Access and Inclusive Design Appraisals

People looking at building plans
GCL understands that the most efficient and cost effective way of maximising access and inclusive design is to plan it in from the start. Our inclusive design services are specifically aligned to modern building and construction methodologies, such as the RIBA Plan of Works, to ensure the right access and inclusive design considerations take place at the right stages of the design and build process.

The right time for an Access and Inclusive Design Appraisal

Access and inclusion should be considered at every stage of a project, from reviewing General Arrangement (GA) drawings through to final fit out. The benefits of designing in access and inclusion include a greater ability to achieve best practice and realise significant cost savings, it is cheaper to move a line on a drawing than to move a wall on site.

How they work

In carrying out an Access and Inclusive Design Appraisal we review your designs/drawings to identify barriers to access and inclusion, taking into consideration the needs of people with a wide range of impairments; physical, sensory and cognitive and including those with a neurodiverse profile.

The appraisal is informed by, but not limited to, consideration of the following:

  • The Equality Act 2010
  • Building Regulations Part M and Approved Document M
  • The British Standards BS8300:2018 Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment

"GCL has increased our people's knowledge and confidence in understanding what really matters when it comes to inclusive design..."

Historic Royal Palaces

The report

A detailed report is produced which highlights potential barriers to access and inclusion, together with relevant guidance for each particular issue so that the issue can be designed out or mitigated before drawing freeze stage.

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Walk & Talk Access Reviews
  • A Walk & Talk uniquely combines a quality assured Access Review of a building/venue with CPD accredited Access Training.
    Learn more >
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Case Study: Retail and Commercial
EDF Energy
  • GCL were asked to carry out an Access Review of the station's visitor facing areas, including its interactive visitor centre.
    Read the full case study > EDF energy logo

What our clients say

GCL has worked with Historic Royal Palaces on a number of building conservation and exhibition projects across our sites. GCL has also increased our people's knowledge and confidence in understanding what really matters when it comes to inclusive design."

Historic Royal Palaces

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