Preparation of a detailed and appropriate design brief prior to engaging design consultants is a fundamental and critical part of the design process. The design brief should cover all aspects of a project's requirements not just the functional ones. In other words, the underlying rationale for the project, the aspirations, qualities and long-term goals - for example, for a new house: How do you live in it - do you entertain a lot? Do you like to be outside a lot? Are you particularly concerned about privacy? For a commercial venture: How do you want the building to reflect on your business? Is it to be on-sold, or long-term hold? Do life-cycle and maintenance costs matter?
Fully integrated accessible design benefits all users and creates a more useable building for everyone.
