In this episode, Luisa Pereira Pires discusses her journey as an intersectional neurodivergent designer and the founding of the Neurodiversity Architecture Network. She highlights the barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals in education and professional practice, the importance of peer support, and the need for systemic changes in architecture education. Luisa emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and offers advice for future architecture students, particularly those who are neurodivergent. The conversation concludes with a vision for the future of the Neurodiversity Architecture Network and the role of design in fostering inclusivity and understanding

You can find more about Luiza here -

linkedin.com/in/luisa-pereira-pires

https://www.luisapereirapires.com/

In this episode, join Rosie Elvin as she sits down with Nidhi Panandikar, the innovative mind behind Playbook Studios. Discover how Nidhi transitioned from architecture to UX design, and how her passion for games led to the creation of a business that champions unrehearsed conversations and meaningful connections. Explore the impact of play on neurodiverse communities, and learn how games can transform learning and collaboration in both educational and professional settings. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, inclusivity, and the power of play

You can find Nidi here - linkedin.com/in/nidhi-panandikar

https://www.playbookstudios.co.uk/

In the very first episode of Design for Every Mind, I sit down with illustrator and live graphic recorder Bex Gilbert, whose journey from high-pressure communications to creative entrepreneurship is as inspiring as it is relatable. I first met Bex back in 2006, when she was working for the British Red Cross and I had just returned to university to study for my postgraduate qualification in architecture. Even then, her creativity and energy stood out, but her career path took her deep into the world of crisis communications – covering events like the Grenfell Tower fire, the Manchester Arena bombing, and the Covid-19 pandemic. After years of carrying the emotional weight of other people’s stories, Bex reached a turning point. Picking up a sketchbook during lockdown, she discovered the power of visual storytelling – first as a personal outlet, and eventually as a whole new career. Today, she uses live illustration and graphic recording to help people understand, connect, and remember in a whole new way. In our conversation, Bex shares her story of career reinvention, the role of visual note-taking in learning and focus, and how following your creative instincts can open unexpected doors. It’s a reminder that the skills we quietly nurture in the background can sometimes lead us to the work we were meant to do

Bex can be found here - https://www.bexgilbert.com/