In this webinar, we explore why it is important for designers to understand sensory sensitivities associated with neurodiversity and how architects are addressing these with inclusive design.
“Environmental design can powerfully affect neurodiverse individuals in ways that might not be immediately visible or understood.” (Crown Paints, Designing for Neurodiversity report)
While it’s mandatory that new or refurbished buildings must be designed to be accessible for those with physical disabilities, that’s generally not the case for neurodivergent people (Crown Paints, Designing for Neurodiversity report).
You gain invaluable insights from Dr Katie Gaudian, Designer and Senior Research Associate at The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design, Royal College of Art – a global leader in inclusive design, working with government, business, academia and the third sector, Jemma Saunders, colour specialist at Crown Paints, and Dr Maria Xirou, an accomplished medical doctor, author and Consultant in Neurodiversity and Design for the Neurodiverse.
Do not miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of why and how to address neurodiversity in design and elevate your design projects to new heights. Reserve your spot today!
Who should attend:
- Architects
- Interior Designers
- Students
- Landscape Architects
- Design Professionals
Why should you attend:
- Expert knowledge
- Inspiration and creativity
- Practical insights
- Professional growth
- Interactive learning
Speakers:
- Jemma Saunders, Colour Specialist, Crown Paints
- Dr Katie Gaudion, Designer and Senior Research Associate, Royal College of Art
- Dr Maria Xirou, Medical Doctor, Author and Consultant in Neurodiversity and Design for the Neurodiverse, Xirou Katyal Interiors
This webinar will be chaired by Jan-Carlos Kucharek;Deputy Editor, RIBAJ
This webinar is in partnership with Crown Paints
Our speakers:
Jan-Carlos Kucharek Deputy editor RIBAJ & editor RIBAJ Spec
Jan-Carlos Kucharek is an architectural journalist and registered architect. He studied his part 1 at Canterbury College of Art and his architecture diploma at The Bartlett (UCL) and worked for five years at Foster + Partners. He took a part-time role at the RIBA Journal in 2004 and continued working freelance at Marks Barfield, Hudson Featherstone, David Morley and Fourthspace architects. He is the editor of RIBAJ Spec.
Dr Katie Gaudion, Designer and Senior Research Associate, The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design, Royal College of Art
Katie is a Design Researcher and has spent over 14 years working with neurodivergent people. Her research investigates how design can improve the physical environment for autistic people. Katie develops tools that connect, communicate and engage with autistic people and their support network, to enable them to be active participants in the design research. Katie is the first Research Associate to have completed a PhD by practice at the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design. The PhD explored how autistic adults with additional learning difficulties experience their home environment. Katie has since put her ideas into practice in a wide variety of contexts, such as supported living accommodation, workplaces, sensory environments, educational institutions, health clinics, and hospitals. Her work has been published and presented internationally.
Jemma Saunders, Colour Specialist, Crown Paints
As a key member of Crown’s Colour Services team, Jemma works with professional customers to create schemes for a wide variety of commercial developments.
Dr Maria Xirou, medical doctor, author and Consultant in Neurodiversity and Design for the Neurodiverse, Xirou Katyal Interiors
Dr. Maria Xirou is a medical doctor with decades of experience, specialising in neurodiversity. She has extensive expertise in assessing and treating children and young adults with neurodevelopmental conditions, including co-occurring mental health challenges. She also has extensive experience in acquired brain injuries and neurodiversity. Beyond medicine, she holds a diploma in interior design and applies her skills to create inclusive, therapeutic spaces tailored to neurodiverse needs. Her work thoughtfully bridges clinical insight and design, helping to create environments that better support the wellbeing and daily experiences of neurodiverse individuals.
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