On 17th July 2025, Building Insights LIVE in partnership with Dulux Trade and Interface staged round table bringing together leading education and design professionals to examine how schools can better integrate pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) into mainstream settings.
With the numbers of SEN pupils rising and Government funding under pressure, delegates explored how design can play a critical but often underestimated role in supporting both education and wellbeing. From primary schools to further education, best practice in space planning, interior design, and material specification must be informed by research if schools are to create inclusive environments that meet the needs of all pupils and staff.
The discussion highlighted successes in areas such as acoustics and lighting, where specific guidance has shaped practice, but noted that flooring, colour, and other environmental factors have yet to receive equivalent attention. Attendees examined how research and lived experience can inform early, collaborative design processes to improve integration, while also addressing the resource challenges schools face.
With Government reforms to SEN provision anticipated, the round table offered vital insight into how designers, educators, researchers, and the supply chain can work together to ensure inclusive, evidence-based design is prioritised, and to establish a stronger collective voice capable of influencing policy and practice across the education sector.
Attendees:
-
Kathryn Gundry, Senior Inclusive Design Consultant & Architect, Motionspot
-
Claire Barton, Partner, Haverstock Architects
-
Dr Matteo Zallio, Associate Professor, University of Cambridge
-
Tamsin Thomas, Senior Associate, Design Engine Architects
-
Zane Putne, Special School Sector Director, Noviun Architects
-
Jean Hewitt, Inclusive Design Technical Lead, Buro Happold
-
Terry White, Planning Learning Spaces, Principal Education Advisor & Founder of EdunovaSpace
-
Carly Parramore, Associate Architect, AtkinsRéalis
-
Dawn Scott, Senior Colour Designer, Dulux Trade
-
Laura Light, Concept Design Team Leader, Interface