building inclusion
I am an architect specialised in inclusive design and a firm believer that in order to improve the built environment, reduce the inequalities and exclusion caused by it, we first need to change mentalities regarding accessibility, disability and human diversity.
Turn accessibility and inclusion into action:
I have worked with:
Recent Work
IHCD Webinar: From Architect to Systems Builder: Designing Inclusion in Difficult Contexts
In this Institute for Human Centered Design Global webcast, I reflect on my journey from architect to systems builder and on the work of advancing inclusive design in Romania. Drawing from AMAIS projects, partnerships, failures, and lessons learned, I explore how meaningful accessibility depends not only on design, but on education, advocacy, community trust, and systems of change.
URBACT – GreenPlace
Discover my contributions to the GreenPlace Network, an URBACT initiative aimed at "recycling" unused urban spaces through participatory and sustainable design. Highlights include leading an interactive workshop on inclusive public space design, featuring hands-on exercises, discussions, and a compelling video showcasing the perspective of a blind person navigating public spaces. Dive into how we address accessibility challenges and empower cities to create spaces that are truly welcoming to as many people as possible.
URBACT – Beyond The Urban
As an ad hoc expert for the Beyond the Urban Network with URBACT, I focused on embedding inclusion and accessibility into mobility solutions for urban and rural areas. Through a tailored workshop that I have facilitated, insightful discussions, and a compelling article, I explored how inclusive design can bridge accessibility gaps and promote sustainable, integrated mobility. Highlights include engaging participants with personal stories, practical analyses, and guest testimonies from individuals with disabilities, sparking impactful conversations on creating accessible transport systems for all. Explore my contributions and access valuable resources on inclusive design and mobility solutions to inspire your initiatives.
Reflections from the Universal Design Conference 2024 in Oslo
Had the privilege of presenting The Empathy Retreat and The Inclusive Waterfront in Mahmudia at the Universal Design Conference in Oslo 2024! It was an inspiring experience to connect with brilliant minds in the field, including some of the authors whose work has deeply influenced me. Grateful for the opportunity to share our projects, learn from thought leaders like Jutta Treviranus and Valerie Fletcher, and contribute to the global conversation on inclusive design. Let's continue to advocate for a world that prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity in every space. #UD2024 #UniversalDesign #InclusiveDesign
(Inclusive)Design – Everything Begins With Listening
My PhD thesis focuses on the architect’s social responsibility and the benefits of using empathy in design as a way to enrich the individual/ community relationship with the built environment, while defining a new architecture program based on an “inclusive social context” for segregated communities. The book based on the thesis was published in 2023 at Paideia Publishing house.
Inclusive Design: Empathy Exercises for The Design Process
The first inclusive design guide in Romania highlights the experiences of those often overlooked—the "uninvited" and "different from the norm"—who face daily challenges in the built environment. Instead of offering specific solutions, this book serves as a collective manifesto that emphasizes our shared responsibility to the community by reaffirming the importance of inclusive design while reminding us that anyone could become the "uninvited guest" in the conversation about the built environment.