HIGH POINT, N.C. — Architectural concrete furnishings brand Edge34 will host a seminar by Nicole Baxter, an international neuroaesthetics expert and NeuroDesign Academy faculty member, during the upcoming High Point Market.
Slated for 4:30 p.m. April 25, the “Design That Changes How People Feel” seminar will introduce attendees to the research-proven science of neuroaesthetics — how environments influence human emotion, behavior and well-being. Drawing from both scientific research and real-world design practice, she will translate complex concepts into practical strategies designers can immediately apply.
“At a fundamental level, our environments are experienced by the body before they are understood by the brain,” Baxter said. “When designers understand how spaces influence the nervous system, they can create environments that not only look beautiful, but actively support calm, clarity and resilience for their clients and even for their design team.”
At its core, the presentation explores how the brain processes beauty through the same systems that evaluate safety and threat, revealing why thoughtfully designed spaces can reduce stress, improve resilience and foster a sense of calm. Baxter will also connect these insights to biophilic design principles and material selection, demonstrating how natural elements and sensory-rich materials serve as grounding forces within built environments.
For working designers, the program extends beyond aesthetics to address one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: managing client relationships and project stress. Baxter will outline how fluctuations in budgets, timelines and decision-making can trigger nervous system deregulation for both clients and designers and offer practical tools for maintaining clarity, communication and leadership throughout the design process.
The presentation aligns closely with Edge34’s design philosophy, which centers on creating environments and objects that support human well-being through material authenticity, permanence and sensory experience. The brand’s concrete furnishings, crafted with advanced techniques that reduce material waste while enhancing durability, embody a sustainable approach to design that prioritizes longevity over disposability.
“Great design is not only seen, it is felt,” said Kim Spencer, cofounder and creative director of Edge34. “Hosting this conversation at market reflects our commitment to creating products and spaces that support how people live, gather and restore.”
Within the presentation, Edge34’s materials will be explored as biophilic anchors, elements that communicate stability, weight and connection to the natural world. Through form, texture and massing, these pieces contribute to environments that feel grounded and safe, reinforcing the brand’s belief that design plays a critical role in emotional and physiological well-being.
As part of the restorative nature of the presentation, attendees can enjoy refreshments and light bites in its showroom’s relaxing Design Lounge. Following the talk, guests can meet and connect with their peers and Baxter to continue the conversation.
The program is open to all High Point Market buyers and will be held in Edge34’s showroom at 1700 W. Green Drive. Guests may take advantage of complimentary on-site parking at Edge34 or utilize the market’s Go-Anywhere shuttle service for convenient door-to-door access.
