At the 2026 CoreNet Global Summit APAC, Jianhan Qiu, Principal of Strategy at Unispace Asia, Amirah Azmi, Principal of Design at Unispace Malaysia, and Amirah Azmi, Principal of Design at Unispace Malaysia explored how designing for neurodiversity can transform workplace performance.
Three Key Takeaways:
Neuroinclusive design is not about accommodation — it’s about unlocking human potential.
Why Neurodiversity Matters at Work
Cognitive diversity is not niche. Globally, 1 in 7 people experience some form of disability, and conditions such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia affect millions. Yet many offices are still built around a narrow definition of how people “should” think, focus, and collaborate.
When workplaces fail to account for different sensory and cognitive styles, organisations risk:
- Cognitive fatigueDesigning for neurodiversity strengthens innovation, boosts engagement, and supports long-term talent retention. It is both a DEI priority and a business strategy.
One Office, Many Sensory Thresholds
The session explored how individuals process environments differently.
- Hypersensitive profiles may struggle with bright lighting, background noise, and visual clutter.The solution is not to design quieter offices or louder ones — it is to design choice.
Key design strategies include:
- Acoustic zoning and sound-absorbing materialsNeuroinclusive design allows individuals to self-regulate, shifting environments based on task and sensory needs.
In-Session Activity: Build a Work Setting for Your Archetype
To bring theory into practice, participants took part in a hands-on team activity: Build a work setting for your archetype.
Each group explored different cognitive profiles — from energetic “Innovators” to detail-oriented “Specialists” — and created spatial solutions based on how those archetypes feel, focus, and recharge.
The exercise challenged teams to think beyond aesthetics and focus on:
- Sensory balance (light, sound, colour)Here are some of the highlights from the session.
The activity reinforced a powerful insight: when we design for different minds, we don’t fragment the workplace — we enrich it.
Designing for Performance, Not the Average
Neuroinclusive design is not about accommodating a minority. It is about recognising that no two minds process space in exactly the same way.
By embedding spatial choice, sensory balance, and cognitive awareness into workplace strategy, organisations can create environments where more people can regulate, focus, and perform at their best.
The future-ready workplace isn’t designed for the “average” employee.
It’s designed for cognitive diversity.
About Jianhan Qiu, Principal, Strategy, Unispace Asia
Jianhan serves as the Principal for Strategy in Asia, where he leads the strategy and change management practice. He has developed innovative strategy and change management solutions that have helped many organisations align their work environment with their goals. As a certified LUMA practitioner, Jianhan is always embedding human certified design thinking into his solutions which contributed to his success as a seasoned workplace strategist.
About Amirah Azmi, Principal, Design, Unispace Malaysia
Amirah Azmi is a Principal, Design, with more than 14 years of with notable projects such as the Apple Flagship Store in TRX, Lantern Hotel, IBM and BMW. She approaches every project with strategic curiosity, combining strong conceptual vision with a deep understanding of technical detailing. Her design philosophy focuses on creating spaces that engage the senses and enhance human experience, supported by a solutions-driven mindset. Recognised for her professionalism, clarity, and commitment, Amirah consistently challenges conventional thinking to deliver refined, purposeful environments. She values collaboration across all project stakeholders and brings a distinctive, thoughtful perspective to each assignment.
About Anthony Chan, Principal, Marketing & Communications, Unispace Asia
Anthony Chan has over 15 years of marketing and communications experience in architectural design, real estate, and hospitality across Asia, China, and the United States. He holds an MBA and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the United States. A registered mental health clinician and sports scientist, he actively promotes workplace mental health and wellbeing.