On 13th November, Stephanie Kyle, Senior Architect and Inclusive Design Consultant at Floyd Slaski Architects—and the AJ100 Changemaker of the Year—joined an expert roundtable at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in London.

The event, titled "Designing for Neurodiversity in the Workplace", brought together seven thought leaders across design, policy, and business, including Jacqui Wallis (CEO, Genius Within and event chair), Suzan Ucmaklioglu (Foster + Partners), Lutfur Ali (CIPD), Jean Hewitt (Buro Happold), Onyinye Udokporo (Enrich Learning), Catherine Rayner (Squarepeg Design), and Leena Haque (BBC).

Key Discussions

The morning was divided into focused sessions:

Session 1: Practical Design Strategies for Neuroinclusion
Participants explored strategies to create sensory-friendly workplaces, including customisable workspaces, adjustable lighting, and soundproof zones. The role of emerging technologies in accessibility was also discussed, highlighting innovations that support neurodivergent employees.

Session 2: Culture, Policy, and Holistic Approaches
The conversation addressed organisational responsibilities, holistic design practices, and the challenges of language and definitions in neurodiversity. Jean Hewitt emphasised the risks of a tick-box approach, advocating for empathy-led strategies.

Session 3: Policies, Engagement, and Cultural Change
Discussions delved into the interplay between policy and cultural shifts, stressing the importance of lived experience in shaping workplace inclusion. Participants noted that while cultural change is underway, further efforts are needed to embed neurodivergent voices in decision-making processes.

Session 4: Workplace Space Allocation and Design Prioritisation
The group reflected on how companies, despite downsizing office spaces, can prioritise the spatial needs of both neurodivergent and neurotypical employees.

Stephanie’s Contributions

Stephanie brought a unique perspective grounded in her extensive experience as an architect and inclusive design consultant. Her key points included:

• Lived Experience: Highlighting the differences in interoception experienced by autistic individuals and the need for greater stakeholder engagement with end-users at every project stage.

• Advocating for Action: Urging that societal attitudes towards neurodiversity and workplace design changes must evolve in tandem—action cannot wait for societal stigma to dissipate.

• University Estates Guidance: Sharing insights from the soon-to-be-released AUDE guidance on neurodiversity for university estates teams.

• Decision-Making Challenges: Critiquing the tendency of clients and stakeholders to make decisions on behalf of neurodivergent individuals without consulting those with lived experience.

Outcomes and Next Steps

The event, recorded by the BBC, will be developed into a podcast and white paper, amplifying these critical discussions. Stephanie’s involvement demonstrates Floyd Slaski’s commitment to advancing inclusive design practices and shaping a future where workplaces meet the needs of all employees.

Stay tuned for more updates as this conversation continues to inspire change across industries.