Inclusion Isn’t a Bolt-On: Why Inclusive Design Must Start from Stage 0
Inclusion isn’t a bolt-on.
It shouldn’t be something we “add in” at the end of a project.
And yet, too often in the built environment, that’s exactly what happens.
At GRD:EDI, we work with clients and design teams across the country to ensure that Equality, Disability, and Inclusion (EDI) are considered throughout a project. But the truth is, we’re often brought in too late, long after key design decisions have been made.
When we’re involved early, we can help shape truly inclusive environments. When we’re brought in during RIBA Stage 4 or beyond, we’re usually flagging issues that require redesign, rework, or compromise. And let’s be honest, by that stage, the appetite (and budget) for change is often gone.
So I want to ask the question:
Are we, as an industry, doing enough to embed inclusion into the early stages of design?
Let’s take a closer look at where we are now, and where we still need to go.
What’s Already in Place?
In July 2023, the RIBA Inclusive Design Overlay was released, a major step forward in helping built environment professionals embed inclusive design across every stage of a project, from initial briefing through to handover and use.
This overlay encourages project teams to:
Define an inclusive design strategy from the start
Engage with end users early
Appoint an Inclusive Design Lead
Consider inclusion and accessibility within the brief and project vision
So in theory, RIBA Stages 0–3 (Strategic Definition, Preparation & Brief, Concept Design, and Spatial Coordination) should already include inclusive thinking.
But Here’s the Gap
The problem is, the Inclusive Design Overlay is guidance, not regulation. Many teams either haven’t come across it, or don’t fully understand how to use it.
In practice, inclusive design is still too often treated as an afterthought. Budget constraints, timelines, and lack of awareness mean inclusion only gets real attention once layouts are set and decisions are made, when it’s harder (and more expensive) to do anything meaningful.
We also see that Inclusive Design Leads are rarely appointed early enough to make a difference. This limits their ability to influence the outcome and results in designs that are compliant, but not truly inclusive.
Let’s Change the Conversation
Yes, there are frameworks in place. Yes, the industry is making progress.
But we’re not there yet.
To truly embed inclusion, we need to:
Involve EDI consultants and access specialists from the earliest stages
Challenge clients and teams to prioritise inclusion from the outset
Recognise that inclusive design benefits everyone, not just those with protected characteristics
The World Really Should Be for Everyone
If you’re a designer, developer, project manager, or client: are you making space for inclusion at the right time?
If you’ve had successes (or frustrations) in trying to embed inclusive design early in the process, I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s keep the conversation going, because talking about this more, not less, is how real change happens.
📩 To discuss how GRD:EDI can support your next project, get in touch:
Richard Dryden
📞 07966 272637
📧 richard@grdgroup.uk
