I'm Nika, the founder of Calm Nest Collective 👋

I'm Nika, the founder of Calm Nest Collective 👋

After 7 years in corporate and 11+ years in the events world, running everything from international festivals to sustainability programmes, and being neurodivergent myself, I realised something big was missing: spaces that actually supported wellbeing, neurodiversity, and real human needs.

So I founded Calm Nest Collective, a consultancy and design studio that creates sensory-friendly spaces, inclusive event design, and inclusive sustainability strategies for events, offices, and public venues. Think quiet rooms at conferences, calm corners in workplaces, neurodivergent-friendly event journeys from registration to room layout, and practical support for event organisers who want to do better but aren't sure where to start.

At the heart of our work is the Calm by Design Framework, a practical, evidence-informed model with five core pillars: sensory environment design, psychological safety, workforce wellbeing, inclusive communications, and regenerative event culture. It gives organisations a structured, human-centred approach to embedding neuroinclusion and wellbeing into every stage of event planning and design.

Inclusive event design sits at the heart of what we do: from accessible venue selection and clear wayfinding signage, to flexible scheduling, sensory-aware lighting and acoustics, and staff training that ensures every attendee feels safe, seen, and able to fully engage. Because when you design for the margins, you improve the experience for everyone.

I'm also a social worker, currently pursuing a PhD on mental health and neurodiversity in the events industry, host of the podcast Pink Nest, and a mentor for people in events and early-stage founders trying to build purpose-led businesses without burning out.

My mission is simple: to make events, workplaces, and public spaces a little calmer, kinder, and more inclusive.