One of the main missions of architects is to ensure the free access of every person to any space, regardless of their abilities. The right to equality of all citizens under law and their protection from discrimination is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Architects specialising in accessibility are experts in universal access and design, knowledge which is indispensable when it comes to providing architectural and design services to a society with a growing demand for this type of specialist. The aim is that absolutely everyone, without exception, is able to enjoy our public spaces.

There is never one single solution for every project and there is a huge range of highly qualified professionals ready to offer their expertise. Choosing the right architect is one of the most important decisions you can make. Before starting the search, consider the needs of your project and ask yourself the following questions, whatever your experience and the complexity of your project may be:

• What challenges does my project involve?
• What is my budget?
• What are the objectives in terms of accessibility? Do you need to make existing buildings fit for purpose? Are you building a day centre? Do the users belong to a special needs group?
• What experience or specialist knowledge do I expect my architect to have?
• Am I interested in taking advantage of the smart system technology currently available?

The COAC recommends that you visit the Job Bank [2] to help you select the best professionals for your project.