We design + deliver Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) that balances aesthetic intention with practical accessibility.
“SDA demands attention in design, not just compliance.”
“We design homes that don’t just meet standards; they empower residents to live fully.”
Design for living, not just compliance
We design SDA homes and apartments for dignity, independence, and longevity.
Our work actively moves away from standardised, clinical outcomes and toward architecture that supports real lives, while still performing commercially and operationally.
SDA is difficult.
We understand it. We know the process. We know the risks and how to avoid them.
Whether it's a new build or an existing design, we provide robust site analysis to determine viability and explore opportunities for SDA-focused modifications.
Our team can assess existing projects to integrate SDA elements or adapt designs to meet compliance, ensuring alignment with current regulatory standards.
SDA is complex.
Getting it wrong is costly.
Many claim to design SDA.
Very few understand
how to deliver it properly.
Designing it properly requires more than meeting minimum standards, it demands deep SDA expertise, commercial fluency and genuinely human-centred design.
That’s what we do.
We are:
Participant-led, advocating beyond baseline compliance
Commercially fluent, understanding yield, funding structures,
and development risk
Highly collaborative, coordinating seamlessly with all stakeholders
Design-driven, delivering homes that feel like real homes — not institutions
Process-led, guiding owners and developers through every stage and removing pain points
We regularly speak at industry conferences across Australia, advocating for better, more human-centred SDA housing, and we are trusted to provide independent post-construction expert evidence on projects that may not meet SDA standards — because we know exactly where things go wrong.
Why work with us?
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End-to-end SDA expertise:
Not just design, but a full understanding of certification, enrolment, assistive tech, and ongoing compliance.
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Multi-scale capability
Whether it’s a single home, villa, apartment block, or a mixed-use development, we have proven track-record.
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Human-centred design
We centre the needs of SDA participants. Our designs are not just compliant, but dignified, empowering, safe, and enabling.
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Technical and regulatory literacy
We stay current with all updates: SDA Design Standard, NCC changes, State specific requirements. Our delivery process includes rigorous QA/QC, design-stage and as-built certification.
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Collaboration & stakeholder management:
We work with clients, health/professional stakeholders (OTs, support coordinators), builders, local authorities, and SDA assessors.
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Sustainability & Resilience
Where possible, we incorporate resilient materials, efficient energy & water use, design for climate (solar access, shading, ventilation), safe exits, and backup power for high need dwellings.
What we do
With a strong portfolio of high-end residential and multi-residential projects across Melbourne and beyond, SDA Architect provides architectural services that combine design quality with technical excellence.
Our in-depth understanding of SDA guidelines and certification processes allows us to deliver simplified, streamlined solutions across all four SDA design categories, Improved Liveability • Fully Accessible • High Physical Support • Robust
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SDA Architecture & Design
End-to-end SDA architecture and interiors, from early feasibility through to occupancy.
We design participant-led homes that meet SDA Design Standards, NCC and state requirements — while protecting yield, buildability and long-term asset performance. -
Regulatory Compliance & Certification
We manage SDA compliance from design through to as-built certification.
All documentation is coordinated and reviewed to meet SDA rules, NCC, accessibility legislation and state variations — reducing approval risk and costly redesign. -
Accessible & Universal Design
We design beyond minimum standards.
Our work integrates accessibility, usability and dignity into every space — improving livability for participants while supporting long-term operational success. -
Mixed-Use, Multi-Unit & Group Housing
Specialist experience across apartments, townhouses, villas and group homes.
We design mixed-use and multi-unit developments where SDA and non-SDA dwellings coexist efficiently, compliantly and commercially. -
Delivery, Project Management & Technical Oversight
Independent oversight from design through construction.
We protect design intent, compliance and finish quality through documentation review, site involvement and as-built verification — safeguarding the final SDA outcome.
View our SDA Projects
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