How Neuroinclusive Design is Reshaping the Built Environment with Sammy Rupp
In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen speaks with Sammy Rupp, interior designer and fiber artist at DLR Group, about her innovative work in neuroinclusive design. Sammy discusses how her personal experiences with ADHD and her sister’s autism diagnosis led her to champion design strategies that support diverse cognitive and sensory needs. She shares insights from her grant-supported research at DLR Group, details behind her immersive installation “Tactile” currently featured in Venice at the Architecture Biennale, and how designers can rethink traditional environments to be more responsive, inclusive, and human-centered.
Meet Our Guest
Sammy Rupp is an interior designer at the integrated design firm DLR Group and a practicing fiber artist. Her work explores accessibility and inclusion in the built environment, with a particular focus on creating spaces that support the unique needs and experiences of the neurodivergent community.
Want to hear more about neurodivergence and how it can impact workplace safety? Check out this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast from Endeavor Business Media's EHS Today.
Key Moments in This Episode
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00:00:05 |
Introduction |
Host Robert Nieminen introduces the topic of neuroinclusive design and previews the conversation with Sammy Rupp of DLR Group. |
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00:01:26 |
Sammy’s Background |
Sammy explains how her sister’s autism and her own ADHD diagnosis shaped her understanding of inclusive environments. |
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00:04:07 |
Family Influence |
Sammy shares how her father's work as an occupational therapist introduced her to the importance of environmental accessibility. |
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00:05:14 |
Fiber Art and Design |
Sammy discusses how her fiber art practice informs the sensory details of her design work and vice versa. |
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00:07:45 |
DLR Group Research Grant |
Sammy describes the personal development grant she received from DLR Group and her goal to explore sensory-sensitive design solutions. |
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00:09:41 |
Prototyping and Play |
She outlines the creation of furniture prototypes designed around fidgeting and play to reduce anxiety and promote engagement. |
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00:11:00 |
From Research to “Tactile” |
Sammy introduces “Tactile,” an immersive installation born from her research, showcased at the Time Space Existence exhibition in Venice. |
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00:13:00 |
Active vs. Quiet Zones |
She describes the installation's two distinct sensory zones and their grounding in occupational therapy modalities. |
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00:14:13 |
Collaboration with Tessia Machado |
Sammy explains how artist Tessia Machado helped shape the acoustic and vibrational sensory experience within the space. |
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00:16:59 |
Research-Informed Design |
She breaks down the therapeutic purposes of the active (fidget/play) and quiet (de-stimulation) zones. |
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00:19:01 |
Diagnoses and Misunderstanding |
Sammy discusses the gender gap in neurodivergent diagnoses and how that influences inclusive design approaches. |
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00:20:08 |
Materials and Discovery |
She explains how tactile exploration, hidden elements, and whimsy were incorporated into the exhibit to promote intuitive interaction. |
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00:21:31 |
Meaning of the Exhibit |
Sammy reflects on what it meant personally and professionally to bring “Tactile” to an international audience. |
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00:22:20 |
“Design for the Extreme” |
Sammy shares a favorite quote: “When we design for the extreme, it benefits the mean,” highlighting universal design values. |
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00:23:55 |
What Comes Next |
She hopes neuroinclusive strategies will permeate all types of design and become normalized industry-wide. |
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00:25:15 |
Surprising Research Insights |
Sammy reveals how widespread neurodiversity is and the importance of a research-driven design process. |
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00:27:21 |
Sensory Design Strategies |
Tactile, visual, and acoustic considerations that help reduce overstimulation and increase user comfort are discussed. |
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00:29:11 |
Industry Progress |
Sammy shares optimism for neuroinclusive design in education, workplace, and behavioral health spaces. |
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00:31:07 |
Advice to Young Designers |
She urges emerging designers to pursue topics they’re personally passionate about, especially where knowledge gaps exist. |
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00:32:47 |
Where to Learn More |
Sammy invites listeners to explore DLR Group’s work online and visit the “Tactile” exhibit in Venice. |
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00:33:21 |
Closing Remarks |
Robert closes the episode and encourages listeners to share and subscribe to I Hear Design. |
About the Author
Robert Nieminen
Chief Content Director
Chief Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Chief Content Director of three leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.
He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.
Known for his sharp editorial vision and data-informed strategies, Robert focuses on audience growth, engagement, and content monetization, leveraging AI tools and SEO-driven insights to future-proof B2B publishing.