Dignity Through Design: Designers Talk Wellness At NeoCon

Bee keeping, disconnecting from screens, and staying curious are just some of the rituals designers keep when it comes to their own health and wellness. As for creating spaces that further the well-being of others, that topic is a bit more complex design leaders shared during Interior Design’s Hospitality and Wellness roundtable June 10, 2025, at NeoCon.

Hosted by Helene Oberman, Interior Design managing director, and Jen Renzi, the magazine’s executive editor, the group, which included a 2025 HiP People winner who crossed the ocean for the occasion, delved into what centers humanity in the built environment.

Addressing Fundamental Human Needs Through Design

Opening the conversation, Oberman asked attendees how they factor the word “dignity” into their process. “Having awareness of neurodivergent inclusion,” one designer quickly offered. “In hospitality, we’re creating engaging spaces but not necessarily inclusive ones,” she added, noting that some of the buzziest locales overstimulate those with sensory sensitivities.  

One solution is empowering people with more choices about how they experience a space, such as opting into areas with scents and sensations rather than making these the default. As another attendee said: “We’re sensory beings… If you’re designing for neurodivergent individuals, you’re designing for everyone.”

From creating a sense of safety to fostering connection, designers are conducting interviews and in-depth research in order to better address fundamental human needs and create more inviting spaces. For instance, in healthcare, some treatment centers now offer virtual tours, similar to a hospitality destination, so patients know what to expect when they walk in, building a level of comfortability. “I’ve always thought of hospitality as a guest experience and in hospitals, we’re starting to see that too,” shared one designer. Simply changing the name of an exam room to one that is less problem-oriented and more solutions-focused can make a big impact, the group agreed.

Importantly, designers are prioritizing function where it counts, widening doors beyond ADA regulations to account for the many types of wheelchairs people may have and rounding corners to ease navigation. In another instance, design research for a luxury memory care facility led to a rethinking of the dining area. “We redesigned the food service so it’s about more frequent interactions,” the designer shared, noting that research shows those with dementia find single servings of food more approachable than larger spreads.

Designing With Future Generations In Mind

Equity, of course, is an essential element, ensuring all visitors feel at ease. “There’s no reason a 3-star experience is not as elevated as a 5-star experience,” shared one participant. “All of the same [design] principles apply at all of these price points.” But cost is a growing challenge, which leads to inventive solutions such as painted wall decals in place of higher-cost wallcoverings or specifying woodlook furnishings.

“I think we’re redefining what luxury is in a space,” shared one designer. “It’s no longer about opulent materials, but how it connects. Is it textural, is it authentic?… It’s about wellness and the feeling the space creates.” This rings especially true for Gen Z, the group asserted. “More than explaining the why, they have to feel the why,” offered another.

The desire for authentic experiences calls for a more holistic design approach, accounting for ritual, community, and culture. “Dubai has its first wellness hotel,” shared one attendee. “Is it gimmicky or is it what we need to do to stand out?” she continued, adding that agency and option are key. Whether hospitality, healthcare or retail—spaces increasingly host different experiences to elevate and extend a person’s stay, such as a shop within a cafe.

As for the office, wellness to younger generations looks, in part, like empowerment to stand out. “If we’re dealing with Gen Z, they’re writing their own narratives all the time so we need to let them express themselves instead of asking them to conform to an office,” said one attendee. Think: areas they can shape throughout the day with modular furniture and hospitality-like spaces to connect.

From considered choices to intuitive architecture, the lively discussion showed much work is underway to better know ourselves and each other. “I like to think we’re designing spaces that support the choices people make,” said one designer. “We’re providing choices for people to experience the lifestyle they have created for themselves.” The ultimate sense of agency.

A special thank you to our Hospitality and Wellness roundtable partners: Calyx by Claridge, Garden on the Wall, and Material Bank.