Contact Paul Scudder
Berkshire Office
01753 830194
07801 448934
Contact Geoff Savage
Devon Office
01271 867250
07930 382788
Devon Office: 01271 867250    Berkshire Office: 01753 830194 Contact Us

Design appraisals (DDA / Part M)

Design Appraisals

A design appraisal is a desktop exercise where we assess your plans and highlight any potential access issues to ensure you're focusing on inclusive design from the outset.

We review your designs against the Approved Documents M and K of the Building Regulations as well as BS8300 2010 and any other specific guidance that is applicable to your project.

A typical example of specific guidance is the appraisal of a planning application for a new rugby club where we will use Sports England's - 'Accessible sports facilities' document in addition to the building regs and BS8300.

The appraisal report will make recommendations on improvements, highlight positive accessibility features, provide information on accessibility features that may have been missed and advise on any relevant changes that need to take place.

We will try to suggest simple and best practice improvements, to help ensure that your proposed schemes are inclusive and accessible for all.

A design appraisal is only one step in the process of making a building accessible. It is worth ensuring that professionals with accessibility experience should be involved in all stages of the design process including:

  • design appraisals at all stages throughout the project;
  • construction phase advise (check fixtures and fittings, ensuring installation of equipment is correct, etc.);
  • post-occupancy review (ensure signage in correct position, hearing loop in working order, updating documentation, etc.).