Access Design Reviews & Reports
Realm Access provides design review services for all project types to support the creation of welcoming, inclusive and compliant environments.
We provide design review services for all project types from inception to completion, including:
Feasibility and master planning reviews
Concept / schematic design reviews
Town planning / Development Approval (DA) reviews
State Significant Development Application (SSDA) reviews
Complying Development Certificate (CDC) reviews
Construction Certificate (CC) reviews
Detailed design reviews
Tender documentation reviews
Construction documentation reviews
Access reviews can be undertaken at any stage, although early engagement is recommended to avoid delays to project programs and cost overruns associated with redesign works when non-compliances have not been identified at the start.
Realm Access are specialists in access consulting and Universal Design with extensive experience in interpreting and applying the requirements of the access legislation.
Our focus is on providing prompt, thorough and practical advice tailored to each project’s specific requirements. We proactively support project teams, collaborating with clients and designers to achieve accessibility objectives and meet mandatory compliance requirements.
Access review reports provide a comprehensive summary of non-compliances and best-practice recommendations with marked-plans to clearly identify issues for the efficient use of project teams. Reports are in a format suitable for submission to approval authorities.
We also assist in the development of Access Performance Solutions
Performance Solutions are an alternative pathway to achieving compliance in instances where meeting the deemed-to-satisfy provisions is not feasible or desirable, for example in relation to:
Complex or unique site constraints
Existing building conditions that can’t reasonably be modified such as heritage buildings
The particular use and function of a building where a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is inappropriate
Supporting innovative design and creative outcomes
One of the key benefits of an access design review is to identify opportunities to enhance accessibility beyond the minimum mandatory compliance requirements. The NCC / BCA and Disability Standards are limited in their scope: they generally do not regulate the design of internal fitouts and the requirements do not consider the full diversity of disability.
Thinking beyond the minimum mandatory requirements for compliance set out in the NCC / BCA and Disability Standards and designing the built environment so it supports and enhances access and inclusion for everyone is key to meeting the intent of the DDA. Developing a strategic, rather than reactive approach to accessibility minimises the risk of complaint and litigation and the need to retrofit accessible features. When considered at the outset, many accessible features are easy to incorporate and can be low-cost or cost-neutral. Often it’s as simple as considerate detailing of circulation spaces, joinery, and fitout, and careful selection of furniture, fixtures, finishes, lighting and signage.