Vanessa Fahey - Access design with dignity

Hearing Architecture

Content provided by Daniel Moore and The Australian Institute of Architects. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Daniel Moore and The Australian Institute of Architects or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

5d ago 48:49

MP3•Episode home

In this episode, hosts Lily Jiang and Daniel Moore speak with Vanessa Fahey, Director of Knisco Inclusive Access in Brisbane, about the transformative role of universal design and access consultancy in creating truly inclusive spaces. Knisco works across a broad range of projects, from aged care, independent living, and public transport to retail, health, education, residential, and government buildings, helping clients meet accessibility obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act while enhancing usability for all.

Vanessa is not a registered architect and began her career as an occupational therapist, working directly with people with disabilities. This experience shaped her deep commitment to removing barriers in the built environment and led her to become an Accredited Access Consultant (Accredited Member of the ACAA). With more than a decade in the construction industry, she brings a unique perspective grounded in the interplay between people, their environments, and the activities they undertake, a perspective that enables her to bridge design aspirations with practical, dignified, and equitable access outcomes.

The conversation explores how universal design principles can be embedded from the earliest project stages, the evolving expectations of Australia’s accessibility standards, and the value of proactive collaboration between architects, designers, and access consultants. Vanessa shares real-world insights on balancing creative vision with regulatory compliance, building trust with clients, and achieving efficient, cost-effective solutions without compromising inclusivity.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Lily Jiang and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded. We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations. and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

154 episodes

#Society #Arts #Graphic Design #Daniel Moore #The Australian Institute of Architects