Public Realm Consultancy
Specialist consultancy to councils, architects, retail businesses, hospitality providers and community organisations seeking to create age-friendly, cognitively accessible environments.
Core Services
Community facility design review: Assessment of community facilities applying internationally recognised dementia design principles, with practical recommendations prioritised by construction timing and cost impact
Master plan development: Leading master planning for community developments applying urban design principles that create familiar, legible, and distinctive environments
Master plan review: Independent assessment of master plans developed by other consultants
Implementation guidance: Supporting translation of inclusive design principles into built outcomes
Design Principles & Approach
Urban Planning
For master planning and urban design projects, all recommendations are structured around creating public spaces that are comfortable, accessible, familiar, safe, distinct, and legible. These validated principles ensure environments work effectively for people with cognitive changes while benefiting all community members through improved wayfinding, reduced stress, and enhanced social connection.
Community Facilities
For facility design review, assessment follows evidence-based principles that ensure environments support dignity, human scale, clear wayfinding, optimised stimulation, meaningful engagement, and community connection. These principles ensure community facilities support people living with dementia while enhancing the experience for all users.
Working With Clients
Working alongside planning teams, architects, and other consultants to provide specialist input on dementia enabling design. Our role typically involves environment audits, design reviews and practical recommendations that ensure community infrastructure supports wellbeing for people living with dementia and their families.
The Village Architect helps councils, businesses, and community organisations create infrastructure that ensures people of all cognitive abilities feel welcome, included, and connected to their community. Contact us to discuss how inclusive design principles can enhance your project outcomes.