Sarah Barnard’s approach to designing for sensory processing challenges focuses on how the built environment can support sensory regulation and emotional well-being. As a WELL- and LEED-accredited designer, she applies neuroinclusive and trauma-informed principles to create restorative sanctuaries that help minimize environmental stressors while maximizing personal comfort.

Acoustic & Vibrational Management

Auditory Softening: High-performance sound-absorbing textiles, insulation, and acoustic wall treatments help to minimize background noise and sudden auditory triggers.

Vibration Mitigation: Specialized flooring underlayments help to dampen mechanical vibrations.

Almost Silent Infrastructure: Quiet heating and air conditioning systems help prevent the low-level environmental hums.

Advanced Light & Shadow Control

Circadian Support: Programmable lighting systems mimic natural daylight cycles to help stabilize sleep-wake rhythms.

Visual Tranquility & Glare Reduction: Matte finishes on flooring, cabinetry, and work surfaces help to reduce reflective glare.

Shadow Management: Strategic placement of diffused, layered lighting, including wall sconces and perimeter cove lighting, helps to minimize high-contrast shadows and dark corners.

Olfactory Neutrality & Air Quality

Scent-Free Environments: To help protect against chemical sensitivities and olfactory triggers, prioritize low-VOC, non-toxic materials and employ fragrance-free protocols during construction.

Advanced Filtration: High-efficiency air purification systems can help remove cooking odors, allergens, and external pollutants.

Spatial Boundaries & Visitor Management

Predictable Social Zones: Intuitive spatial planning helps create clear distinctions between private zones and social areas, allowing for greater control over interactions with visitors.

Transitional Entryways: Decompression foyers help buffer the public world from the private sanctuary, offering a space to adjust sensory input before moving deeper into the home.

Visitor-Aware Technology: Integrated smart-home systems with visual or haptic alerts, rather than auditory chimes.

Tactile Grounding & Restorative Retreats

Tactile Material Selection: Natural textiles such as linen, cotton, hemp, and wool.

Dedicated Sensory Retreats: The design of safety nests, wellness rooms, or restorative nooks helps to provide a physical sense of containment and a refuge from external overstimulation.

Advocacy & Collaboration

Intermediary Services: The studio acts as a liaison with contractors and craftspeople, communicating sensory requirements with care throughout the construction process.

Collaborative Design Process: Site visits and meetings are scheduled around existing routines to facilitate a low-stress, supportive environment.