DLR Group Appoints New Senior Design Researcher

Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that it has appointed Dr. Kati Peditto, Ph.D., EDAC, as the new senior design researcher for its research team, according to a news release. Peditto is a design psychologist who specializes in inclusive design and neurodiversity, joining the firm’s office in Denver, Colo. Her role will focus on how to transform research into evidence-based design solutions and providing advice to designers, clients, and stakeholders.

“I look forward to collaborating with DLR Group’s integrated design teams in creating K-12 schools, higher education campuses, and workplaces as environments that nurture mental health and well-being and make learning fun and inclusive,” Peditto said.

In her previous position at another global design firm, she created the “Blueprint for the Mind: Creating Neuroinclusive Architectural Spaces,” a neurodiversity toolkit based on peer-reviewed research articles on how to create learning spaces for neurodiverse students. Peditto also presented at a 2023 Spaces4Learning webinar on Enhancing School Facilities through Neurodiversity Design Principles.

According to the news release, Peditto is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) Society for Environmental Psychology, WELL Faculty, and the Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA). She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and a Ph.D. in Human Behavior and Design from Cornell University.

“Kati’s passion and expertise in designing for inclusion and wellness will enhance our ability to elevate the experience for clients and end users,” said B Sanborn, Global Design Research Leader. “She brings a lens of meaningful engagement for youth stakeholders, which will help us uncover fresh ideas and insights and strengthen DLR Group’s leadership as one of the largest educational designers in the nation.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • sapling sprouting from a cracked stone

    Lessons in Resilience: Disaster Recovery in Our Schools

    Facility managers play a pivotal role in how well a school weathers and recovers from a crisis. Whether it's a hurricane, a flood, a tornado, or a man-made event, preparation determines resilience.

  • Construction Begins on East Austin CTE-Focused High School

    The Del Valle Independent School District recently announced that construction has begun on a new CTE-focused high school in Austin, Texas, according to a news release. Del Valle High School will measure in at 473,338 square feet and have the capacity for 2,400 students.

  • Geometric abstract school illustration

    How Design Shapes Learning and Success

    Can the color of a wall, the curve of a chair, or the hum of fluorescent lights really affect how a student learns? More schools are beginning to think so.

  • Illinois District Boosts Security at High-School Stadium

    Richmond-Burton Community High School in Richmond, Ill., recently announced that it has completed the redesigned entrance to its high school stadium with a new focus on school security and community engagement, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects and Engineers on the project as part of District #157’s year-long facilities master plan.

Digital Edition