In July 2022, Reynard Architectural Designs' partnered with Sunshine on a Ranney Day to provide an 11 year old boy named Griffin in Dallas, GA with a dream room make over.
Before our visit, we were provided with some basic information about Griffin, who was diagnosed with autism, anxiety, and language processing disorder at age 3.
Tasked with designing a therapy room for Griffin, interior designer Meg Riley and I visited Griffin's room to get to know him, his needs and interests.
Griffin is active but has limited verbal capabilities, and battles high anxiety in social situations. A safe therapy room designed with Griffin’s special requirements was needed and we set out to provide a design that would be both functional and enjoyable.
Griffin loves to draw and create all types of art. He regularly plays with modeling clay, slime, and draws many of his favorite characters. He loves displaying his art everywhere in his room.
We also found out that he loves dinosaurs (as well as Godzilla) and playing with Lego bricks and his plushies, of which he has dozens on his bed and in his closet. Kids on the autism spectrum typically require sensory therapy because overstimulation can cause meltdowns, withdrawal, and frustrations that are hard to verbalize.
In order to come up with a concept for Griffin's design, we took several pictures of his current room as well as the new space down the hall where he would be moving. After talking to Griffin and his parents, we were able to gather ideas and inspiration for how we could optimize the space for his new bedroom and include his favorite things in the design elements we specified.
Griffin would require a room that would include an area to bounce and stay active, calming textures and fabrics that have a soothing effect, and lights that could provide chromotherapy for his sensory processing challenges.
Step One. Schematics and As Built Drawings
A schematic floor plan of the room was drawn up that gave us the required dimensions we were working with so we can take on space planning.
Step Two. Creating a Mood Board
Meg took Griffins ideas and needs in consideration to inform design and carefully layout the space and make material selections.
Once the materials and layout was complete, the design team provided interior renders with multiple viewpoints to ensure the design was executed in the desired way.
Step Three. Renderings and Space Planning
Step Four. Specifications, Material Selection, Sourcing and Pricing
Once final specifications were complete, Meg turned over the final design to Sunshine on a Ranney Day to complete procurement and installation.
Step Five. Procurement and Installation
Meg and I went on several shopping outings together to complete final selections of plushies, desktop accessories, bedding, chairs, and even a puzzle inspired by the art on his wall.
Step Five. The Big Reveal!
With the help of several partners, Griffin's room looks amazing upon completion!
Then came time for the big reveal! Watch the video all the way through below to see the priceless reaction we captured on camera when Griffin walked into his new room for the first time.
Griffin seemed right at home in his new room that included raised platform for a full sized bed and a loft bed above with stairs leading the way.
A brand new desk with a set of artist's markers and a plush chair will be a great place for Griffin to create new art work we provided him with a wall art projector to display his drawings in larger than life sizes!
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