Dr. Ilianna Ginnis: Officially awarded her PhD in May

Celebrating a milestone achievement and a contribution to inclusive design for people with complex communication needs.

It’s worth celebrating just how busy and impactful Ilianna Ginnis has been this year! As a Neuro-Inclusive Design and Access Consultant at Architecture & Access, Ilianna recently completed her PhD and officially became Dr Ginnis. Her work continues to bridge the gap between design and the lived experiences of people with complex communication needs.

From Interior Design to Inclusive Advocacy

Ilianna began her career as an interior spatial designer with a strong interest in neurodiversity and sensory-responsive environments. Over time, her passion evolved into a focus on accessibility consulting, where she could better advocate for inclusive spaces that support a wide range of cognitive and sensory needs.

Her PhD Journey

Ilianna’s four-year research project was conducted at Monash University’s Design Health Collab and titled: ME in Mind: Developing Design Principles for the Inclusion of People who are Non-verbal Communicators with profound intellectual disabilities.

Drawing inspiration from her sister, Ilianna’s research aimed to address critical gaps in design processes that support individuals with complex communication needs.

Research Methods

Her research combined innovative and empathetic approaches, including:

1. Interviews with caregivers and practitioners
2. Sensory ethnography to understand lived experiences
3. Intensive interaction to engage with non-verbal participants

Key Findings

• Designers’ Needs: Many built environment professionals lacked confidence and practical tools to engage with non-verbal users.
• Users’ Needs: Non-verbal individuals responded most to sensor cues – light, texture, sound, and space layout – which are often overlooked in traditional design.
• Communication & Autonomy: The built environment plays a vital role in supporting autonomy and communication for people with profound intellectual disabilities.

Outcomes: Me in Mind Design Principles

Ilianna developed the Me in Mind Design Principles, a set of guiding ideas to embed:

• Dignity
• Communication access
• Sensory sensitivity
• Participatory engagement

These principles aim to influence both the design process and the final built outcomes.

Application in Practice

At Architecture & Access, Ilianna’s research is already shaping projects through:

• Neurodiversity & Inclusive Design Reviews – Assessing materials, finishes, spatial layout, wayfinding and predictability to ensure environments are inclusive and intuitive.
• Sensory Auditing – Evaluating how spaces affect the senses – sound, light, smell, and texture – to identify features that may be overwhelming or calming for people with sensory sensitivities.
  • Sensory Assessment Tools includes:
    • Visual
    • Auditory
    • Olfactory
    • Touch
    • Gastronomy
    • Proprioception
    • Interception
• Post-Occupancy Evaluations – Reviewing how spaces perform in practice, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in spatial layout, wayfinding, sensory impact, and overall user experience.
• Co-design – Collaborating directly with neurodivergent and non-verbal individuals to ensure lived experience informs spatial decisions in meaningful and empowering ways.

Looking Ahead

Designers are increasingly recognising the importance of universal and inclusive design. Architecture & Access offers CPD training sessions to build knowledge and practical skills in neuro-inclusive design, helping professionals embed accessibility into everyday practice.

Connect with Ilianna

To learn more or co-design with, connect with Dr. Ilianna Ginnis on LinkedIn or via Architecture & Access.