Access compliance plays a critical role in how buildings are designed, approved and ultimately used. Whether you’re planning a new development, upgrading an existing building or navigating regulatory requirements, understanding who needs an access consultant and when – can help avoid delays, redesigns and non-compliance issues.
A national access consultant helps ensure accessibility requirements are addressed clearly and consistently, wherever a project is located.
An access consultant provides specialist advice on building access compliance, helping project teams interpret and apply the accessibility provisions of the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant Australian Standards.
Access consulting services typically cover matters such as:
The role of an access consultant is to ensure buildings are usable by everyone, while supporting practical, compliant design outcomes.
Access consulting services are relevant to a wide range of stakeholders and project types. You may need an access consultant if you are involved in any of the following:
Architects engage access consultants early to confirm layouts meet accessibility requirements and integrate compliance without compromising design intent.
Access compliance affects approvals, costs and timelines. A national access consultant helps identify risks early, reducing delays and unplanned variations.
Refurbishments, upgrades and changes of use can trigger new access requirements. Access consultants assess existing conditions and define practical compliance pathways.
Access reports support consistent interpretation of the NCC and Australian Standards throughout planning and construction certification.
The most effective time to engage an access consultant is during concept design. Early involvement allows accessibility requirements to be resolved alongside planning, structure and services, rather than retrofitted later.
For certain developments, access advice can support planning submissions by demonstrating how accessibility requirements have been considered and addressed.
During detailed design and construction, access consultants review documentation to confirm compliance with approved designs and applicable standards, helping avoid last-minute changes.
Alterations, extensions and fit-outs can trigger access upgrades under the NCC. An access consultant helps determine what works are required and how they can be delivered efficiently.
Accessibility extends beyond individual features to how people enter, move through and safely use a building.
When access compliance is addressed early:
Access consulting supports better outcomes across the entire project lifecycle.
Absolute Approvals provides access consulting services nationally, working with project teams across Australia. Our approach focuses on clear interpretation of NCC and Australian Standards, practical advice and consistent compliance outcomes.
Engaging a national access consultant provides a coordinated approach to accessibility that supports approvals and long-term building performance.
Read more from Absolute Approvals
