Neurodiverse Architects

During my Junior year of Architecture school, I was diagnosed with combined-type ADHD, cPTSD, and Major Depression. This changed the way I think about design and how I manage my workflows. To learn more about the conditions and what that meant to my design process I started a graphic and product design firm where I was able to explore illustration and refine my workflows. I produced work that I was proud of and learned that having ADHD means that I need to manage my energy differently than my neurotypical counterparts. The advice I've gotten about project management has never been very helpful and now I understand it is because of my condition. 

I began by starting to post illustrations on social media. This was my first series of illustrations that celebrated the inspirational women in my life. I had so much fun doing this series. I then moved into drawing illustrations that expressed my experiences of having ADHD. This helped me come to terms with the pain that having a late diagnosis caused in my life. I turned the pain into something positive and spread awareness about late diagnosis in women. These are some of the drawings from that series. 

From here I decided to start a small design business called 1990 Design Studio. I designed graphic apparel and a website to sell my product. I learned about entrepreneurship and began to dabble in product design while promoting my message that neurodiverse people are powerful and creative designers if given the right environment. 

This process helped me connect to my identity as a neurodiverse designer. I learned a lot about myself and am proud to bring awareness to the condition. This self-examination taught me to be an advocate for myself and has paid off in my academic work. After this period of growth, my designs are much stronger because they resonate with my values.