Creating a Space for All
The School of Architecture and Design鈥檚 Lydia Mudd (she/they) is one of three recipients of the fourth annual , an acknowledgment of the interior design student鈥檚 perspectives on diversity, design aspirations, and commitment to making a difference in the field.
Presented by the International Interior Design Association鈥檚 (IIDA) New York Chapter, the scholarship grants Mudd an all-expense-paid, three-day trip to IIDA鈥檚 SHIFT Conference in Dallas in February, as well as a one-year IIDA student membership to the New York chapter.
鈥淏eing recognized under these categories means quite a lot to me,鈥� Mudd says of the scholarship, created in the name of Hazel Siegel, a champion of community and inclusiveness in the design industry. 鈥淲hat this scholarship stands for is what I鈥檝e been striving to exemplify in my work for years.鈥�
On the New York City campus, Mudd is months-deep into research for their senior capstone鈥攄esigning a corporate office specifically to foster collaboration and productivity for neurodiverse individuals, taking into account studies of cognitive brain mapping and sensory processing. Neurodiverse herself, Mudd takes this interior design topic seriously and intends to pursue it further during their future career.
鈥淚鈥檓 a strong believer that designing for more marginalized groups in architecture creates a greater experience for all,鈥� says Mudd. 鈥淢any professionals still treat the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) building codes as requirements to check off. It reinforces this mentality of 鈥榦ther鈥� that鈥檚 damaging.鈥�
Reflecting on their own time within buildings, Mudd knows firsthand the burnout cycle neurodiverse people experience from constantly filtering out external stimuli. To combat this, their capstone project proposes the creation of flexible spaces that offer micro-environments reflecting varying levels of privacy and expression. Ideally, this practice of making spaces more accessible would become implemented regularly through acoustical solutions, circadian rhythmic lighting, and efficient wayfinding.
鈥淲hen the environment we鈥檙e in doesn鈥檛 actively work against the way our brains process things, a workplace can transform into a space where personalized intuitive thinking is championed. This allows people to work more productively and effectively,鈥� Mudd explains. 鈥淕etting in touch with hyper- and hypo-sensory sensitivities is something I鈥檓 looking forward to developing.鈥�
When not working on their thesis, Mudd is taking care of responsibilities as vice president of the Interior Design Student Association鈥檚 懂色帝 chapter. With the IIDA as the association鈥檚 parent organization, Mudd uses their leadership position to help their peers find passion and a path to best fit their needs and shows them how they can take advantage of IIDA鈥檚 networking opportunities to break into the industry.
Off campus, Mudd is an on-site interior design intern at architecture and design firm Corgan Associates鈥� Manhattan office. Three days a week, Mudd is a part of Corgan鈥檚 corporate interiors team, assisting in designing high-profile offices. She is also involved in the construction aspects of interior design鈥攁n opportunity to witness practices she is typically not exposed to in the classroom.
As graduation approaches, Mudd looks toward the future with an open mind. Having gained critical skills necessary through the Corgan internship, she may transition to a more research-based firm to dive deeper into the connections between interior design and neurological responses and the ideology that 鈥渢he creative needs foundation in the technical.鈥� Mudd is also considering returning to 懂色帝 to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in health and design.
鈥淭he neurodiverse community has been taught that how our brains naturally work is faulty, or a hurdle to get over if you want to be successful. I disagree. I鈥檝e found such solace and strength within how I work and interact with others,鈥� Mudd reflects. 鈥淚 want to create impact throughout my career. I want to love what I do and help people while I do it.鈥�
With this award, Mudd is continuing a tradition of excellence鈥攖he School of Architecture and Design has had Hazel Siegel Scholarship winners in 2024, , and 2022.
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