HPxD Announces First Design Forward Event in High Point

In the spring of 2023, with Visit High Point taking the lead, the furniture capital of the world became the second city in the United States to become a Certified Autism Destination. To achieve this status, many businesses in the High Point, NC, community committed to specialized training to better understand how to serve and accommodate individuals on the autism spectrum. High Point by Design was inspired to lean into this achievement, and responded with Design Forward, a conference shaped by the
momentum around the growing practice of wellness design and neuroaesthetics.

Coming to High Point November 12 and 13, Design Forward is two days of education focused on designing with neurodiversity in mind. Divided into three tracks, sessions are tailored for interior designers and home furnishings professionals, realtors, and the greater community of parents, teachers, small business owners and others interested in connecting the dots between cognitive disabilities, disorders and design.

“The first thing that went through my mind when I heard that High Point had become a Certified Autism Destination was, ‘There’s a major design angle here. Let’s do something!’” explains Jane Dagmi, Managing Director of HPxD, who started corralling the experts. She dialed longtime designer pals Shelly Rosenberg of Acorn & Oak and Lisa Kahn-Allen of Finding Sanctuary by Lisa Kahn Designs who have both declared wellness a pillar of their business. Kristin Bartone of Bartone Interiors, autism home specialist Natalie Castro and Greg Barrett of Savant were newer connections. These speakers are parents or guardians of children diagnosed with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDDs).

Programming for the trade is on November 12 and emphasizes the business of designing for neurodiverse families, and the strategies, tools and materials needed to create sensory-inclusive spaces such as color, light and texture. There will also be a panel devoted to marketing in this niche. It is a full day of programming beginning at 9am at Universal Furniture and concluding with a reception at Splashworks.

The second day is split between two events. The morning session for the greater community will take place at Congdon Yards. Families, teachers, business owners and anyone who would like to join the discussion around how our environments can safely support, nurture and empower children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as caregivers.

“Caregiver fatigue is very real,” says Kahn-Allen. “When you have a family member with special needs or abilities, it creates an imbalance in focus and attention, and we have to be sensitive in providing nurturing spaces designed for those giving the care.”

In the afternoon at Pandora’s Manor, Castro will present content for real estate professionals. “The Realtor’s Guide to Autism” will equip realtors and others in the building industry with best practices for servicing autistic families and sensory-diverse individuals looking to buy or rent homes. Additionally, a designer panel will discuss finessing the designer-realtor relationship to create a win-win for all. A reception at Pandora’s will follow.

Tickets for Design Forward are on sale on Eventbrite. This event is partially funded by grants from Visit High Point and the IFDA Educational Foundation. There are several sponsorship opportunities still available.