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Certified Access Consultants for any construction project

New build or refurbishment, considering access issues for people with disabilities at the feasibility stage informs the design and can avoid delays in Planning and Building Regulations approval – as well as unforeseen costs. So, our team of Access Consultants will work with you at every stage from inception through to completion, advising on all aspects of accessibility for both commercial and residential facilities.

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-built environment.

We have in-depth knowledge of ADA, ABA, and FHA standards, PROWAG guidelines, local planning regulations, State building codes, and building control issues – with services including:

Access Audits of buildings before and after refurbishment
Access Appraisals of new-build architectural plans and elevations.
Access Consultancy at Pre-design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Preparation of Construction Documents and Project Closeout stages
Access Statements at every stage, including planning, building control, construction, and occupation.
Landscape consultancy
Paying close attention to international best practices in accessibility, our team go above and beyond to deliver innovative, industry-leading consultancy.

Across the United States, we enable clients to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification standards, implementing accessible, inclusive, and sustainable build projects that leave a longstanding legacy for both our partners and local communities.

Access Appraisals

The best way to make sure that access is fully considered is to have an Access Appraisal. Undertaken by our IAAP Certified Access Consultants (Built Environment) or ICC Building Plans examiner, an Access Appraisal is a study of new project plans with the aim of catching any potential issues before they become one and ensuring that inclusive design guidance is followed.

Often, an Access Appraisal will lay the groundwork for a comprehensive Access Statement and ensure that the design process from inception to development runs as smoothly as possible and avoid the risk of non-compliance with best practice accessibility standards. This allows designers and construction teams to develop inclusive buildings.

Design Stages

The Access Appraisal is often the first stage in design document review and development of comments. Direct Access operates as an integral part of Design Development teams providing a point of call for all accessibility queries at Schematic and Development stages. We facilitate workshops on accessibility and are proactively involved in specialist committees looking at specific aspects of design development such as lifts, wayfinding, or transportation control.

Access Statements

Whatever the size of your project, Design and Access Statements gives you peace of mind that all areas have been thoroughly addressed regarding accessibility. A Design and Access Statement is often required by Planning authorities as part of the planning application.

The earlier access provision can be considered – preferably the design stage – the better, as you’ll avoid later changes that may affect the site or building’s chosen aesthetic.

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