This year Architecture & Access turned 10! And we celebrated…
Like many successful companies, Architecture & Access started from small beginnings with a few staff in the front room of a residential house. And now we have wonderful offices in both Brisbane and Melbourne with over 60 employees. It is a remarkable success story!
Architecture & Access are no doubt the leaders in the industry. In some way all access consultants have been involved with Architecture & Access and we are extremely proud of the products and people we have developed for the access industry.
How we celebrated:
10 tips over 10 weeks – Is our gift to you! Leveraging on our access to the built environment expertise, each week sent our clients and contacts a crafted, animated access tip. The tips were designed to promote a greater understanding of a broad range of areas related to access and inclusion. There are many favourites, including All Gender Signage. The other 9 tips can be found here.
10-year anniversary morning teas – Over a six-week period an opportunity was provided for our employees to get together with their peers to reflect and discuss their time so far at Architecture & Access. There were five groups, with the employees grouped according to the number of years with the organisation. A set of questions was provided, designed to help the flow of conversation and to encourage staff to think about their time with the organisation and their input into improving access for all. Needless to say, a lovely morning tea was provided!
And of course, there was a party! – Held at Arts Project Australia’s (APA) Collingwood Gallery. APA is a creative social enterprise supporting artists with intellectual disabilities by promoting their work and advocating for their inclusion in contemporary art practice. The exhibition Variations, curated by Michael Camakaris, was presented for the enjoyment of our clients and staff. The event was a huge success with delicious food, provided by Salama Tea House, a social enterprise supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
What’s next?
Our vision is to grow our position in the access industry and to continue to support our people professionally and personally. Investing in our people is an integral part of our growth strategy. Our growth strategy will include new markets and sectors.
The future is universal design. Compliance meets some needs but not everyone’s needs. Whilst compliance is important, our major goal is to influence designers, architects, building managers, owners, and corporations to provide opportunities to a market sector that has been sorely underestimated. Our focus is universal and allowing access for all which then provides greater inclusion and participation.
We understand the challenges, responsibilities, and importance of creating safe, accessible built environments that enable people with disability to live life fully.
Our 4-word vision is as clear today as it was when we started out – Creating environments, transforming lives.
