A full day of access-focused professional development, personal stories, and project innovation.
Written by: Cathryn Grant, Access Leader Victoria
On July 3 Architecture & Access held their first internal Continuous Professional Development day and as you’d expect, it was focused on access and inclusion.
We began the day with Dr. Jane Bringolf from the Centre for Universal Design Australia, who provided an engaging overview of the origins of universal design and its contemporary applications within the built environment. Through thoughtful discussion and illustrative examples, she explored the concept of universal design as a guiding philosophy rather than a fixed outcome. Dr. Bringolf also spoke about the transformative “aha” moments when individuals come to truly understand the inclusive potential of universal design.
Our second speaker, Margherita Coppolino—a proud lesbian feminist living with disability—generously shared her lived experience as a person of short stature. Through many personal anecdotes, she offered valuable insights into the challenges she faces navigating the built environment. Drawing on her expertise as an inclusion and intersectionality consultant, Margherita highlighted the importance of accessible design, including the need for housing that accommodates and secures her mobility scooter, which is essential to her independence.
Following Margherita, Francesca Davenport from Architecture & Access presented on her life experience and career in Access Consulting and Architecture spanning in 38 years. At the age of two and a half, Francesca contracted poliomyelitis while living in Indonesia, resulting in partial paralysis of her left leg and complete paralysis of her right leg.
She spoke with determination about her pursuit of a career in architecture, sharing how her passion for the field led to professional opportunities in Australia and ultimately to her permanent relocation. Francesca generously shared insights from her personal journey and professional expertise, particularly regarding the interaction between the built environment and wheelchair accessibility.
In the afternoon we heard from several staff members, showcasing specific projects and innovations in the area of accessibility consulting.
Quality Management System for Architecture & Access
Alexandra Quirin, Corporate Services – Shared important information with the team, including an explanation of the Quality Management and Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems and why they are important for the entire company.
Bus Stop Infrastructure Projects
Zoe Phelan, Access Consultant – Provided an outline of the Bus Stop Infrastructure project she has been delivering for the Department of Transport & Planning and Local Councils since 2023. In line with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT), Architecture & Access has reviewed hundreds of bus stops in varying sites and situations. Currently Zoe is conducting reviews within new suburbs with new bus routes. Our services include:
- As-built site inspections
- Existing bus top assessments
- Desktop review of new or upgraded stops
The objective of these projects is to ensure compliance with DSAPT is achieved at provide guidance as required where site constraints may restrict the provision of a fully compliant path of travel to the bus stop boarding point.
Creating Inclusive Urban Spaces: The role of urban master planning
Tina Merk, Access Consultant – Tina explored how inclusive urban and master planning can transform cities into accessible, livable spaces for all. Drawing on frameworks like LEED, WELL, and Green Star Communities, she outlined five guiding principles that support barrier-free design across transport, public spaces, housing, and amenities.
Guiding Principles:
- Connect
- Welcome
- Flourish
- Gather
- Adapt
From tactile pavements and sensory-friendly landscaping to inclusive toilets and flexible infrastructure, the presentation highlighted how accessibility must be embedded from the outset – not added later.
Tina’s call to action encourages planners and consultants to revisit masterplans through this inclusive lens, ensuring cities evolve to meet the diverse needs of future communities.
Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) Project Learnings
Vibhika Valimbe, Access Consultant – Shared key accessibility insights from projects delivered under the VSBA. Drawing on the building Quality Standards Handbook (BQSH), which supplements the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards, the presentation highlighted common design construction non-compliances.
These range from latch side door clearances and accessible toilet layouts to signage clarity and floor gradients. Vibhika also outlined evolving preferences, such as the shift toward all-gender sanitary facilities and the importance of luminance contrast and handrail compliance in early learning environments.
These learnings reinforce the need for early-stage collaboration and continuous review to ensure inclusive, compliance educational spaces.
The day was a valuable opportunity for learning and connection, with meaningful conversations continuing during breaks and lunch. We look forward to planning another internal learning day in 2026.
Feature image: Architecture & Access team who attended the event
