimizing efficiency, sustainability, and long-term functionality. In this session, Blima Ehrentreu will explore the latest innovations in smart building technology, AI-powered design strategies, and data-driven decision-making. Attendees will gain real-world insights from TDG's experience in large-scale commercial projects and learn how these advancements are reshaping the industry.