Spectrum Construction supports businesses, developers, architects, housing providers, employers, and public sector organisations to design workplaces, buildings, and environments that work better for autistic and neurodivergent people.

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By combining academic expertise, lived experience, environmental psychology, neurodiversity-informed practice, and real-world understanding, we help organisations create spaces that reduce barriers, improve wellbeing, increase participation, and support people to thrive.

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Whether you are developing a new building, refurbishing an existing environment, reviewing a workplace, or seeking to better support neurodivergent employees, Spectrum Construction can help.

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Why Neurodiversity-Informed Design Matters

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Many workplaces and public environments unintentionally create barriers for autistic and neurodivergent individuals through:

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• Sensory overload

• Poor acoustics

• Harsh lighting

• Confusing layouts

• Information overload

• Limited quiet spaces

• Unclear communication systems

• Inflexible workplace structures

 

By considering neurodiversity from the earliest stages of planning and design, organisations can create environments that are:

 

✅ More accessible

✅ More inclusive

✅ More productive

✅ Better for staff wellbeing

✅ Better for visitors, customers, and service users

✅ More supportive of workforce retention

 

Our Consultancy Services

 

Workplace Environment Reviews

 

Supporting organisations to:

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• Reduce sensory barriers

• Improve productivity and wellbeing

• Develop inclusive workplaces

• Review office layouts and workflows

• Support neurodivergent employees effectively

 

Construction & Design Consultancy

 

Supporting:

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• Architects

• Developers

• Construction companies

• Housing providers

• Planning teams

 

We provide practical advice on:

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• Sensory-aware design

• Lighting

• Acoustics

• Spatial layout

• Quiet spaces

• Wayfinding and navigation

• Community accessibility

• Inclusive design principles

 

Reasonable Adjustments & Workplace Inclusion

 

Practical guidance on:

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• Workplace adjustments

• Communication supports

• Meeting and information accessibility

• Executive function supports

• Inclusive work practices

• Neurodiversity-friendly policies

 

Organisational Culture & Communication

 

Creating inclusive environments goes beyond buildings.

 

We also support organisations to review:

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• Communication structures

• Workplace expectations

• Team culture

• Psychological safety

• Staff support systems

• Neurodiversity inclusion strategies

 

The 10 Principles of Neurodiversity-Friendly Design

 

Our consultancy is guided by ten key principles:

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1. Sensory-aware lighting

2. Acoustic comfort

3. Clear and intuitive layouts

4. Predictable environments

5. Quiet and low-stimulation spaces

6. Accessible signage and navigation

7. Flexible workspace options

8. Clear communication design

9. Sensory-considerate materials and colours

10. Inclusive planning from the earliest stages

 

These principles help create environments that benefit everyone, not only neurodivergent individuals.

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Who We Work With

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Spectrum Construction is suitable for:

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Construction Companies & Developers

Creating more accessible and inclusive housing, workplaces, and public environments.

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Architects & Design Teams

Incorporating neurodiversity-informed thinking into design and planning.

 

Employers

Supporting neurodivergent employees through workplace reviews and inclusion strategies.

 

Housing Associations

Designing homes and communities that support neurodivergent tenants.

 

Public Sector Organisations

Creating services and environments that are accessible and welcoming.

 

Schools, Colleges & Universities

Improving learning, working, and community environments.

 

What a Consultancy Project Looks Like

 

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Understanding your project, goals, and environment.

 

Step 2: Review & Assessment

Reviewing buildings, plans, layouts, communication systems, and environmental factors.

 

Step 3: Recommendations Report

Providing practical, evidence-informed recommendations.

 

Step 4: Implementation Support

Optional support to help implement improvements and discuss recommendations with relevant teams.

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About the Consultant

 

David McLaughlin

Founder & Director – Brothers Autism Social Enterprise CIC (BASE)

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David brings over 20 years of experience supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals and combines lived experience with strong academic expertise.

 

Qualifications

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• BSc Psychology

• MA Childhood Cognitive Development

• Postgraduate Diploma in Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Final-Year PhD Candidate (Autism & Bereavement)

 

David's work is grounded in psychology, neurodiversity-informed practice, community engagement, and environmental inclusion.

 

Why Work With BASE?

 

Unlike many consultancy providers, BASE combines:

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✅ Academic expertise

✅ Lived experience

✅ Professional practice

✅ Community impact

✅ Social value

 

As a Community Interest Company (CIC), consultancy income is reinvested directly into programmes supporting autistic and neurodivergent adults across Northern Ireland.

 

By working with BASE, your organisation is not only improving inclusion—it is also contributing to meaningful social impact within local communities.

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Contact

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David McLaughlin
Founder & Director
Brothers Autism Social Enterprise CIC (BASE)

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📧 david@brothersautism.co.uk
📞 07551 159 083

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Designing Spaces That Work for Everyone.

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