From workplace accessibility to industry-wide innovation, Alex shares her experiences leading accessibility studies and working with diverse stakeholders.
Key takeaways include the importance of early engagement with end users, the need for an accreditation system for inclusive design, and how workplaces can set a new standard for accessibility. Additionally, we discuss how the industry can push beyond minimum standards and how women can accelerate in the field through policies like shared parental leave.
You’ve worked closely with stakeholders and more recently led accessibility studies in various AWW projects. What have been the biggest challenges and successes?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve overcome in accessible design is ensuring the right stakeholders are engaged early in the process. Inclusive design is about providing a variety of choices, solutions, and an environment that works for everyone. Achieving this is always a challenge!
A notable recent success has been working with Costain. They had a well-structured user group representing diverse needs, including individuals with physical and auditory impairments, visual impairments, hidden disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and LGBTQ+ representatives. Engaging them early in the process allowed for meaningful input rather than retrofitting accessibility as an afterthought.
Another crucial factor in successful accessible design is involving the right specialist consultants. Its critical to coordinate with M&E and acoustic consultants from the outset to integrate technologies that enhance inclusivity.
Accelerating Action in Accessible Design
In this insightful interview, we explore the challenges and successes of inclusive design with a leading accessibility advocate in the AWW Interior Design team.
5 March 2025, Alex Carron Brown
Where do you see an opportunity to really impact the end user?
The workplace presents a significant opportunity to improve accessibility and positively impact the lives of our end users. Many individuals, especially those with physical disabilities or neurodivergent needs can find public spaces overwhelming or inaccessible. A well designed, inclusive workplace can provide a safe and supportive environment, offering spaces tailored to diverse needs.
In today’s workplace, employees are holding employers accountable for inclusivity. We are finding that more and more of our clients are asking us about creating functional, accessible spaces that meet the needs of a diverse workforce. Workplaces offer the potential to set a higher standard for inclusive design, ensuring that employees and visitors alike feel supported and accommodated. If an individual knows their workplace is accommodating and designed to support their needs, it can encourage them to participate more actively in the workforce and social settings.
“For some, the workplace may be one of the few places outside their home where they feel truly comfortable, making accessibility in office environments even more critical."
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to anyone looking to embrace and advance universal accessible design within their projects?
Research and engage with end users early in the process. Understanding their needs ensures that accessibility features are not just added as a last-minute consideration but are integral to the design from the beginning. Futureproofing is also essential. Even if a space does not currently have specific accessibility needs, inclusive design makes it more welcoming and functional for a broader audience.
Ensuring the accessibility of a space is clearly communicated is just as important as implementing it. Every public space should have an accessibility statement and information describing its accessibility on its website detailing available features, such as ramp access, automatic doors, and restroom facilities. By proactively designing for inclusivity and clearly communicating it, spaces become more welcoming and usable for a wider range of people.
How would you like to see women accelerate in our industry?
Women are already accelerating our industry, I manage a team of incredibly talented, confident and driven women and there has been a noticeable shift in the last five years. I believe one of the key factors I think could help in accelerating progress for women is promoting shared parental leave. Traditional gender roles in caregiving often result in women stepping back from their careers, contributing to the gender pay gap. Encouraging and normalising shared parental leave would provide greater career continuity for women and create a more balanced industry.
With a continued focus on diversity, flexible work policies, and equal opportunities, women will continue to thrive and drive meaningful change in the industry.
How can the industry push beyond basic standards to create truly inclusive spaces?
I truly believe there needs to be a design accreditation that goes beyond the basic building regulations. While Part M and BS 8300 provide accessibility regulations and guidance, there is no standardised rating or system that developers and occupiers can strive for in the way that environmental certifications like BREEAM, LEED, or Fitwel exist. Introducing a formal accessibility accreditation for commercial development that could be used as a marketing and quality marker would incentivise developers to prioritise inclusive design as part of their design brief. Watch this space…
Additionally, there is a significant gap in the communication of accessibility information. Many individuals must extensively research venues, using street view or contacting businesses directly to assess accessibility. A standardised way for buildings and public spaces to transparently communicate their accessibility features would empower people to make informed choices and navigate spaces more easily.
