Journal
Notes on access consulting, SDA design and building compliance. We're bringing the best of our back catalogue over here; more to come.
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Person-centred design principles for robust Specialist Disability Accommodation
Seven design principles for robust SDA that feels like home rather than an institution.
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Expert evidence in access consulting and architectural disputes: lessons from Makita v Sprowles
What Makita v Sprowles requires of an expert report, and what a compliant slip-resistance report looks like in practice.
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All-gender sanitary facilities under NCC 2025
How the new NCC 2025 all-gender facilities pathway works, and why it cuts queues.
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What an access consultant actually does
Advisory, auditing and certification: how the role differs from an architect's, and where it fits on a project.
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Specialist Disability Accommodation design standards: an FAQ
The four NDIS SDA design categories, and who's allowed to certify against them.
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Livable Housing Design under NCC 2022: what's actually required
The six core Livable Housing Design requirements, and how they vary by state.
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AS 1428.1: what changed between 2009 and 2021
The five areas that actually changed, and whether existing designs need to be redone.
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Tactile Ground Surface Indicators
Setback, depth and contrast: what AS 1428.4 actually requires, and the two failures we see most.
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Handrails on Stairways
Clearance, terminations and extensions: getting stair handrails compliant with AS 1428.1.
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Nosings on Stairways
Why a highlighted nosing matters, and the contrast failures that make one non-compliant anyway.
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Open Risers and Overhanging Treads on Stairways
Why open risers cause real difficulty, not just a technicality, and how to close the gap.
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Ramp Handrails and Kerb Rails
Clearances, kerb rail positioning, and the terminations that trip up most ramp designs.
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Visual Indicators on Fully Glazed Doors and Side Lights
Making a glass door visible: height, contrast and continuity requirements.
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Door Opening Requirements
Handle shape, operating force, and when an automatic opener beats a lighter door closer.