Mainstream schools educate the majority of autistic children, yet many learning environments are not designed with sensory processing differences in mind. While some design strategies can be integrated into existing mainstream settings, others are more commonly found within specialist schools, where environments are purposefully shaped around neurodivergent needs. By examining where mainstream schools fall short and drawing on principles proven in specialist autism schools, this blog explores how thoughtful design can better support autistic children’s well-being, independence and ability to learn.

Open-plan offices have been widely embraced as a way to improve workplace communication and collaboration by removing the physical barriers between employees. This blog highlights a number of problems that’re preventing open-plan office design from reaching its full potential and details the clever, thoughtful design choices that can overcome them. Balancing openness with zoning to create work environments that optimise collaboration without hindering individual focus, comfort and well-being.

The WELL Building Standard (WELL) combines design and construction best practices with proven, evidence-based strategies for improving health and wellness. According to WELL, this is the "first standard of its kind that focuses solely on the health and wellness of building occupants". The standard features 10 core concepts and clearly maps out the preconditions that are required and optimisations that are encouraged for each facet.

In the fight against climate change, it is vital that every organisation does what it can to reduce its carbon footprint and find solutions that support our planet and communities. Milliken’s N/XT Life Circularity Programme includes carpet re-use initiatives where installed carpet tiles are recovered, renewed and re-installed in social housing and other community settings. This case study features some N/XT Life projects, in partnership with carpet re-use specialists Uplyfted, where ultra-low-carbon flooring has improved living conditions for people in social housing.

When choosing flooring options, it is important to check not only the VOC levels of the products, but also to consider installation and maintenance. Will leveling compounds and adhesives need to be used as part of the installation process? If so, what will be the effect on indoor air quality as these evaporate and off-gas in-situ? Post-occupancy, will topical treatments need to be applied or reapplied as part of maintenance regimes to prolong the product? For example, wood floors and linoleum may need varnishes and floor sealants.

In today’s evolving work culture, prioritising employee well-being is no longer a luxury, it’s a strategic priority. Financial management firm EFG International embraced this attitude in its ambitious office redesign, aiming to minimise the environmental impact and create a flexible, productive, wellness-focused workspace that would attract and retain top talent. Milliken’s modular flooring was chosen by the design team to help bring their vision to life.

Research shows that the physical and social environments we live in have a major influence on our health and well-being. As we spend of our time spent indoors the material health of the products and flooring in our homes and workplaces play crucial roles.

Research shows that physical and social environments in which we work and live have a major influence on our health and well-being. As we spend up to 90% of our time indoors[i], this means the built environment has a crucial role to play.

Selecting new office flooring can be difficult, with so many different types to choose from. Today, I’m sharing the pros and cons of five common office floors to help you determine which one best fits your budget, practical requirements and design intent.

When the values of two enterprises come together to create something amazingly positive, it can be a truly wonderful thing.  Last year, Milliken and Fur Clemt, a community interest company local to its UK manufacturing plant in Wigan, did just that, finding common ground through a shared concern for waste reduction.