Ladan Khalvati, ASID

My name is Ladan Khalvati, and I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Interior and Environmental Design at Texas Tech University. Beginning with a Bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering from Shiraz University, my educational journey has encompassed a diverse exploration of design principles, computational techniques, and environmental considerations. Graduating to graduate studies in Computational Design at Pars University, I honed skills in computational techniques and digital tools, laying the groundwork for my future endeavors in design. Continuing my academic pursuits, I obtained a Master of Science in Environmental Design from Texas Tech University, specializing in design for health, sustainability, and education. During this time, I focused on creating inclusive spaces for individuals with learning and developmental disabilities, emphasizing accessibility and user-centered design principles. Throughout my journey, marked by academic accolades, including awards, scholarships, and grants, I've developed a profound sense of responsibility as a designer. Through teaching, research, and professional practice, I am dedicated to advocating for design solutions that prioritize the well-being and experiences of individuals and communities. As I continue my Ph.D. journey, I am driven by a profound eagerness to make a positive impact as an interior designer. My ultimate goal is not just to create aesthetically pleasing spaces but to design environments that enhance the quality of life for diverse populations. With a keen focus on accessibility, sustainability, and inclusivity, I am eager to leverage my multidisciplinary background and practical experience to innovate and push the boundaries of interior design.

This research delves into a comprehensive examination of an innovative sustainable hotel design situated in Shiraz, Iran, showcasing three pioneering concepts: a dynamic Voronoi façade, inspired by the adaptive nature of morning glory flowers; the strategic implementation of Voronoi patterns in both façade and landscape design; and the seamless integration of solar energy through the installation of solar panels on the hotel's building and parking roofs. Drawing inspiration from the responsive characteristics of morning glory flowers, which dynamically adjust their shape in response to sunlight, the application of biomimicry principles enriches the hotel's environmental adaptability. The utilization of Voronoi patterns plays a pivotal role in optimizing the hotel's functionality, addressing aspects such as natural light distribution, airflow management, and structural efficiency. Furthermore, the integration of solar panels not only enhances the hotel's energy efficiency but also aligns with its overarching sustainability objectives. Simulation results underscore the system's efficacy, revealing an annual energy production of 4,281,172 kWh, leading to a significant reduction of 9,418,578 pounds of CO2 emissions. This multifaceted approach not only propels the hotel's environmental performance but also sets a precedent for sustainable architecture. The innovative combination of biomimicry, Voronoi patterns, and solar energy systems establishes a benchmark for creating buildings that harmonize with their surroundings, prioritizing environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and user well-being. Ultimately, this research contributes valuable insights to the discourse on sustainable design, fostering a paradigm shift towards a more resilient and eco-conscious future.

Hande Burcu Deniz

I have been intrigued by the interplay between design and psychology from a young age. This fascination led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in interior design, where I discovered the niche field of environmental psychology—a blend that resonated with both of my interests. The study of human and environment interaction inspired me to complete my master’s degree, focusing my thesis on the influence of controlled access to design studios on place attachment and territoriality. Currently, I am advancing my studies through a PhD, exploring how design in activity-based workplaces can reduce stress. My academic journey has been enriched by participation in diverse research studies aimed at expanding my understanding of design’s impact. These projects included trauma-informed design for the homeless, the implementation of augmented reality for aging in place, and the assessment of restorativeness in hospitality environments. My vision for the future of interior design integrates the strength of research with innovative design practices, aiming to contribute to human well-being in every way we can. I am excited to continue exploring how thoughtful design can create meaningful and positive changes in people's lives.

This study investigates the efficiency of augmented reality (AR) tools for home assessments, comparing them to traditional assessment methods. Recent advancements in mobile AR technologies allowed the creation of novel assessment tools that harness the capabilities of consumer smartphones equipped with AR functionalities. These tools aim to simplify and improve the accuracy and speed of home assessments, which are critical for aging-in-place and accessibility modifications. The research tested four newly developed AR tools: a ramp slope tool, a door width tool, a height assessment tool, and an area assessment tool. Each tool was designed to address specific measurement challenges within a home environment effectively. The study employed a within-subjects design involving 31 participants who used both AR tools and traditional methods to perform various tasks related to accessibility assessments. The results indicated significant improvements in accuracy and efficiency when using AR tools compared to traditional methods. Participants also rated the AR tools as easier to use and expressed greater confidence in their measurements. This study highlights AR's potential to enhance home assessment practices, offering a quicker, more accurate, and user-friendly alternative to conventional and expensive methods. The results of this study highlight the potential of current-generation phone-based AR technologies to help identify barriers in the home environment. Although this study was geared towards assessment tasks related to the home, these same tools could be utilized and expanded in a variety of other settings and applications to overcome barriers.

