Mr Chris Porter, Ms Joe Manton and Mr Andrew Sanderson announce merger of Architecture & Access and the Institute of Access Training Australia IATA

Architecture & Access and Institute of Access Training Australia announce merger

Australia’s two leading providers of access consulting and education services, Architecture & Access and the Institute of Access Training Australia (IATA) Access Audits Australia, have merged.

Architecture & Access directors Mr Chris Porter and Mr Andrew Sanderson say the merger will provide significant benefits to clients and industry by advancing professional practice, education and service delivery into the future.

Ms Joe Manton, respected leader in the field of access consulting and founder of IATA, will join the company as management consultant, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of education and training services.

For current clients and students the key message is “business as usual” with Architecture & Access and IATA continuing to provide services under existing branding and personnel.

Chris, Andrew and Joe believe it is the right time to merge, combining resources and leveraging the strengths of both companies to prepare for an upswing in demand for skilled access consultants.

“There is a shortage of experienced access consultants, and increasing demand from clients seeking advice and assurance on the extent of their obligations, risk and opportunity in this critical area of compliance and non-discrimination,” says Andrew.

“Access consulting has become a highly technical profession, responsible for guiding the work of architects and construction professionals to meet obligations to provide universally accessible premises, public transport and information.”

“To meet this challenge, we will take a strategic approach to workforce development by providing quality education and training, creating industry links for employment opportunities for new graduates, developing on-the-job training and professional development programs.”

“Students will benefit immediately from the merger, as Access Consulting course lecturers are drawn from the industry’s most knowledgeable and experienced practitioners.” says Chris.

“Our goal is to develop the next generation of access consultants, highly skilled professionals, up-to-date with laws, regulations and best practice in relation to access, and highly responsive to the needs of clients.”

The directors agree that the merger has the strongest possible support from all staff.

“Our staff are excited by the prospect of an enriched experience through the integration of professional practice, education and training,” says Chris.

“Education is also the key part of our strategy to achieve universal access in all developments, by embedding best practice and supporting cultural change as we respond to specific issues and projects involving access to the built environment.”

With over 60 years combined experience delivering access consulting services and training programs, the directors agree that high impact education leads to greater access to the built environment for people with disability and the wider community.

The company will bring a broad perspective on education through:

  • Understanding of the functional needs of people with a wide range of physical and sensory disabilities, and other access challenges
  • Insight into client needs and emerging issues for architects, building surveyors, project managers and government
  • Connections to industry and community leaders
  • Knowledge of the law, Australian Standards and regulations in relation to access
  • Knowledge of the principles of Universal Design
  • Expertise in best practice and applied knowledge
  • Specialised teams of experienced consultants.

As a registered training organisation (RTO) the company will continue to deliver accredited courses to fee-paying students, and work across all businesses, projects types and sectors to provide:

  • Customised consultancy including design plan reviews, access audits and professional opinion reports
  • Accredited courses including Cert IV and Diploma in Access Consulting
  • In-house structures course to assist companies and agencies to deliver products and services
  • Training needs analysis followed by gap training
  • Continuing professional development programs
  • Online resources and best practice guidance
  • A full range of access consulting services.

Education and training programs will continue as scheduled across Australia, including the Diploma of Access Consulting offered for the first time this year.

The merger to form IATA (Aust) Pty Ltd takes effect 1 August 2015.

More information about about access consulting services.

More information about education, training and professional development including Cert IV and Diploma of Access Consulting.

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Architecture & Access

Melbourne

Level 5, 369 Royal Parade
Parkville VIC Australia 3052


T 1300 715 866
E info@archaccess.com.au

Brisbane

Bowman House, Level 4,
Suite 41B, 276 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia

T 1300 715 866
E info@archaccess.com.au