The Untapped Design Secret to 10x Employee Performance with Kay Sargent
July 29, 2025
Neurodivergence diagnoses are more common than ever, and yet our workplaces struggle to keep up with the needs of the very people who inhabit those spaces. But all it takes is one person asking questions to get people to think differently. In the case of inclusive design, that one person is Kay Sargent, Senior Principal and Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK. Tune into the latest episode of Space by Stansons as host Guy Stanley sits down with Kay for a deep dive into the quickly evolving world of neuro-inclusive design, why it’s so critical in today’s design landscape and the far-reaching implications of not paying attention to it. Hint: it could cost you millions in talent retention.
This conversation is a reminder that traditional workspace standards need rethinking.
Neurodivergence diagnoses are more common than ever, and yet our workplaces struggle to keep up with the needs of the very people who inhabit those spaces. In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Kay Sargent,
Senior Principal and Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK for a deep dive into the quickly evolving world of neuro-inclusive design, why it’s so critical in today’s design landscape and the far-reaching implications of not paying attention to it.
What You’ll Learn
- Design strategies that support both hypersensitive and hyposensitive individuals
- The "Environmental-Based Working" framework for creating spaces that adapt to different sensory needs
- Why flexibility is the need of the hour to accommodate neurodiverse individuals
- How technology and sensors can create personalised workplace experiences
- The "Spatial Sequencing" principle for designing clearly defined zones that enhance functionality
- How to balance brand cohesion with neuro-inclusive design principles
- The critical importance of acoustic design in creating effective work environments
- Why "typical" workspace designs are becoming obsolete in favour of choice-based environments
- How to create workplace environments that adapt to changing human needs throughout the day
Kay Sargent is a Senior Principal and Director at HOK, where she leads groundbreaking work in workplace design and neurodiversity inclusion. With over 40 years of experience in design, she has spearheaded innovative research initiatives exploring the intersection of neurodiversity and workplace environments. Kay has co-authored "Designing Neuro Inclusive Workplaces" and led six major research initiatives on neurodiversity in workplace design, transforming how spaces are conceived for diverse cognitive needs. Her work, including award-winning projects like ARUP's Birmingham office, demonstrates how thoughtful design can create environments that support both hyper and hypo-sensitive individuals.
As a leading voice in environmentally based workplace design, Kay's expertise has helped organisations move beyond traditional activity-based working to create spaces that truly accommodate the full spectrum of human sensory needs.
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Episode Highlights
Episode Highlights
- [00:00] Introduction & Meeting Kay Sargent
- [01:33] Is Neurodivergence Really Increasing?
- [04:44] Why Neuroinclusive Design Is a Must-Have
- [05:29] Hypersensitivity, Hyposensitivity & Everything in Between
- [11:07] 3 Spaces That Are Perfectly Neuroinclusive
- [13:37] Variety Anxiety: Big Mistakes in Neuroinclusive Design
- [17:31] Making Sure You Don’t Forget the Brand
- [18:43] Technology In Neuroinclusive Design
- [22:50] Decoding ‘Wayfinding’: The Missing Piece
- [26:28] Designer’s Guide: Taking Neuroinclusivity To The Next Level
- [33:17] Why Kay Chose Neuroinclusive Design & The Aha Moment
- [37:56] Kay’s Book: Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces & Closing Thoughts
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