Rudy Dieudonne

Dieudonne is currently a Doctoral Candidate within the department of design studies at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. His current research investigates the neurological effects of the standard classroom interior environment (acoustics & lighting) on preschool students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He entered this Doctoral program after completing a few years of professional practice as an architectural designer, where he specialized in educational facility design (K-12). Prior to entering the industry, he received his master’s in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and his bachelor’s in design from the University of Florida (UF).

Sabah Mohammed

Mohammed is an architectural designer and researcher at Perkins&Will. Mohammed is passionate about addressing healthcare challenges through the lens of human-centered design. Previously, Mohammed was an E. Todd Wheeler Health Fellow at Perkins&Will, Atlanta where she conducted research on healing environments for patients with behavioral health needs. Her background in evidence-based design informs her interest in creating better, more equitable environments and services that are grounded in research. Mohammed serves as a member of the Health Guideline Revision committee for the 2026 Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) cycle. Mohammed graduated with a master’s in design and health from the Department of Human-Centered Design at Cornell University and holds a bachelor’s in architecture from the National Institute of Technology, India. At Cornell, she was the recipient of the Patricia J. Harris Scholarship; the Epperson Entrepreneurship Fellowship; the K.C. Mahindra Scholarship and was honored as the 2022 Cornell University Graduate School Degree Marshall.

Rana Hassan Bazaid, Student ASID 

Thesis: Exploring the Connection Between the 14 Patterns of Biophilia and their Potential Restorative Effects on ICU Nurse Burnout and Stress Levels

Oliver Vallerand

Book: Unplanned Visitors: Queer Subversions of Domestic Space

Roshni Parthasarathy

Roshni Parthasarathy is an architect from the city of Mumbai, India. Her interests in architecture and design began at a young age with a fascination in the configuration of spaces and the environments around them. Parthasarathy is currently getting her master’s in interior design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Her MFA graduate thesis is on the impact that interior design has the potential to create and the design and creation of spaces that focus on the physical and psychological well-being of individuals.

Adeleh Nejati

Adeleh Nejati, AIA, PhD, LEED AP, WELL AP, EDAC is an Associate Principal and Senior Healthcare Planner and Researcher with HMC Architects in San Francisco. Driven to enhancing the human experience in healthcare environments for patients, families, and staff, Dr. Nejati received a doctorate in healthcare architecture from Texas A&M University. Her doctoral dissertation on “Restorative Design Features for Hospital Staff Break Areas” is published in numerous peer-reviewed journals receiving awards by the International Academy for Design and Health, and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Previously with architecture firms HKS and HOK respectively, Dr. Nejati served as a healthcare planner and researcher on a variety of projects including Stanford Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, USC Norris Cancer Center, and a 1.5 million square-foot cancer hospital and specialized outpatient clinic facility in Hong Kong.

Crystal Martin, Student ASID

Crystal Martin is an innovative designer focusing on creating interior spaces that have balance. She is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) as well as the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art Southeast Chapter (ICAASE) and is earning her Master of Fine Arts interior design degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She also has an undergraduate degree with minors in drawing and architectural history. As a student, she has won numerous design awards from the ASID community as well as several International Design Awards for Institutional, Hotels & Resorts, as well as Retail projects.

As an interior designer, her design philosophy relies on juxtaposition; balancing history, the present and future in order to create timeless sustainable designs that can be coveted through the tests of time. Her design process starts by looking at the bigger picture down to the fine details, concentrating on wellness for the users, psychologically, physically, as well as an expression for evoking knowledge through the spaces. Her inspiration derives from her experiences growing up in New York City and living in Florence, Milan and Seoul, embodying American, European and Asian influences.

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​Madison Sacramone, Student ASID

​Madison Sacramone is an Interior Design student on a mission to change the world by design. Growing up in New York, she wanted nothing more than to share her compassion and channeled this through storytelling in her art. When the question of college came about during her junior year of high school, she began a journey to discover what she wanted to do. Assisted by her mother, she started an online Fair Trade & Handmade boutique to work with global artisans worldwide. Her passion for human connection and wellbeing led her to pursue her undergraduate degree in Interior Design at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where many of her projects evaluated sustainability and people-centric design. Through her experiences at SCAD, Madison grew as an artist and designer, especially from her time studying in Lacoste, France. During her time abroad she found a new appreciation for travel and began to look at the natural and built environment differently. 

Madison will be pursuing her second degree at the University of Edinburgh: a Master’s degree in Advanced Sustainable Design.

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