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As global conversations and actions around inclusivity and equity gain momentum, it is crucial to expand our implementation of Human Sustainability in the built environment to encompass diversity, equity, and inclusion. With one in seven people considered neurodiverse—yet fewer than 50 percent aware of it—the impact of our built environments on neurodiverse individuals cannot be overlooked. This webinar will explore how spaces can be thoughtfully designed to accommodate the unique needs of neurodiverse
individuals, enabling everyone to perform at their best. Participants will gain insights into understanding neuro-sensitivities and how different space types can be tailored for both hypersensitive and hyposensitive users. The discussion will focus on strategies for architects, interior designers, and workplace managers to integrate inclusive and equitable design principles. The goal is to create high-performing, energy-efficient environments that prioritize health, well-being, and equity for all individuals.
By applying universal design and equitable design principles, this seminar will guide participants in enhancing the user experience and supporting an inclusive built environment. Komal has extensive experience in this area, including live lectures, workshops, videos, podcasts and publications, such as presentations at the Greenbuild International Conference, guest lectures at Arizona State University, and contributions to Metropolis Design Magazine.
Resource materials will be provided from U.S. institutions and organizations including Center for excellence in Universal Design, International WELL Building Institute’s Health Equity Rating, HOK’s research papers on Designing for Neurodiversity.
Architects, Interior Designers, Facility Managers, Workplace Managers, Sustainability Professionals, Design Students.
This online seminar/webinar is eligible for 1.5 WELL-specific Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) for WELL Accredited Professionals (WELL AP’s).
Start: Wed, 13 Nov, 2024
End: Wed, 13 Nov, 2024
Time: 6:00- 7:30 pm
Location: Online – Link will be sent to registered participants a day before.
Cost: Free
Komal Kotwal
Komal Kotwal is a Global Sustainable Strategy and Management Leader, an Architect and Educator. Founder and Principal Consultant at EquiSustain, Komal specializes in bespoke sustainability consulting, educational and mentoring services, with a key focus on the intersection of climate change & health and the integration of equity in design. Prior to establishing EquiSustain, Komal held the role of firmwide Sustainable Design Leader for Health, Well-Being and Equity at the global architecture and engineering firm, HOK. Komal additionally serves as the Content Director for the Sustainable Design Academy for UK Based Think Tank, Sustainable Design Collective. With over 19 years of experience, she has spearheaded sustainable design initiatives across diverse projects, including large masterplans, corporate campuses, airports, education and healthcare systems encompassing over ten million sq. ft. of real estate. Her accomplishments range from pioneering net-zero energy and carbon initiatives to developing corporate ESG and WELL at Scale frameworks and overseeing LEED and WELL Platinum projects in the United States and the Middle East.
An award-winning Architect, Thought Leader and WELL Faculty, Komal leverages a global platform to share industry and academic insights, guiding change-makers committed to creating sustainable, healthy, and equitable environments. Komal was recognized in an exclusive interview with Disrupt Magazine in April 2024 and with Madame Architect in April 2023 for redefining industry standards and acknowledged by the International WELL Building Institute two years in a row with the Rising Star Award in the WELL Faculty Category in 2022 and as a WELL AP on the Next Frontier of Design in 2023. Komal has been an invited member of the Fast Company Impact Council, New York in 2022-23 dedicated to discussing the impact of business on the most pressing issues of our time.
Komal currently serves on IWBI’s Community advisory and has served on IWBI’s Health Equity Advisory, AIA Houston Board of Directors, the Texas USGBC Regional Council, and the USGBC’s Greenbuild Program Committee. Komal has also served on HOK’s Diversity Advisory Council and HOK’s Management Board.
Komal holds a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Mumbai.