ASLA-NCC JEDI Committee is thrilled to host an inaugural two-part series panelist discussion on Designing for Neurodiversity. JEDI envisions these panelist discussions to be free-flowing conversations between designers and experts in the topic, with some attendee participation. This panel discussion will be held online via Zoom. How can we not only support, but also celebrate these invisible conditions often excluded from consideration in the built environment? These panels, moderated by Michelle Jepsen + Yuki Igarashi of the JEDI Committee, will provide insights from industry leaders and their experiences in designing for neurodiversity, while holding space for open conversations for all.

We will launch the series with a webinar discussion, embracing the diverse experiences of industry leaders from varied backgrounds. Our panelists include:

Toni Candanedo
Toni is a former desert dweller from Phoenix, Arizona, now residing in San Francisco. She is a Landscape Designer for SmithGroup San Francisco with 6 years of experience working within the healthcare, higher education, and workplace sectors. She has worked with clients, contractors, and her teammates to push designing for neurodiversity on projects currently under construction and in the design phase.

April Riehm
April recently graduated from Clemson University with MLA and a Master of City & Regional Planning. She’s interested in designing for equity and inclusion, focusing her research on bridging the accommodation gap for ADHD students in higher education.

Maci Nelson
Maci Nelson is a neurodivergent landscape podcaster, writer, and designer in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2020, she received her Master of Landscape Architecture and created The Landscape Nerd podcast to advocate for interdisciplinary community building, neuro-inclusive design principles, and improving mental health in the profession.

Sarah Oppenhuizen
As the Director of Interiors for HOK’s San Francisco studio, Sarah Oppenhuizen guides design teams and clients through all phases of project delivery. Her career includes design and management for complex domestic and international projects, including corporate workplaces, science and technology facilities, medical centers, government facilities and airports.

Ryan Boe
Ryan Boe is from the Midwest by way of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln from 2000 to 2006, with degrees in architecture of a Bachelor of Science of Design in 2004 and Master of Architecture in 2006. In 2018, Ryan became a proud father of his beloved twin identical boys. In 2020, his wife and he noticed their sons were experiencing developmental delays and his sons were diagnosed with autism. He has seen first-hand how much our built environments need to change to be more inclusive. Ryan joined SmithGroup in 2022 as an Arch III in the San Francisco office’s workplace studio.

Cost: ASLA Members and Students Free, Non-ALSA Member $25

The zoom link for this virtual event will be shared upon registration.

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