What is Remsen? How was it created?
Remsen is a lifestyle brand rethinking essential products for older adults by merging functionality with elegant design. The brand was born out of our desire to create items that uplift daily life while celebrating aging. Witnessing the uninspired products that our older loved ones had to use, we [Sam Zeif and Spencer Fried, architects and founders of Remsen] wanted to offer an alternative—products that bring pride and joy, rather than just serving a basic need.
What inspired you to design for the aging market?
Our inspiration came from our own families. We grew up surrounded by multiple generations and saw how poorly designed the products for older adults were. They lacked style and any sense of joy. That realization sparked a desire to create something better—products that treat aging as a natural, dignified process, not a medical condition to manage.
Your motto is: “Youth is a gift of nature, age is a work of art.” How does this message—and your brand—manifest this saying?
We believe aging should be something to aspire to, not something to fear. Our motto reflects that idea. At Remsen, we design products that allow people to embrace the aging process with grace and style. By making beautiful, age-agnostic items, we’re reinforcing the idea that age is just another part of life to celebrate, not something to hide or manage. We want our products to remind people that growing older is an art form—something rich with experience, wisdom, and personal expression.
Tell us about your feeling on good design for people who may have limitations.
Good design should work for everyone, and that’s especially true for people with physical limitations. We approach every design with a pro-aging mindset, meaning we create age-agnostic products that serve practical needs but also enhance the lives of anyone who uses them. We want people to feel empowered and dignified by the objects they use, not reminded of their limitations. At Remsen, we don’t believe that functionality and aesthetics should ever be mutually exclusive.
Why are most products on the market that address special needs so horrible and ugly?
Historically, products designed for special needs have focused solely on function and have neglected design altogether. They’ve been treated more like medical equipment than everyday items that fit into people’s lives. At Remsen, we see no reason why these products can’t be both functional and beautiful. We’re flipping the script by offering items that work well and look great, shifting away from the idea that aging means using objects that are merely practical.
What does the design process entail?
Our process starts with empathy. We dive deep into understanding what our users need, but we also think beyond utility—we’re looking to create something that looks and feels beautiful. From materials and ergonomics to the final visual impact, every detail is meticulously considered. The end goal is always the same: to design objects that serve a function and elevate everyday experiences.
You just launched your first two products: the Pill Container and the Grab Bar. Why did you choose these two items?
We chose the Pill Container and the Grab Bar because they are everyday items that often lack thoughtful design. Most of the options on the market focus solely on function and neglect how these products fit into someone’s home and life. The Pill Container turns a simple routine into something meaningful and visually appealing, while the Grab Bar combines safety with elegant design—bringing style into spaces where it’s traditionally missing.
Have you had people in your targeted demographic test these debut products? If so, what was their initial feedback?
Yes, we had people from various age groups and abilities test our products, because our goal is to make age-agnostic designs that anyone can embrace. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Testers loved that these products didn’t feel like “medical” or “geriatric” items—they’re simply well-designed objects that anyone would be proud to own. Whether it’s the Pill Container being displayed on a countertop or the Grab Bar blending seamlessly into a beautifully designed bathroom, users appreciated the functionality as much as the aesthetic.
Are there other products currently in the design pipeline for Remsen? If so, what are they and why are you choosing these to follow up your debut products?
Yes, we’re working on several more products that fit seamlessly into our mission. These include a Cane, Shower Chair, Key Turn, and a Playing Card Set with a Card Holder. These were chosen because they’re often daily essentials for older adults but tend to lack attention to design. We’re committed to redefining these products so they feel aspirational, not like compromises.
What’s the price point?
Our products are intentionally positioned at the luxury end of the market. For instance, the Pill Container is priced at $195. This reflects the premium materials and thoughtful craftsmanship we put into each item. Our goal is to differentiate from competitors who typically offer these types of products as afterthoughts. We want to make aging aspirational, showing that just because a product serves a practical need, doesn’t mean it should sacrifice elegance and style.
When will these products be available on the market?
Our Pill Container, Grab Bar, and Playing Cards are currently available for preorder, with fulfillment expected this winter. We’re excited to see these products find their way into homes and lives, and we’re working to ensure everything meets the high standards we’ve set for ourselves.
Who inspires you?
We’re inspired by the older generations, especially our grandparents and the elders in our communities. Their lives, filled with experiences and wisdom, remind us that aging is something to be celebrated. It’s their resilience and grace that drive us to design products that honor their lives and to craft things that reflect who they are, not just their needs.
We’re also influenced by the architecture and design community, especially mid-century modernism, which embodies an optimism and belief in the power of good design to enhance life—values we carry into everything we create at Remsen.
Main image courtesy of Remsen.
