UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Going Beyond Compliance: Inclusive Design That Puts People First
This service goes further than our standard accessibility reporting and compliance checks. It’s about adding real value to your project by designing with empathy, usability, and long-term impact in mind.
17% of all New Zealanders identify as having some form of disability. Add to that an ageing population, with a building and assistive technologies industry that is moving faster then ever, and it becomes clear that designing just to meet our 24 year old NZBC acceptable solutions (that’s not a typo, NZS4121:2001 turned 24 years old in 2025). Those the acceptable solutions represent a baseline—not a benchmark for quality.
More and more organisations are recognising the benefits of exceeding code minimums and adopting best practice and universal design principles. Not only is this often cost-neutral, it’s a powerful way to create buildings that are more usable, welcoming, and valuable for a wider range of people.
With over 16 years of experience and a deep portfolio of projects across sectors—including many that have received national architecture and landscape awards—I’m well positioned to help design teams:
Apply pragmatic, design-sympathetic solutions that don’t compromise aesthetics
Maximise usability for a diverse range of users
Add long-term value and functionality to buildings
Deliver outcomes aligned with your values, users' needs, and future expectations
This is a separate, tailored service focused on unlocking the full potential of your project for its end users—not just achieving compliance, but delivering excellence for those that want to challenge the status quo.