At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), where travelers navigate the steady hum of movement and flight announcements, a new space offers a much-needed moment of calm. Tucked away in the recently expanded Terminal D, near Gate D5, Bush Airport’s second sensory room has opened, a testament to its commitment to inclusivity. For Ace Garcia, Airport Operations Supervisor for Houston Airports, this room is more than a project—it’s personal.

“Designing the sensory room was more than a job—it was a labor of love,” Garcia said, sitting in a quiet corner of the new space, his eyes reflecting a mix of pride and emotion. “Both my daughter and son are neurodivergent, so I understand firsthand the difference a space like this can make for families. I wanted this room to be a place where they, and others like them, could feel seen, safe, and supported.”

From vision to reality

Garcia’s journey with Houston Airports began in 2021 after 27 years with British Airways, where he served as Duty Manager at Bush Airport. The experiences he amassed over nearly three decades shaped his approach to customer service, especially when it came to passengers requiring special accommodations. “I remember families who traveled frequently, ones we’d see two or three times a year,” he recalled. “We’d get to know them and their needs. I’d give them my work email so we could coordinate and make sure everything from TSA to boarding was as smooth as possible.”

When Andrew Czobor, Assistant Director of IAH Terminal D for Houston Airports, approached him with the idea for a sensory room among the six new gates, Garcia’s response was immediate and resolute. “It wasn’t part of my job description, but I was excited for the challenge,” he said. “I knew it was something that could make a difference.”

Garcia took on the project with a meticulous approach. “One of the biggest things we focused on was maximizing the small space and making sure travelers could choose what worked for them,” he explained. “That’s why we installed switches that control the lights, sound, and vibrations—so each person can customize their experience. Too much stimulation can be overwhelming for some, so giving them that control was essential.”

Thoughtful design with a purpose

The design process was carried out in collaboration with Southpaw, the only U.S. manufacturer specializing in multi-sensory equipment. The sensory room includes features like a ‘stargazer’ ceiling miming a night sky, bubble tubes providing calming visual stimulation, and an interactive tunnel. “My son would love this tunnel,” Garcia said, a smile breaking across his face. “He’s the kind of kid who could lie under the lights or watch the bubbles and just find his calm.”

Beyond the physical elements, Garcia’s design was informed by years of observation and firsthand experience. “I’ve seen how small details can change an entire journey,” he said before noting the counter and sink incorporated into the room’s design. “I wanted to make sure this room offered those small but significant moments that help people recenter.”

Community recognition and the future

Garcia believes that news of the sensory room will spread quickly among families who need it. “There’s a real online community—parents who stay informed through local and national groups, researching everything that can help them make their journey smoother,” he noted. “Word will get out that Houston Airports is looking out for them.”

In November 2023, Houston Airports opened its first sensory room inside IAH Terminal A. The second sensory room opened inside the modern and expanded Terminal D one year later.

“The sensory room at Bush Airport is part of our commitment to ensuring that every passenger, regardless of their needs, feels welcomed and valued,” said Andrew Czobor, Assistant Director of IAH Terminal D for Houston Airports. “We want travelers to know that we’re paying attention to what matters most to them, and we’re continually looking for ways to make their experience as seamless and comfortable as possible.”

Bush Airport is the first airport in Texas to open a sensory room to passngers, positioning Houston as a leader in creating inclusive travel experiences. “It’s where Houston should be—as a premier destination and transit point,” Garcia said. “Having a feature like this adds value to a passenger’s journey. It shows that we care.”

The sensory room complements the Houston Airport System’s broader accessibility initiatives, including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, which allows travelers with non-visible disabilities to signal discreetly when they need additional support. “It’s not just about one room or one program,” Garcia said. “It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels seen and understood.”

For Garcia, the project is as much about his children as it is about the thousands of travelers who pass through IAH daily. “I hope this room becomes a place where people find a moment of peace, a moment that makes their journey just a little bit easier,” he said. And with that, he looked up at the stargazer ceiling, as if seeing the twinkling lights through his son's eyes.

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