A photograph of a large bowl shaped pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Universal Design Consultancy

Direct Access offers comprehensive accessibility consultation and disability services which integrate community engagement, legislation compliance, inclusive design planning, sustainable development practices, and a standard that goes beyond local law to provide site owners with a service that results in a best practice standard built environment.

Paying close attention to a country’s respective standard of accessibility, our team go above and beyond to deliver innovative, industry-leading consultancy.

When you hire us for consultancy, Direct Access becomes an integral part of your Design Team at every construction stage providing consultancy, advice and support utilising our in-depth knowledge of planning, building control issues and disability legislation – whichever country you’re in – with services including:

  • Access Audits of buildings before and after refurbishment
  • Access Appraisals of new-build architectural plans and elevations
  • Access Statements at every stage, including planning, building control, construction, and occupation.
A portrait photo of Steven Mifsud MBE with Her Excellency, Reem Al Hashemy wearing hidden disability sunflower lanyards.
Steve Dering at the Gulf Capital Awards carrying an awards statue and smiling.

Driving progress throughout the Middle East

Our team is noted for delivering numerous “firsts” in accessibility innovation with the Middle East region. In the United Arab Emirates, we designed and implemented the first ever Changing Places facility in the whole of the region at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Additionally, Direct Access introduced the Middle East to the Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard, resulting in an endorsement for the Lanyards from the UAE Minister of State for International Co-Operation. Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyards are recognised worldwide as signifiers that the wearer has a hidden disability and may require assistance. Their use in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe is considerable and continues to increase rapidly.

Delivering sustainable built environments for the future

Working with Direct Access will enable you to take vital steps towards making a meaningful social, economic, and environmental impact in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Our accessibility consultancy and services provide the requisite deliverables to achieve SDG #4, #8, #10 and #11 drawing on the principles of universal design, inclusive and equitable quality education, and inclusive, sustainable economic growth.

Worldwide, we maintain a commitment to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certification standards, implementing accessible, inclusive, and sustainable build projects that leave a longstanding legacy for both our partners and local communities.

Recipient of the Sustainability Prize at World Expo 2020 Dubai for our Consultancy work, we received the Gulf Capital SME Award in 2019 for Achievement in Inclusivity for our strong business growth and achievement as a team composed entirely of People of Determination.

A photo taken from the ground of the Platinum Tower in Dubai.
Two middle aged men overlooking a giant building site in the desert look through design drawings on a piece of paper.

Accessibility

Audits

A photograph of a large bowl shaped pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Universal Design

Consultancy

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Inclusion and Awareness

Training

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Mystery

Shopping

Direct Access logo.

Unit 3706,
Platinum Tower JLT-PH1-12,
Jumeirah Lakes Towers,
Dubai,
UAE.

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