In this episode, Rosie Elvin interviews Doug Gittens, a senior lecturer and course leader at Nottingham Trent University, about his experiences with dyslexia and neurodiversity in the field of design and education. Doug shares his journey from struggling in school to finding his passion in art college, and how his unique way of thinking has become a strength in his career. The conversation delves into the challenges and misconceptions around neurodiversity, the importance of self-awareness, and the strategies Doug has developed to navigate his professional life

Doug can be found here: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/staff-profiles/architecture-design-built-environment/douglas-gittens

In this episode of Design for Every Mind, Rosie Elvin is joined by Patty Taylor, Specification Manager at Karndean Commercial, to explore how empathy can transform the way we design spaces.
Originally from Guatemala and now living in Weston-super-Mare, Patty brings her passion for inclusivity to the world of architecture and interiors through her work on neuro-inclusive design.

Together, they discuss why empathy should be the starting point for every project, how small design choices can make a huge difference, and why inclusivity benefits everyone — not just those who are neurodivergent. From lighting and acoustics to flexible spaces and sensory-friendly finishes, this conversation shows how thoughtful design can truly help people feel they belong

In this conversation, Lisa Wood, a personal stylist, discusses the impact of social media on personal style choices, emphasing the importance of understanding individual body types and the need for a curated wardrobe that prioritizes quality over quantity. She highlights the common issue of women feeling dissatisfied with their clothing choices due to the influence of influencers and the tendency to buy items that may not suit them. Lisa also points out that many women only wear a small percentage of their wardrobe regularly, suggesting a need for more thoughtful purchasing decisions.

Lisa can be found here - https://www.lisalovesstyle.com/

And on Instagram - lisa.loves.style

In this episode of "Design for Every Mind," host Rosie Elvin welcomes Emma Davies, a Part Two architectural assistant at Chapman Taylor Architects. Emma shares her journey from Lincoln to Manchester, focusing on her master's thesis about neurodiversity in the workplace. Discover how Emma's passion for inclusion and wellbeing drives her innovative approach to architecture, creating spaces where everyone can thrive. Join us as we explore the intersection of design, neurodiversity, and personal expression

You can find Emma at - linkedin.com/in/emma-davies-866a14175

And on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/emmadavies.arch

https://www.instagram.com/emmas.palette/

Emma's project can be found here: https://www.msa.ac.uk/2025/profile/emma-davies/

In this episode, Rosie Elvin welcomes Stuart Mills, an advertising veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, who has transitioned from the fast-paced world of advertising to founding The Noisy Brain, a global social enterprise. Stuart shares his journey from working with renowned agencies like Saatchi & Saatchi and Ogilvy to advocating for mental and emotional health through creative expression. He discusses the impact of neurodiversity on his career, particularly how ADHD has influenced his creative process and personal growth. The conversation delves into the challenges and advantages of neurodivergent thinking in the workplace, the importance of self-care, and the healing power of creativity. Stuart also highlights the collaborative nature of The Noisy Brain, where personal stories are transformed into music, fostering a supportive community for mental health awareness

You can find the Noisy Brain here - https://www.instagram.com/thenoisybrainer/

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/