As the global population ages and dementia rates rise, the design of everyday interiors is emerging as a critical factor in supporting the dignity and independence of those living with cognitive decline. Texas State University Assistant Professor Nadim Adi, PhD, is at the forefront of this movement, combining research, a pioneering university course, and the development of NuroNest, an early-stage AI platform designed to identify environmental risks in homes, clinics, and senior living communities.
Adi, who teaches in the Department of Interior Design within the School of Family and Consumer Sciences, argues that the built environment should be considered part of the care equation. “If we design for physical accessibility, why should we not also design for cognitive accessibility?” he asks. Poor lighting, low contrast between surfaces, visual clutter, and unclear pathways can make daily life more confusing and unsafe for individuals with dementia or age-related cognitive changes. NuroNest aims to address this by analyzing images of interior spaces and flagging features that may pose risks, such as a lack of wayfinding cues or furniture arrangements that obstruct clear paths.
The tool is still in its early stages, with Adi and his team refining the technology and seeking research validation and partnerships. Importantly, NuroNest is not intended to replace professionals but to support designers, healthcare providers, occupational therapists, and caregivers. It is designed to raise awareness and facilitate better conversations about how spaces can be adapted to meet cognitive needs.
Adi’s research and teaching are integral to this vision. With Dr. Mais Aljunaidy, assistant professor of psychology at Texas State, he co-authored An Introduction to Architectural Psychopathology, a textbook exploring how interior design can support people with mental disorders, including dementia. The pair also developed Texas State’s interdisciplinary architectural psychopathology course, launching in fall 2025, which trains students to design spaces for individuals with autism, dementia, depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. The course has already garnered attention from Texas State News, Texas Public Radio, and Community Impact.
Adi’s peer-reviewed work includes a systematic study on architecture and mental disorders in the HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal, research using virtual reality to assess hospital design for elderly and dementia patients, and writings on AI and mental disorder art therapy. He has also given a TEDx talk on preparing buildings for an aging population and hosts discussions through Mental Design Labs.
The implications of this work are significant. For families, caregivers, and organizations, the ability to identify and modify environmental risks can enhance safety and quality of life for millions. As the number of people living with dementia is projected to grow, integrating cognitive accessibility into design standards could reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes. Adi and his team are actively seeking research collaborators, pilot partners, and organizations—including community groups, senior living providers, healthcare organizations, and technology partners—to help validate and advance NuroNest.
The development of NuroNest and the new course represent a shift toward proactive, evidence-based design that prioritizes cognitive health. By equipping the next generation of designers with the knowledge to create supportive environments, and by providing tools like NuroNest to those who need them, Adi is helping to ensure that the places we live, heal, and age in are designed with everyone in mind.
