Presented by Alexia Gkika and Rachel Wooden
Panellist Derek Wood
A discussion about understanding and meetings needs when people are assessed to require robust design, adaptations or specialist safety features to support their health, wellbeing and independence.
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Alexia is an Associate Lighting Designer in Buro Happold, London. With a particular focus on links to sustainability and inclusivity, Alexia is fascinated by the rapidly advancing LED technology and lighting controls offering great benefits in terms of energy optimisation, material resources and product longevity. However, caution needs to be taken where aspects related to the sensorial stimulation and visual comfort of all users with particular attention to people who are hypersensitive to light, as is the case with many people with sensory processing differences often experienced by users with neurodivergent and neurodegenerative conditions. Her keen interest has led her to dedicate time to collaborations with academic bodies and research institutions to deepen her experience and knowledge range.
Internally, Alexia operates as the regional sustainability/ Net Zero champion for 13 disciplines in Buro Happold, outlining priority actions, development of methodologies and team training.
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Rachel Wooden has over 30 years’ experience as an Occupational Therapist. She has worked for the London Borough of Wandsworth for over 20 years both in Adult Social Care and Housing and Regeneration Department, specialising in the field of inclusive and accessible housing. She is passionate about the design and build of beautiful, accessible homes and has worked hard to increase the provision of Housing Occupational Therapists across the borough. She is also mum to an amazing autistic daughter and a priest in the Church of England where she supports the work of the London Diocese Disability Ministry Team and longs to see churches be genuinely inclusive and affirming to all.