How do you design a house for someone who has ADHD? That was the challenge Graduate of Architecture Austin Nichols set himself, using his own experience as the catalyst.

Collaborating with occupational therapist and close friend Isabelle Nash from Balance to Bloom, Austin developed the scheme for a compact two-bedroom home for himself and his neurotypical partner. Isabelle’s experience working with children with ADHD and autism, and Austin’s architectural research, combine to provide insight into neurodivergent understanding of space and design.

Austin and Isabelle will share their work and show how design that responds to neurodiversity can have relevance for everyone, supporting a calmer and more focused life.

This event is part of the Fremantle Design Week Conversations Series.

Students and concession card holders can use code FDWCONCESSION for 10% off tickets.

Conversations Series presented by:

Austin Nichols

Austin Nichols is a Graduate of Architecture with a Master of Architecture from the Notre Dame Fremantle School of Architecture and a Bachelor of Design from the University of Western Australia. Austin is passionate about function-driven design that prioritises the nuanced needs of its occupants. The ADHD house was completed in 2023 as Austin’s Master’s thesis project; an unbuilt residential project combining neurodivergent medical and design theory. Austin is a graduate of architecture at Munns Sly Moore architects’ Perth office, a national practice specialising in education and public building design

Isabelle Nash

Isabelle Nash is an occupational therapist with a Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience) and a Master of Occupational Therapy. Her passion for working with children led her to found Balance to Bloom, a consultancy that works to support children and families through authentic connections. She prioritises genuinely inclusive services and has completed further training in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and the LGBTQIA+ community alongside paediatrics, trauma-informed practice, attachment, sleep and toileting. Isabelle’s goal is to meet families where they need and build the foundation for long-term solutions for children to live happy and fulfilling lives.

As specialists in selling design-led homes, ZSA ZSA Property believes in the power of great design to help people live in more meaningful ways. Through selling, sharing and celebrating beautiful homes, ZSA ZSA Property is dedicated to helping their clients reach their potential – setting a new standard of excellence. They combine astute design knowledge and traditional service with modern technology and digital trends, ensuring every sales and marketing campaign is strategic, polished, and multifaceted. This approach, paired with their discerning eye and access to the media, gives clients a unique advantage in a crowded market. At ZSA ZSA Property, every beautiful home has a story, and it’s their mission to sell it.