The Angelman Joy Room
At the Hanson residence, two remarkable sisters, Kaia and Emma, share a journey shaped by Angelman syndrome—a rare genetic condition marked by developmental delays, motor and speech challenges, seizures, sleep disturbances, and the need for lifelong support. Their parents describe their home as a place full of love but also one that must be constantly adapted. Locked kitchens, bolted furniture, blackout shades, and mattresses on the floor have become daily necessities. For years, safety had to come before design and functionality.
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​The family dreams of something more: Joy Collaborative will be designing safe and inspiring spaces that calm nurture, and give Kaia and Emma, their parents, and their in-home 24/7 care team, the dignity and joy everyone deserves.
Daily Life
“Life with two daughters with Angelman Syndrome is full of caregiving—feeding, medical routines, therapies, mobility support, and often disrupted sleep. Nights are hard, which makes every day feel like we’re just trying to make it through.”
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“We rely on a small circle of relatives, therapists, and nurses to help with care. Coordinating everything can be challenging, but their help is invaluable.”​
​“Safe movement, storage for medical equipment, and spaces that work for therapy, communication devices, and rest are our biggest hurdles.”
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Over the years, the Hansons tried sensory corners, special lighting, and different room layouts. But these fixes often overstimulated the girls or became difficult to maintain. Their hope for the Joy Room is simple but powerful:
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“We imagine a safe, soothing, joyful space—soft lighting, built-in storage, clear paths for mobility, and places for therapy, play, and rest. A room that meets medical needs but still feels like childhood.”
The Challenge
For children with Angelman syndrome, the everyday becomes complex. Kaia experiences frequent seizures that make stairs and sharp edges unsafe. Emma, drawn to water and prone to nighttime waking, needs a room that soothes rather than stimulates. Both require environments that reduce risks, support sleep, and nurture their sense of independence.
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The family’s goals were clear:
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Safety first, without sacrificing warmth.
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Calming spaces to encourage rest.
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Modular design that adapts as the girls grow.
Durable, low-maintenance solutions for daily living.
The Design
The Angelman Joy Room project focused on transforming each girl’s bedroom into a haven for rest and regulation:
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Calming Sleep Environments
Soft, indirect lighting, white noise, and caregiver-controlled music create nighttime comfort while minimizing seizure triggers. Beds sit low to the floor, surrounded by recessed edges and soft flooring for safety.
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Sensory Nooks
Closet spaces became modular sensory retreats—padded, upholstered, and safe for play during the day, but able to “close down” at night to prevent overstimulation.
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Safe, Thoughtful Storage
Lockable drawers and magnetic closet doors keep tempting items out of reach while making caregiver workflow smooth.
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Future-Proof Features
Modular millwork and concealed supports ensure the rooms can evolve as Kaia and Emma’s needs change, preserving both safety and flexibility.
The Impact
The Angelman Joy Room is far more than a renovation—it is a sanctuary where safety and imagination meet, offering dignity, resilience, and joy. For Kaia and Emma, these rooms are being designed to honor their full humanity, supporting rest while reflecting the vibrant personalities that fill their home. For their parents, it is peace of mind—knowing that their daughters will soon have spaces that meet their unique needs, protect them, and spark joy in everyday moments.
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This project is a testament to what happens when design is guided by compassion: bedrooms become havens of safety and love, and inclusive design transforms from functional to truly life-changing.
