Nancy Harrod, NCIDQ

Environments that work. Spaces that inspire. Design solutions that enable and include. Award-winning designer for living and learning environments focusing on children and young adults on the autism spectrum. As founder and principal of Harrod Design/Research my primary focus is on creating living and learning environments for children and young adults on the autism spectrum and with other disabilities. By integrating my clients’ mission, aspirations, functional needs with current research and design innovation, I create solutions that work. As an expert in both leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborating successfully on teams led by others, I’m able to create effective strategies for framing the issues, designing the process, working toward consensus and producing the products. My more than 20 years as a principal at Sasaki, included planning and designing for schools, colleges, universities and other academic institutions. With a global design footprint stretching from Cambridge to Cairo my work included facilities planning and interior design for non-profit and corporate clients. As a researcher, thought leader, and hands-on designer of inclusive learning and workspaces I frequently speak about and champion design that is functional, inclusive and aesthetically pleasing. As a designer, my role is to be an advocate for the end users of the environments that I create. Working with a wide range of clients, learning about their unique needs and goals, and determining the best design solutions that will truly support and enable individuals and groups to work more fully to their potential is my mission.