As a perimenopausal woman experiencing neuroendocrinological changes that affect both my physical and mental well-being, I have been thinking about how my environment - both at home and at work - can be adjusted to support my cognitive health.

As my understanding of the intricate relationship between the brain, body and environment deepens, I have come to realise that certain environmental triggers influence how the brain responds to, and regulates our physiological state, activating either the sympathetic (fight or flight) or parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems.

One of the most challenging aspects of my work is creating effective design protocols for my clients.

I have drawn inspiration from renowned figures such as Le Corbusier, a neurodiverse architect who prioritised supportive spaces. In the last six or seven years, architects such as Thomas Heatherwick, who integrates emotional and ergonomic elements into his designs, and Peter Zumthor, known for the iconic Therme Vals in Switzerland, have also profoundly influenced my approach to design.

My focus shifted to neuroscience-based interior design because our brain's interpretation of the environment has a significant impact on our endocrine responses, especially as ovarian function begins to decline. Rigorous research has shown that there is an ongoing dialogue between the brain and the ovaries throughout a woman's reproductive cycle, with each stage subtly altering brain function.

Research also shows that throughout evolution, our ancestors were hardwired to scan for threats. Today, our brains continue to analyse environmental cues to determine whether we should be at rest or in a heightened state of alertness. 

This understanding makes it clear that interior design plays a vital role in supporting cognitive health by fostering environments that promote relaxation and well-being rather than stress and anxiety.