Access Design Appraisals and Inclusive Design Consultancy
CAE is an award-winning inclusive design consultancy and access consultancy with a mission to drive greater accessibility and inclusion across buildings and environments, so that everyone, everywhere, can participate in an inclusive society. Our specialist access consultants support clients, architects, developers and design teams to create accessible, inclusive and usable places. Through technical expertise, lived experience insight and stakeholder engagement, we identify barriers and provide practical, evidence-based recommendations that support good practice in access and inclusion.
CAE provides specialist access consultancy and inclusive design services to support architects, developers, clients and design teams in creating accessible, inclusive and equitable buildings and environments.
What is an Access Design Appraisal?
Our access design appraisal expert review and advice throughout the design and construction process, helping identify accessibility opportunities and potential issues at an early stage. By considering inclusion from the outset, we help clients avoid costly retrospective changes and deliver buildings that work for the widest range of users. An Access Design Appraisal service provides specialist accessibility reviews of new-build, refurbishment, retrofit and redevelopment projects. This technical review of design proposals, identifies accessibility opportunities, risks and potential barriers at an early stage. Early involvement helps design teams integrate inclusive solutions from the outset and avoid costly retrospective changes.
Our reviews consider relevant legislation, regulations, standards and best practice, including:
- Equality Act 2010
- Building Regulations Approved Document M: Access to and Use of Buildings
- BS 8300 Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment
- Sector-specific accessibility standards and guidance
- The RIBA Inclusive Design Overlay
We work collaboratively with project teams to develop practical solutions that balance accessibility, design quality, buildability, cost and project constraints. Please contact us to talk through your requirements.
Supporting Design Teams Through the RIBA Plan of Work
Accessibility is most effective when considered throughout the design process. CAE works alongside architects, engineers, landscape designers, developers and contractors throughout the RIBA Plan of Work, supporting inclusive design decisions from concept through to completion. Using the principles of the RIBA Inclusive Design Overlay, we help ensure accessibility is embedded throughout the project lifecycle rather than addressed as a final compliance exercise.
Our services can include:
- Feasibility and early design advice
- Inclusive design reviews
- Drawing and specification reviews
- Supporting workshops and stakeholder engagement
- Technical advice during construction
- Post-completion accessibility reviews
Design and Access Statements for Planning
CAE can write an access statement contribution to the wider Design and Access Statement (DAS) written with other members of the design team—including architects, structural engineers, building services consultants and landscape designers—our input provides the specialist access and inclusion information required to demonstrate how accessibility has informed the design approach. For complex projects, particularly refurbishment and existing buildings, CAE can prepare an access strategy with a clear evidence base for discussions with Building Control and supports a proportionate approach where existing conditions, heritage constraints or technical limitations affect the ability to meet current requirements in full.
Talk to Our Access Consultants
Whether you are planning a new development, refurbishing an existing building or seeking specialist accessibility advice, CAE provides expert access consultancy, design appraisals, Design and Access Statement support and access strategies to help deliver inclusive, accessible environments. Our client list and case studies pages give an idea of the types of work we have carried out including examples of design appraisals.