The Altro Inclusive Design Forum is back on Wednesday 2 July 2025!

Join us in Birmingham, for a day filled with insights on autism, design, neurodiversity, and hidden disabilities.

Expect lively discussions, inspiring speakers, and hands-on interactive sessions.

Presentations include:

  • How Colour Can Help to Create a Neurodiverse-Friendly Environment presented by Maria Luigia Assirelli, Director, Mental Health and Social Value Lead at Floyd Slaski Architects
  • Thinking Differently: Architectural Design for Neurodiversity and Non-Visible Disabilities presented by Stephanie Kyle, Associate and Inclusive Design Consultant at Floyd Slaski Architects
  • Designing for Disability: Moving from Intention to Impact presented by Amy Francis-Smith, Senior Architect & Accessibility Specialist at Pinnegar Hayward Design

The full agenda and speaker bios can be found here, don't miss out - register for your free place below.

Register for your free place here

Keynote speakers

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Maria Luigia Assirelli

Director | Mental Health & Social Value Lead | Floyd Slaski Architects

How Colours Can Help to Create an Autism- friendly environment

Maria Assirelli joined Floyd Slaski Architects in March 2022 and has a passion for designing healing environments. She currently leads Floyd Slaski’s mental health portfolio. Previously a Partner at GA Architects, Maria specialised in creating autism-friendly spaces, a focus of her research since 2005. She has contributed to various publications, including those by the National Autistic Society. Maria is known for her positive attitude, deep understanding of team dynamics, and excellent communication skills, which are particularly valuable in stakeholder engagement and design team coordination. Committed to continuous learning and innovation, she actively participates in teaching, research, and lecturing at conferences.
To keep her skills current, Maria recently completed a course on
“Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills” at CUL.

Stephanie Kyle

Associate & Inclusive Design Consultant | Floyd Slaski Architects

Thinking Differently: Architectural Design for Hidden Disabilities

Stephanie is a Senior Architect and Inclusive Design Consultant at Floyd Slaski Architects, and the first winner of the AJ100 Change-maker of the Year Award for her contribution to the profession. Passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion in architecture, Stephanie channels her extensive knowledge and creativity into designing innovative and aesthetically beautiful spaces, ensuring that each project not only meets the highest architectural standards but also demonstrates that inclusivity can be both functional and visually inspiring. Stephanie offers specialist guidance to other designers, clients, and decision-makers, ensuring the seamless integration of inclusive design principles throughout every stage of architectural projects. Her expertise surpasses Part M/BS 8300, encompassing considerations for religion, gender-neutral facilities, and a specialist focus on neurodiverse inclusive design and non-visible disabilities. Stephanie’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity extends to being Assistant Professor of Architectural Design at the University of Nottingham, inspiring the next generation of architects.

Amy Francis-Smith

Senior Architect & Accessibility Specialist | Pinnegar Hayward Design

Amy Francis-Smith is a multi-award-winning Disabled Architect, Inclusive Designer, and Access Consultant. As a Senior Architect at Pinnegar Hayward Design and former Vice President of the Birmingham Architectural Association, she champions legislative change to enhance accessibility in the built environment. 

Named a Design Council Specialist Expert, Amy advises on accessibility, policy, and design strategy. Her extensive experience spans multiple sectors including residential, healthcare and civic spaces, alongside advocacy for improved access policies. 

A prominent speaker and educator, she sits on various design panels, including HS2, WMCA’s Disability Taskforce, an accessible event advisor for Shaw Trust and teaches at various universities. Featured across the media and recognised as no. 6 on the Shaw Trust’s Power 100 most influential disabled people in the UK. Amy has RIBA-published works on diversity in architecture and has been celebrated as a RIBAJ Rising Star.

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Event FAQs

We have answered some common FAQs below. If there is anything else you’d like to know about the event, please email Altro’s marketing team at [email protected], and we will contact you.

Is on-site parking available?

There is a public car park a 5-minute walk from the venue, please find the details here.

How can I get to the event if I prefer not to drive?

The venue is easily accessible by train, the nearest station is Birmingham New Street, an 11-minute walk from the venue.

Can I bring a colleague or industry peer?

Yes, you can. Share this webpage link with colleagues or peers who might be interested in attending. Places are limited, so encourage them to register as soon as possible.

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