Sarah Barnard’s approach to designing for people with hearing impairment focuses on how the built environment can support visual awareness and ease of interaction. By applying Universal Design principles, the studio creates restorative spaces that serve as supportive partners in daily life.

Visual Connectivity and Spatial Awareness

DeafSpace Architectural Principles: Open floor plans with wide sightlines to allow for unobstructed visual communication and sign language interaction.

Strategic Furniture Groupings: Circular or U-shaped seating arrangements to help occupants maintain direct eye contact.

Visual Alert Systems: Localized lighting alerts, such as flashing or color-changing lights for essential home functions like doorbells, smoke detectors, and alarms.

Sensory Regulation and Acoustic Management

Acoustic Softening: High-performance sound-absorbing textiles, acoustic wall panels, and specialized insulation can help to minimize background noise and reverberation, which can be distracting or painful for those using assistive hearing devices.

Glare Reduction and Visual Clarity: Implementing matte finishes and layered lighting to reduce reflective glare on surfaces, helping faces and hands be clearly illuminated.

Vibratory Feedback Integration: Incorporating smart home systems that provide haptic or vibratory feedback to alert residents to essential home sounds.

Autonomy and Environmental Control

Smart Home Empowerment: Discreet integration of visual-interface technology for home automation, including lighting, climate, and security.

Optimized Lighting Design: Comprehensive, adjustable lighting networks that help provide even illumination.

Advocacy and Collaboration

To support effective communication with clients in the deaf community, Sarah Barnard’s studio utilizes a range of inclusive, non-auditory communication methods.

For clients who communicate primarily in American Sign Language (ASL), the studio is experienced in coordinating with professional ASL interpreters to ensure that every nuance of the design process is clearly understood and that collaboration is collaborative. When interpreters are not present, the team maintains clarity and connection through several dedicated strategies:

Visual Documentation and Annotation: Sketches, digital mood boards, and 3D renderings visually demonstrate design concepts, reducing the reliance on verbal or written descriptions.

Written and Digital Correspondence: Prioritizing written communication through email, text messaging, and a shared project management platform helps to provide a clear, permanent record of decisions and updates.

Video Communication with Real-Time Captioning: Video conferencing tools equipped with real-time captioning and chat features to facilitate face-to-face interaction.

Intermediary Services: The studio acts as a liaison with contractors and craftspeople to communicate the specific sensory and functional requirements of the design throughout the construction process.

Collaborative Site Visits: Scheduling meetings and site visits around the client’s routine helps to create a low-stress, supportive environment during the decision-making process.