AIACCC - April's Lunch & Learn

Lunch time event hosted by AIA California Central Coast Chapter

Madonna Inn's Round Room (Just up the stairs from the registration office.)

• Mains: Chicken Parmesan and Roasted Pork Loin
• Side: Tir Color Tortellini with Marinara Sauce
• Vegetable: Broccoli Florets
• Salads: Caesar Salad and Fruit Salad
• Dessert: Black Forest Cake

What if our spaces were designed for everyone, not just the “average” user?

Buildings are often designed around a perceived norm, but this approach can unintentionally create barriers for individuals with different sensory and cognitive needs. This engaging Lunch & Learn introduces key principles of neurodiverse design and explores how the built environment can better support a broader range of users across healthcare, education, and workplace settings.

Through a 101-level overview, this session will examine how lighting, acoustics, materiality, and wayfinding strategies can reduce overstimulation, improve clarity, and enhance comfort and accessibility. Grounded in current research and real-world case studies, attendees will gain actionable tools and design approaches that can be immediately applied to projects of all scales.

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how thoughtful, human-centered design can foster environments where everyone can thrive.

Autumn Little is the Director of Education for the Western U.S. and Canada at Clarus Glass, a leading manufacturer of customizable interior glass and AV solutions. She works with architects, designers, dealers, and education leaders across K–12 and higher education to develop modern, student-centered learning and collaboration spaces, including classrooms, residence life communities, and athletics facilities.

With more than 30 years of experience in marketing, business development, and leadership, Autumn helps K–12 districts and higher education institutions use their facilities as strategic assets that support enrollment, faculty recruitment and retention, and athletics recruiting. Her work focuses on spaces that foster academic success, collaboration, community engagement, and student connection.

Based in Austin, TX, Autumn enjoys walking her dogs around Town Lake, cheering on her daughters at soccer games, and relaxing on the deck with her husband and a good glass of wine.

Interested in speaking at our monthly LnL’s? Please contact us as [email protected] for more information.

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Host or Publisher AIA California Central Coast