- Reflecting on progress: From firsts to panels
- Designing with purpose: A project close to my heart
- From office block to inclusive kitchen: The design brief
- Learning as I designed: Accessible kitchens 101
- What makes a life skills kitchen accessible?
- Working with real-world constraints: Budget, flooring, and ingenuity
- The details that made the difference
- Seeing the space in use: A proud moment
- Why accessible design matters in community settings
- From drawings to TikToks - a space in full use
- Let’s work together to make spaces better
Reflecting on progress: From firsts to panels
Two years ago, I was literally just finishing this project – my first real foray into accessible kitchen design. Looking back now, I can see just how much I’ve grown as a designer since then. My understanding of inclusive, functional spaces has evolved so much, but the heart of what I do remains the same: creating spaces that feel like home for everyone. I thought it would be fun (and meaningful) to revisit this project and share how it all began.
Just yesterday, I had the honour of speaking on a panel at The Installer Show about accessible design for kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. I was joined by two incredibly respected voices in the industry – Adam Thomas, an award-winning accessible kitchen designer whose work has set the benchmark for inclusive living, and Tony Passmore, Managing Director of the Passmore Group, who brings decades of hands-on expertise in adapting homes to suit people’s changing needs.
We covered everything from briefing clients with access needs, to common design pitfalls, spatial planning, lighting, and how to future-proof homes with dignity and functionality in mind. The panel was hosted by Andrew Davies, who invited me along after I appeared on his brilliant KBB Review Podcast earlier this year.
Standing there, talking to a room full of designers and installers, I couldn’t help but think back to this kitchen – my first major accessible project – and just how much it shaped the work I do today. It reminded me why inclusive design matters so much, and how personal experience, lived understanding, and the right collaboration can change lives through design.
Designing with purpose: A project close to my heart
When Andrew Denny, founder of The Independence Project, got in touch about designing a life skills training kitchen for their new day centre, I didn’t hesitate. The brief was clear: to create a welcoming, accessible kitchen where young adults with learning disabilities, autism, or other additional needs could build confidence and gain the skills they need for independent living.
The project had a personal pull too. My son, Jamie, attends The Base, so I already understood the value of what this space would become. Creating an environment that could serve so many diverse needs, including my own families, was a privilege I took seriously.
From office block to inclusive kitchen: The design brief
The building, a former office space, needed major work to be transformed into a functional, sensory-considerate environment. The kitchen would sit at the heart of it all – a practical hub where users could learn, grow, and connect.
Alongside this, we also adapted an upstairs room into a cinema space. While that was a fun addition, the kitchen carried the weight of purpose. It needed to do more than just look good. It needed to work.
Learning as I designed: Accessible kitchens 101
This was my first project focused specifically on accessible kitchen design. I was fortunate to be mentored by two experts: Adam Thomas – who I also happened to share the panel with yesterday, a specialist in accessible kitchens, and Anthony Elsey from Blaines Interiors. Their guidance was invaluable. From sink height to storage solutions, we approached every aspect through the lens of usability and dignity.
What makes a life skills kitchen accessible?
Accessible design isn’t one-size-fits-all.
That’s especially true when you’re designing for neurodivergent individuals or people with complex physical needs. Key features we considered included:
- An island large enough for wheelchair access without creating bottlenecks
- Contrasting worktop and cabinet colours for visual clarity
- Easy-reach appliances and pull-out storage
- Rounded corners for safety
- Calm, but fun colours that are autism-friendly
Every decision was rooted in function and inclusivity.
Working with real-world constraints: Budget, flooring, and ingenuity
As with many community projects, the budget was tight. We had to get creative-and hands-on. The existing office flooring couldn’t be replaced, so Andrew decided sticking to the industrial look would be good. However, the designer in me wanted to do something special for them, so I literally spent days hand-painting a rug that went under and around the island. It might sound like a small thing, but it transformed the space and made it feel unique. It’s also stood to the test of time pretty well.
We also had ‘Dave’ on the team – my nickname for John, the absolute workhorse who did all the fitting, building, fixing, and generally worked his socks off to get the kitchen installed. The fact that he was Andrew’s dad meant the commitment ran deep. With some other trades helping out the kitchen soon came together. Between us all, we got the project over the line on time and on budget – just by the skin of our teeth!
This is a key takeaway for anyone commissioning similar spaces: Accessible design doesn’t always mean expensive design. With the right planning and team, you can achieve incredible results on a modest budget.
The details that made the difference
Andrew and I collaborated closely throughout, right down to plug socket positions. John, was a dream to work with – he tested every concept and wasn’t afraid to tweak things on site when needed. Meanwhile, I sourced everything from tiles to cutlery, curating a space that felt both functional and uplifting.
We used Symphony’s Freedom Range kitchen in ‘Urban White’ and ‘Turin Dark Walnut’ finishes-a contrast that provides helpful visual cues while maintaining a warm, homely feel. And that was the key: we didn’t want this to feel clinical. We wanted it to feel like home.
Seeing the space in use: A proud moment
There’s nothing quite like seeing a design come to life. Watching members of The Base using the kitchen, practising their cooking skills, socialising, and thriving in the space has been one of the most rewarding moments of my career.
Even though I volunteered my time for this project, I gained more than I gave. It cemented my passion for accessible, inclusive design and reinforced my belief that every space should support every body and every brain.
Why accessible design matters in community settings
When working with people affected by catastrophic injuries, autism, learning disabilities, or sensory processing needs, the environment around them plays a pivotal role in quality of life. Life skills spaces like this kitchen aren’t a luxury; they’re a necessity. OT teams and case managers commissioning support services must consider how design underpins everyday activities.
Design can be empowering. It can support rehabilitation, improve confidence, and foster independence. That’s why it needs to be thoughtful, adaptable, and centred around the person using it.
From drawings to TikToks – a space in full use
It’s an absolute delight to see the space being used each week. The kitchen has become such a central part of life at The Base – full of energy, purpose, and joy. My son, who attends the centre, is obsessed with making TikToks there (as only he can be!), and I love seeing him and the other young adults using the space so confidently. If you’d like a peek at the brilliant work they’re doing – and a few of Jamie’s starring moments – check out a couple of their videos here. From cooking, to life skills and a LOT of dancing. It’s honestly the best reminder of why accessible design matters.
Let’s work together to make spaces better
If you’re an occupational therapist, case worker, or support organisation looking to create or upgrade a skills-based training space, let’s talk. I bring lived experience, technical design know-how, and a collaborative approach that prioritises the needs of users.
Whether you’re developing a life skills kitchen, a supported living scheme, or a community hub, I can help you:
- Design with accessibility from the outset
- Balance creativity with clinical and practical needs
- Maximise budget without compromising impact
Explore my accessible design services
Contact me to discuss your project
Read more about my design ethos
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