PriestmanGoode’s Kirsty Dias on creating inclusive rail experiences for women
20/08/2025
At this year’s Rail Interiors Show in November, one of the most pressing conversations will focus on women’s safety in public transport.
Kirsty Dias, managing director of PriestmanGoode, is set to deliver a presentation on how design-led solutions can enhance the onboard safety of women and girls, building on Daisy Chapman-Chamberlain’s earlier session on the same theme.
For Dias, this is not just a design challenge but a societal one. “For many women, travelling alone at night or in unfamiliar settings can be a source of anxiety,” she explained. “As designers, we have a responsibility to think about how we can use the tools of our trade – whether that’s lighting, layout, materials, or wayfinding – to help people feel safe and supported.”
While design cannot resolve every challenge around women’s safety, Dias believes it can make a meaningful difference. “It’s about building confidence into the passenger journey,” she said. “If women feel comfortable and assured, they are more likely to use rail more frequently. That’s not just good for them, it’s good for the industry and for society as a whole.”
Her talk will explore practical measures such as improved lighting and better carriage layouts. Simple interventions, Dias noted, can have a significant impact. “Eliminating hidden corners or creating spaces where women can feel visible without feeling exposed are subtle changes that have a big impact.”
PriestmanGoode has built a reputation for reimagining transport interiors across aviation, urban mobility, and rail. Dias argues that rail has much to learn from other industries. “Airlines, for example, have become adept at creating environments that are both secure and welcoming. Hospitality design also offers lessons in how to create calm, comfortable spaces. Rail should be taking inspiration from these industries and adapting those ideas for its unique context.”
Central to her approach is engaging with women directly to capture lived experiences. “We know from conversations that some women deliberately avoid certain carriages, or even change their travel plans, because they don’t feel safe. These are real behaviours, and they should be informing design decisions,” she said.
As the industry looks toward modernisation and sustainability, Dias believes inclusivity must be embedded as a core principle, not a secondary consideration. “Safety and inclusion can’t be add-ons. They need to be part of the design brief from day one. If we get this right, we’re not only supporting women and girls – we’re creating a rail experience that feels better for everyone.”
Her message to rail leaders is clear: “If rail is serious about increasing passenger numbers, particularly among groups who may currently feel excluded, then designing with empathy and foresight is essential. Safety is not a luxury – it’s fundamental.”
Dias’s session promises to be a highlight of the Rail Interiors Show, providing industry delegates with a compelling reminder that inclusive design is not just about comfort, it’s about creating the conditions for every passenger to feel safe, respected, and welcome.
Session: Safety and inclusion for women
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 12:10 - 12:40
For Dias, this is not just a design challenge but a societal one. “For many women, travelling alone at night or in unfamiliar settings can be a source of anxiety,” she explained. “As designers, we have a responsibility to think about how we can use the tools of our trade – whether that’s lighting, layout, materials, or wayfinding – to help people feel safe and supported.”
While design cannot resolve every challenge around women’s safety, Dias believes it can make a meaningful difference. “It’s about building confidence into the passenger journey,” she said. “If women feel comfortable and assured, they are more likely to use rail more frequently. That’s not just good for them, it’s good for the industry and for society as a whole.”
Her talk will explore practical measures such as improved lighting and better carriage layouts. Simple interventions, Dias noted, can have a significant impact. “Eliminating hidden corners or creating spaces where women can feel visible without feeling exposed are subtle changes that have a big impact.”
PriestmanGoode has built a reputation for reimagining transport interiors across aviation, urban mobility, and rail. Dias argues that rail has much to learn from other industries. “Airlines, for example, have become adept at creating environments that are both secure and welcoming. Hospitality design also offers lessons in how to create calm, comfortable spaces. Rail should be taking inspiration from these industries and adapting those ideas for its unique context.”
Central to her approach is engaging with women directly to capture lived experiences. “We know from conversations that some women deliberately avoid certain carriages, or even change their travel plans, because they don’t feel safe. These are real behaviours, and they should be informing design decisions,” she said.
As the industry looks toward modernisation and sustainability, Dias believes inclusivity must be embedded as a core principle, not a secondary consideration. “Safety and inclusion can’t be add-ons. They need to be part of the design brief from day one. If we get this right, we’re not only supporting women and girls – we’re creating a rail experience that feels better for everyone.”
Her message to rail leaders is clear: “If rail is serious about increasing passenger numbers, particularly among groups who may currently feel excluded, then designing with empathy and foresight is essential. Safety is not a luxury – it’s fundamental.”
Dias’s session promises to be a highlight of the Rail Interiors Show, providing industry delegates with a compelling reminder that inclusive design is not just about comfort, it’s about creating the conditions for every passenger to feel safe, respected, and welcome.
Session: Safety and inclusion for women
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 12:10 - 12:40