A Foundation Built on Purpose – Accessibility
A quiet achiever with a profound impact, Chris Porter has played a defining role in shaping both Architecture & Access and the broader access consulting profession in Australia.
With more than 40 years’ experience in the construction industry — including over 25 years as an Access Consultant — Chris brings a depth of knowledge that few can match. As a registered architect and accredited access consultant, his career has been built on a strong foundation of technical expertise, paired with a genuine commitment to creating environments that work for everyone.
Chris is one of the founding and active Directors of Architecture & Access. His journey began in 1998, when he co-founded the business with Diane Porter, driven by a belief that accessibility should be embedded into the design process, not treated as an afterthought. At a time when access advice was not always welcomed within the architectural community, Chris persevered — advocating for change and demonstrating the value of specialist expertise.
“What we do as access consultants is more important, more relevant and more needed than ever.” — Chris Porter
Shaping an Industry Leader
That persistence helped lay the groundwork for what Architecture & Access is today. In 2012, the business merged with Blythe-Sanderson — a legacy founded on the advocacy of the late Sandy Blythe — bringing together decades of experience and a shared mission: to remove barriers and enable full participation for people of all abilities. Chris remains deeply connected to this purpose, ensuring that the spirit and intent of the Disability Discrimination Act continues to guide the work we do.
Under Chris’s leadership, the organisation has grown from modest beginnings into an industry leader, with a national presence and a reputation built on partnerships, trust, and technical excellence. He has always championed a relationship-driven approach — working closely with clients, designers and stakeholders to find practical, innovative solutions that go beyond compliance to enhance the user experience.
Looking Ahead: Universal Design
At the heart of Chris’s philosophy is a belief in universal design. While compliance remains essential, he continues to advocate for environments that are truly inclusive — spaces that consider the diverse needs of all users and unlock greater opportunities for participation.
Chris’s contribution to the profession has been formally recognised through his Fellowship with the Access Consultants Association (ACA), a testament to both his expertise and his dedication to advancing the industry. Yet, true to his quiet nature, his impact is perhaps most strongly felt through the people he mentors. Chris is deeply committed to developing the next generation of access consultants, generously sharing his knowledge and encouraging others to pursue excellence in inclusive design.
His passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment continue to shape not only our organisation, but also the built environment more broadly.
At Architecture & Access, our vision has always been clear: Creating environments, transforming lives. Chris Porter embodies this vision every day.
