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

  • S4L Announces 2026 Education Design Showcase Winners

    Spaces4Learning is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Education Design Showcase! Now in its 27th year, the annual awards program honors innovative solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction across K–12 and higher education.

  • Embry-Riddle Completes Construction on Research, Lab Facility

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Fla., recently announced the end of construction on a new research and lab facility on campus. The Center for Aerospace Engineering II (CAT II) will support aerospace research and technology development and broke ground last summer.

  • Designing the Bridge Between Inclusivity and Independence in K–12 Schools

    Fostering independence is fundamental to learning and development for K–12 students. It offers many proven benefits, such as enhanced confidence, problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills. However, this foundational objective loses its impact if it’s not accessible and adaptable to all students. Inclusivity plays a critical role in cultivating independence and healthy autonomy for students, fostering positive student learning outcomes by uniting pedagogy with the physical learning environment.

  • Purdue Fort Wayne Opens New Student Housing Complex

    Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) in Fort Wayne, Ind., recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new, 600-bed student housing complex on campus, according to a news release.