CAE is an award-winning inclusive design consultancy and part of Habinteg Housing Association. Together, we share a mission to create accessible, inclusive and sustainable buildings, places and communities that enable everyone to participate equally in society. For over 50 years, CAE has been at the forefront of inclusive design in the UK, helping shape policy, standards and best practice across the built environment. Our technical expertise is strengthened by Habinteg’s leadership in accessible housing, giving us a unique understanding of inclusive design from policy and planning through to delivery, occupation and long-term management.
We provide independent, evidence-based advice to clients across the public, private and voluntary sectors, helping create environments that are accessible, inclusive and fit for the future.
What we do
Accessible Housing
Working alongside Habinteg, we provide specialist consultancy to support the delivery of accessible, adaptable and wheelchair-user housing. Our services include housing strategy, M4(2) and M4(3) design reviews, planning support, Design and Access Statement contributions, technical guidance, retrofit advice and training for housing associations, local authorities, developers and design teams.
Access Consultancy
Our accredited access consultants provide expert advice throughout the RIBA Plan of Work, including:
- Inclusive design appraisals
- Technical design reviews
- Design and Access Statement contributions
- Access strategies
- Building Regulations and Building Safety Act advice
- Bespoke inclusive design standards
- Stakeholder engagement and co-design
Access Audits
We undertake technical Access Audits of existing buildings, public spaces, workplaces, housing and visitor destinations, identifying barriers and providing practical, prioritised recommendations to improve accessibility and inclusion.
Training and Professional Development
We deliver CPD-accredited and bespoke Training on disability inclusion, to technical standards and good practice of inclusive design, accessible housing, Building Regulations and accessibility standards. See our Webinar series Shaping Inclusive Spaces
Pathways Academy
Pathways Academy is CAE’s professional development programme, supporting the next generation of access consultants and inclusive design professionals through training, mentoring, work experience and career development opportunities.
London Inclusive Communities
Funded by City Bridge Foundation, London Inclusive Communities provides fully funded access audits, consultancy, training and practical advice to eligible voluntary and community organisations across London, helping remove barriers to participation and improve accessibility for local communities.
Research, Publications and Guidance
Our research, stakeholder engagement and technical publications continue to influence inclusive design policy and practice. We produce practical guidance, undertake research with people who have lived experience and help organisations translate evidence into better buildings, places and services.
Why Choose CAE?
Our work is grounded in the social model of disability, recognising that barriers within the built environment—not people’s impairments—create exclusion. By combining technical expertise with lived experience and meaningful engagement, we help clients deliver practical, proportionate and evidence-based inclusive design solutions.
Whether you’re delivering accessible housing, designing a new development, refurbishing an existing building or developing organisational standards, CAE provides trusted expertise to help create environments that work for everyone.