A day of professional development exploring accessibility, universal design and the lived experiences that inform better design outcomes.
Following the success of our 2025 CPD Day: Learning Through Lived Experience, the Architecture & Access team came together again in 2026 for another day of professional development.
Our annual CPD: Connect & Learn event featured a diverse program of internal and external presenters who challenged our thinking, shared new perspectives, and inspired meaningful discussion. As access and universal design consultants, continuous learning is essential to ensuring we deliver informed, innovative and inclusive solutions for our clients and communities.
While the presentations covered a broad range of topics, several common themes emerged: the importance of lived experience, designing beyond compliance, embracing innovation, and creating environments that support dignity, independence and participation.
Designing with, not for
The day began with a meaningful Acknowledgement of Country from Aboriginal Engagement Consultant and Cultural Advisor Kat Rodwell, who invited us toreflect on connection to Country, community and place.
Drawing on her expensive experience in cultural engagement co-design, Kat demonstrated how First Nation perspectives can inform decisions within the built environment. She highlighted that cultural inclusion extends beyond symbolism and requires an understanding of how places, materials and practices relate to Country.
One memorable example focused on the role of design in shaping gathering spaces and ceremonial areas. Kat explained the importance of using cultural appropriate materials and practices, noting where a Welcome to Country ceremony incorporates soil or earth, the material should be sourced from the Country to which it belongs. This example illustrates how what may seem a small design and materiality decision can carry significant cultural meaning and reinforces respect.
This theme continued with a presentation by Valerie Watchorn, who shared research into the participation of people with disability in the co-design of public buildings. Her work highlighted the value of lived experience as a form of expertise and demonstrated that meaningful co-design requires ongoing involvement throughout the entire project journey, and not only consultation at the beginning or end.
Key Learning: The most successful projects are created through genuine collaboration, where lived experience and professional expertise are equally valued.
Beyond Compliance: Creating Inclusive Environments
Several presentations focused on creating environments that genuinely work for a diverse range of users and are beyond minimum compliance requirements.
Tina Merk, Access Consultant, explained how international accessibility standards and best-practice guidance can help achieve more inclusive outcomes than compliance alone. By considering global benchmarks and emerging approaches, designers can create environments that are more responsive to user needs and future expectations.
Claire Tierney shared her lived experience of navigating the built environment with multiple sclerosis.
Through real-world examples, Claire demonstrated how even the smallest design decisions can significantly affect independence, dignity and participation.
Image: Claire presenting at the CPD: Connect & Learn 2026 – Architecture & Access.
From heavy bathroom doors and poorly positioned controls to inaccessible lift interfaces, her presentation highlighted that accessibility is often determined by the details. Claire also showcased examples of thoughtful solutions that improve usability for everyone, reinforcing the value of universal design.
“Disability isn’t always found in the body. Quite often, it’s found in the design of the world around us.”
The theme of beyond compliance was also reflected in Patricia Flores’ presentation on Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT) Equivalent Access, examining alternative solutions that achieve equitable user outcomes while meeting the intent of accessibility standards for public transport.
Key Learning: Compliance establishes a baseline. Inclusive design focuses on the experience, dignity and usability for the people who use the space.
Inclusive design at ALL Stages
Three speakers demonstrated how access can be successfully integrated throughout the design and delivery process.
Nicole Gavina, Access Consultant, shared experiences from Design & Construct projects, highlighting the importance of practical problem-solving, clear communication and collaborative decision-making when accessibility outcomes must be maintained throughout evolving project delivery processes. Practical strategies for success include:
- Understanding the builder’s perspective
- Providing buildable and solution-focused advice
- Carefully documenting decisions
- Actively monitoring project time and fees
Grace Nguyen, Access Consultant, showcased the access and universal design strategy for the Melbourne Airport T2 International Terminal Expansion. The project adopts a passenger-centred approach, embedding accessibility, wayfinding, amenities and support services throughout the entire traveler journey.
Drawing on universal design principles and international best practice, the project determines how accessibility can be integrated from the outset rather than added as an afterthought.
Likewise, Sarah McCarthy, Senior Access Consultant, presented on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) highlighting the importance of involving participants directly in the design of their homes. Through a case study of a Housing Choices SDA project, she demonstrated how personalised design solutions can support independence, dignity and improved quality of life.
Key Learning: The best accessibility outcomes occur when inclusive design is embedded from planning through to delivery and informed by the people who will ultimately use the space.
Innovation and Emerging Challenges
Innovation was another major focus of the day, particularly regarding the opportunities and risks associated with new technologies.
Andrew Willis, Managing Director at Word of Mouth Technology introduced the team to a sound-field hearing augmentation system that was used throughout the CPD day. By enabling presenters and audience members to communicate more effectively, the technology demonstrated how accessible communication can improve participation, concentration and reduced listening fatigue for everyone.
The innovation conversation continued with Mat Teubert’s (Monash University) presentation on artificial intelligence and disability. Mat explored how historical bias and under-representation can become embedded in technological systems, creating unintended barriers for people with disability.
His presentation challenged attendees to think critically about emerging technologies and highlighted the importance of including people with disability in the development, assessment and governance of AI systems.
Key Learning: Innovation delivers its greatest value when accessibility and inclusion are considered from the beginning.
Designing for Safer and More Inclusive Communities
The final presentation focused on how design can influence safety, community connection and perceptions of place.
Carrie Lim and Lisa Ham, Senior Access and CPTED Consultants introduced the seven principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), outlining how thoughtful planning, active spaces, natural surveillance, intuitive wayfinding and community activation can contribute to safer environments.
Using case studies – Chelmsford Open Space and the Queen’s Wharf Residential Towers, Carrie and Lisa explained how elements such as clear sightlines, intuitive wayfinding, active public spaces, landscaping, lighting and community activation can contribute to safer and more successful environments. The session highlighted the importance of considering safety early in the design process and ensuring spaces remain well-maintained and actively used over time.
Key Learning: People help make places safer. Well-designed environments encourage activity, ownership and community connection while reducing opportunities for crime.
As access and universal design consultants, our role extends beyond achieving compliance. It is about helping to create spaces that enable participation, support dignity and provide equitable experiences for the widest possible range of people.
CPD: Connect & Learn 2026 was a valuable reminder that meaningful inclusion begins with listening, learning and designing with people, not just for them.
