Embracing Neurodiversity: A Sensory Journey into the Workplace

Set within the Wagstaff & Umbrella showroom in the heart of Brewhouse Yard, Clerkenwell, this free-to-attend destination event transforms one of London’s most celebrated design spaces into a hive of knowledge exchange, immersive brand experiences, and genuine sensory exploration - all anchored around one of the most urgent conversations in workplace and interior design today.

Neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and sensory processing differences, make up an estimated 15–20% of the global workforce. Yet most offices are still designed around a mythical ‘average’ user. This event asks: what if we designed for everyone?

Whether you’re an interior designer, architect, workplace strategist, HR professional, or design brand, this is your opportunity to discover how sensory-informed, neuro-inclusive design can transform environments, and the people within them.

Book your 20-minute daily sensory reset with our resident therapy puppies — the ultimate antidote to festival fatigue. (Limited slots - book early to avoid disappointment)

The Senses and Sensibilities of Designing for Neurodivergency

The Sensory Office: Designing for the 100%

Collaborative Architectural LEGO® Build for grown-ups

Sustainable Materials 'Touch & Feel 'Showcase with Jade Ilke

Explore curated collections from our world-class Umbrella+Friends 2026 partners each showcasing their latest work at the intersection of aesthetic excellence and sensory wellbeing:

Stay on for drinks and refreshments after the session.

For the neurodivergent mind, the modern office is a battlefield for our senses. William Knight, Material Matters chairs a provocative panel of experts to explore how sight, light, and touch dictate neurological comfort and workplace inclusion. We bring together the tactile truth of Ben Ayling, Lundhs Real Stone, the lighting expertise of Lamnaire, the material craftsmanship of Monique Tollgård, Eikund and the lived neurodivergent advocacy of Piers Roberts, Trinary.

Discover how the textures we touch, the light we see, and the materials we touch can either soothe the brain or trigger a fight-or-flight response – and how design can master these elements to transition from high-energy intensity to quiet focus.

This panel explores how designing for neurodiversity redefines the workplace for every user. Moving beyond the ‘average’ user, the discussion examines how high-energy spaces and low-stimulus sanctuaries can coexist to enhance focus and well-being.

Chaired by Vanessa Champion, Editor, Journal of Biophilic Design, the panel brings together Henrietta Valler-Still, Ambitious About Autism charity, Workplace Design Manager, David Potts from Government Property Agency (GPA), experience strategist Luke Ward from Gensler and Neuroinclusive Biophilic Design Consultant Oliver Heath. From the role of natural elements and materiality in regulating the nervous system, to user-controlled choices and the business case for inclusivity, this conversation positions neuro-inclusive design as essential infrastructure shaping the future of work.

🎟️ All programme events are FREE to attend.

📲 To access your LIVE tickets: Download the Eventbrite app and create an account.

👉 For more information and enquiries, email us at [email protected]

#UmbrellaAndFriends #CDW2026 #wagstaff #neurodiversityintheworkplace

www.umbrellafurniture.com

www.wagstaffgroup.co.uk

Info: For the neurodivergent mind, the modern office is a battlefield for our senses. William Knight, Material Matters chairs a provocative panel of experts to explore how sight, light, and touch dictate neurological comfort and workplace inclusion. We bring together the tactile truth of Ben Ayling, Lundhs Real Stone, the lighting expertise of Lamnaire, the material craftsmanship of Monique Tollgård, Eikund and the lived neurodivergent advocacy of Piers Roberts, Trinary
Discover how the textures we touch, the light we see, and the materials we touch can either soothe the brain or trigger a fight-or-flight response – and how design can master these elements to transition from high-energy intensity to quiet focus.

Info: This panel explores how designing for neurodiversity redefines the workplace for every user.

Moving beyond the ‘average’ user, the discussion examines how high-energy spaces and low-stimulus sanctuaries can coexist to enhance focus and well-being.

Chaired by Vanessa Champion, Editor, Journal of Biophilic Design, the panel brings together the Ambitious About Autism charity, alongside designers and workplace experts leading the field in sensory-informed environments.
From the role of natural elements and materiality in regulating the nervous system, to user-controlled choices and the business case for inclusivity, this conversation positions neuro-inclusive design as an essential infrastructure shaping the future of work.

Info: Our most beloved activation returns. Book your 20-minute daily sensory reset with our resident therapy puppies — the ultimate antidote to festival fatigue. (Limited slots - book early to avoid disappointment). There will be eight time slots running daily at 10.00am, 10.40am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.00 pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm and 3.30pm. Tickets strictly limited to ONE person during CDW26 festival. Multiple day tickets will be CANCELLED.

Info: Contribute to an evolving ‘London Scene’ installation across the 3-day festival. Designed for the professional mind to decompress, focus, and create - a mindful sensory break in the heart of the showroom and grown-up Lego enthusiasts.

Info: Upholstery specialist Jade Ilke presents a touch-and-feel materials showcase exploring the good, the bad and the genuinely smarter circular material choices to reduce carbon through refurbishment and minimize harmful materials released into our spaces. Drop by and explore the materials up close!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Wagstaff & Umbrella Furniture showroom, 9 Brewhouse Yard, London, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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