Neurodiversity & Workplace Inclusivity

Neurodiversity & Workplace Inclusivity Presented by Bill Bouchey & Erin Heiden of HOK

AIALA Committee: Interior Architecture

This is a virtual event. Zoom log-in information will be emailed to registrants 24 hours in advance from events@aialosangeles.org. If you do not receive a confirmation 24 hours prior to the event, please email events@aialosangeles.org.

CES Learning Units: 1 LU/HSW

Approximately 15-20 percent of people are neurodivergent, meaning they have one of a collection of conditions that includes autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia. Over the next decade, 700,000 to over one million adults with autism will enter the U.S. workforce. As a result, organizations are redesigning spaces to be more inclusive, helping an increasingly neurodiverse workforce thrive. Employers are also beginning to recognize that accommodating neurodiverse people can provide a significant competitive advantage, leading to a range of more inclusive policies, programs and procedures.

Presenters:

Bill Bouchey ASID, INTNY, NCIDQ – Principal, Director of Design, Interiors, HOK 
Mr. Bouchey brings over 25 years as a thought leader in workplace, showroom, and lifestyle & hospitality environments, emphasizing innovation and brand presence. As Director of Design, Bill guides clients collaboratively in creating a sense of place and a commitment to concept-based design excellence. His design sense is driven by the belief that interior design empowers people and transforms organizations. To that note, he focuses on discovery and visioning in solutions to create a place that can support, and enhance a client’s business and experience objectives. Recognized as one of the industry’s most talented designers his work has received numerous honors and appeared in multiple media outlets and design publications, including speaking engagements and editorial blogs. His work has appeared in Interior Design magazine, Contract Magazine, and The New York Times among others. Bill serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of Contract Magazine, and is a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology.

Erin Heiden – Interior Design Professional, HOK
Erin Heiden is an interior designer and has been with HOK for nearly five years. She graduated in 2016 from Kansas State University with her Master’s in Interior Architecture and Product Design. She has spent most of her career in the corporate market sector designing offices for clients in the Southern California region. She is also the client account representative for one of HOK’s global clients, leading and executing projects for their offices across the country. Erin is a part of HOK’s thought leadership team and has a passion for evidence-based design. She is a member of the International Interior Design Association, LEED GA certified, WELL accredited, and NCIDQ Licensed.

Learning Objectives:
+ Learn from this expert panel how designers can help organizations influence the physical and cultural adaptations required to create physical work environments that support the full range of employees, neurotypical and neurodivergent.
+ Gain awareness of the challenges and advantages of the Neurodivergent condition.
+ Understand the benefits of diverse and inclusive workplaces.
+ Learn about the approach to inspire spaces that embrace, incorporate, and support Neurodiversity.

This program is brought to you by: ECC