If you’ve ever heard the saying that a significant proportion of the world’s population will, at some stage in their life, experience some form of disability, then you’ll understand why this is something that is not going away. Universal design and accessible design are not just trends, they are becoming essential in interior design for accessibility. This approach is increasingly important due to factors like injury, ageing, reduced mobility, and a broader push for inclusivity.

As interior designers and architects, we are becoming more aware of the need for inclusive design, which is also becoming a legislative requirement in many areas, so it’s something that every single designer needs to know about and start implementing into their designs! If you’re new to the concept of designing for accessibility, you might also want to explore our post about Floor Planning Design With Dimensions & Examples, which touches on the relationship between critical dimensions and spatial design play a critical role in accommodating universal design needs.

So, what is universal and accessible design? It is designing for everyone and ensuring all ages and abilities are considered. Not just able-bodied people who can, for example, easily run up ten flights of stairs (though I don’t know anyone besides a firefighter who could do that anyway). Accessible interior spaces are for everyone, ensuring practicality and functionality throughout all stages of life, from infancy to old age.

In the past, interior design for accessibility was only considered in specific situations, such as in nurseries where fixtures were designed to accommodate young children or in spaces designed for wheelchair users, where step-free access was prioritised. Now, universal design encourages us to think beyond the obvious. For example, consider the width of doors and hallways for those in wheelchairs, the contrast between floors and walls for those with poor eyesight, basin or bench heights in public spaces, or ensuring steps have clear visual distinctions.

Details like door handle placement, the height of plug sockets, and accessible light switch locations all contribute to inclusive design principles. If you’re thinking of exploring a niche area, have a look at our blog post about How To Create An Interior Design Niche offers which provides a step by step guide to help you identify opportunities like universal design that cater to emerging client needs.

For instance, in my own home, the door handles are so high that my three-year-old daughter, who is tall for her age, cannot reach them (something we intend to change as soon as we renovate). Most new builds now feature sockets raised to a height that accommodates wheelchair users and the elderly, making these practical adjustments part of accessible interior spaces. These changes are gradually becoming part of standard legislation and are key principles of universal design.

Also, technology plays a crucial role in making universal design even more effective. It’s not just about flashy gadgets, it’s about enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in everyday spaces. For example, sensor lighting on staircases adds safety while saving energy, and automated doors make life easier for those with reduced mobility or strength.

So, why is this knowledge important? Legislation around accessibility is evolving, but implementation within the interior design and architecture professions has been slow. Universal design isn’t just about wheelchair ramps anymore, it’s about making spaces inclusive for everyone, at every stage of life. With an ageing population and growing awareness, more clients are requesting accessible interior spaces as a standard feature. While step-free access has long been a focus, universal design challenges us to go further. For example, ensuring wheelchair users can enter through the same main entrance as everyone else, not a separate side door shows a commitment to inclusivity. Designing child-height basins in public bathrooms is another example of creating accessible interior spaces that work for everyone.

Personally, accessible design was instrumental in building my career early on. While working on architectural projects, I specialised in designing for all abilities because there was a clear demand for my skills. However, I strongly believe that universal and accessible design should be a core competency for every interior designer and architect. If you’re looking for tools to better understand client needs for universal interior design projects, have a look at my Interior Design Questionnaire | Complete Guide.

If you’re wondering where to learn more, every country has its own resources. For instance, organisations like the Global Universal Design Commission https://globaluniversaldesign.org/about-us/ , Design for All in Europe https://dfaeurope.eu/, and the Rick Hansen Foundation in Canada https://www.rickhansen.com/ provide valuable insights. In the US, certifications like “Aging in Place” https://www.nahb.org/education-and-events/education/designations/certified-aging-in-place-specialist-caps offer specialised training.

If you’re a member of a professional body like the British Institute of Interior Design, they often provide resources or guidance. Many of these are free, so you don’t need to invest heavily to gain foundational knowledge about universal design principles.

What’s your experience with accessibledDesign? Are you finding that clients are asking for accessibility more often? How is designing for all abilities impacting your work as an interior designer or architect? I’d love to hear your thoughts.