Co-Design & Consultation
At Architecture & Access, we believe that inclusive design is most effective when shaped by those who use the space. Our co-design and consultation service supports our clients, including architects and designers by embedding lived experience into the design process from the outset.
We work closely with clients to design inclusive co-design processes to meet the needs of all users – especially people with disabilities.
Universal Design provides a clear, inclusive foundation for decision-making, while co-design ensures these principals are shaped by real users, creating more accessible and meaningful experiences for users.
Our Core Co-Design Approach Includes:
- Structured consultation;
We meet with each client to understand the project scope, objectives, and user needs. From this, we develop a tailored co-design plan that sets out the engagement approach, universal design considerations, and communication pathways. This ensures the process is structured, inclusive and aligned with the project’s stage and timelines. - Gathering Broader Feedback;
We work closely with disability support agencies, advocacy groups and community partners to ensure a wide range of lived experiences is represented. Through interviews, surveys and early engagement activities, we collect broad perspectives that help shape initial design priorities and highlight key themes before formal workshops commence. - Facilitated co-design workshops;
We design and lead workshops where participants can interact with design concepts and contribute directly to decision-making. Using tools – such as concept sketches, prototypes, and scenario exercises, we guide discussions in a way that supports equal participation and allows lived-experience insights to influence the development of inclusive design solutions. - Actionable feedback loops;
Following each engagement activity, we document all user insights and translate them into clear, actionable recommendations for the design team. We track this feedback throughout the project to ensure it is incorporated as designs evolve, and we report back to participants and clients to show how their contributions have shaped the project’s outcomes.
Case Study
Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP)
Through structured consultation sessions, stakeholders shared insights on accessible train features, the information centre design and the rollingstock mock-up.
“Being able to move through the mock-up and test real-life scenarios helped us give feedback that actually changes the way people will use these trains”
Design Response:
Design response: Key accessibility insights were integrated into the train specification, public information centre and rollingstock mock-up to improve usability for all passengers.
