19 years of experience in access consulting.
At Architecture & Access, we are fortunate to have team members whose expertise not only shapes projects but helps drive the future of inclusive design. One of those leaders is Cathryn Grant, Access Leader Victoria.
An accredited access consultant and registered occupational therapist, Cathryn brings a unique combination of clinical knowledge, public health expertise, and practical consulting experience to her role. With more than 19 years of experience in access consulting, she has dedicated her career to creating environments that are accessible, inclusive, and supportive of people with diverse abilities.
Cathryn’s professional journey began in occupational therapy, working with individuals across community and rehabilitation settings. This experience provided her with valuable insight into the everyday challenges people face when interacting with the built environment and continues to inform her approach to access consulting today.
Bridging health and the built environment
Cathryn holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) and a Master of Public Health specialising in Health and the Built Environment, where her passion for inclusive environments was further developed. Her research in universal design was recognised with the prestigious Yungaburra Foundation Award, reflecting her commitment to understanding how well-designed environments can improve health, participation, and quality of life.
This combination of health and built environment expertise allows Cathryn to offer clients a broader perspective on accessibility and universal design.
“Design is not just about compliance. It’s about creating environments where people feel comfortable, supported and able to participate fully in everyday life”.
Throughout her work, Cathryn considers not only physical accessibility but also sensory, emotional, and cognitive experiences, helping project teams design spaces that are welcoming for a diverse range of users.
Leading innovation in neuro-inclusive design
As Victoria’s Access Leader, Cathryn plays a key role in mentoring consultants, guiding projects, and supporting clients across a wide range of sectors.
She has also been instrumental in the development of Architecture & Access’s Universal Design consulting services, helping organisations better understand and respond to the needs of ALL people, including those with a disability. The creation of Strategy & Benchmarking services can help organisations create a clear universal design vision and establish measurable benchmarks and implement practical frameworks to drive everlasting change.
As awareness continues to grow, Cathryn’s work is helping clients move beyond traditional accessibility outcomes and create environments that support comfort, independence, and meaningful participation for everyone.
Her collaborative approach and ability to translate complex user needs into practical design solutions have made her a trusted advisor to architects, designers, government agencies, and project teams.
Cathryn has recently been globally recognised for her contribution to neuro-inclusive design practice through the collaborative development of the Reset Room Design Guide. The guide’s purpose is to help assist in the creation of spaces that support neurodivergent people.
Recognised and awarded with the Friendly and Inclusive Spaces Research Award from the UIA – International Union of Architects in Barcelona, Spain.
In November Cathryn will present at the International Universal Design Conference in Ireland.
The International Universal Design Conference is the world’s leading conference dedicated exclusively to Universal Design and is held only once every two years. It represents the premier global gathering of researchers, practitioners, policymakers, innovators and organisations working to advance inclusive design.
The conference attracts globally recognised experts including representatives involved with the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, leaders in accessibility innovation from organisations such as Google, and internationally renowned researchers and practitioners shaping the future of Universal Design.
Importantly, Architecture & Access’s abstracts on the Reset Room Design Guide and the Peninsula University Hospital (previously Frankston Hospital) Universal Design Project have been accepted for presentation from more than 100 submissions. This places Architecture & Access amongst a select group of organisations invited to share their work with an international audience of leaders and decision-makers in accessibility and inclusion.
While Cathryn’s professional achievements are impressive, colleagues know her equally well for her thoughtful leadership, sense of humour, and commitment to making a positive difference.
Many will remember her reflections during Melbourne’s 2020 lockdown, balancing leadership responsibilities, remote work, and homeschooling with characteristic honesty and humour. Whether discussing sourdough baking, neighbourhood conversations over the fence, or the challenges of Google Classroom, Cathryn demonstrated the resilience and pragmatism that continue to define her approach today.
Those qualities remain evident in her work: a genuine understanding of people’s experiences, a commitment to removing barriers, and a belief that good design has the power to improve lives.
Looking ahead
As expectations around accessibility, inclusion, and universal design continue to evolve, Cathryn remains at the forefront of helping clients create environments that work for everyone.
Sample of Cathryn’s recent projects
- Gordon Tafe – Disability Centre for Excellence
- Wangaratta Special School – Post-occupancy evaluation
- Caulfield Grammar School – Teaching and Learning Building
- CIVIQ Public Use Products
