Rachel Patterson
Rachel Patterson is a fierce advocate for Universal and Inclusive Design. Her own health struggles and triumphs both fueled (and occasionally paused) her design education. Her firsthand experience with disability, and extra studies in Psychology, make her an unparalleled asset as the “us” in accessibility mantra Nothing about us, without us. The design industry has a representation problem, and Rachel intends to take a seat at the table to help shift the balance.
Based in south-central Wisconsin, Rachel works with a wide range of mediums. She can make skilled cuts with a circular saw and alter a wedding dress, all in the same day. She also enjoys making stained glass and designing custom 3D prints. Knowledge of how objects in our environment are made, and how they can be modified, has served her well in the Interior Architecture major.
As neurodivergent maker, Rachel has always seen function as a thing of beauty. Her thesis design integrates accessibility so practically that it begins to disappear and look commonplace. Styles and trends feel overly indulgent when basic accessibility has yet to be obtained… but without it, access looks institutional. High quality inclusive design is aware of the underlying sociological contexts and specific cognitive needs of those interacting with the environment. In short, everyone feels lighter.
Rachel is driven to bring good design to those who need it most, as they are often the ones with the least access to it. When her health allows, she will be ready to enter the workforce and help others re-imagine their spaces. She will bring empathy, equity, and empowering ideas to every project.
My Senior Thesis
