On 31st May 2023, we hosted a webinar with architect Nicola Ryan, who was the guest chair of the 2023 RIAI Universal Design Award subgroup. Nicola presented a series of case studies of her work on inclusive housing solutions, including a House at Chapelizod, which was highly commended in the Universal Design category of the RIAI Universal Design award 2022.

You can watch the recording of this webinar below. ISL interpretation and captions are included. 

Following this webinar, you should have:

  • Awareness of universal design features and elements in housing design
  • Understanding of the benefits of taking a Universal Design approach in housing for a wide range of users, including designing for people with autism and intellectual disabilities.

    Nicola Ryan MRIAI, Studio Red Architects

Nicola Ryan MRIAI

Nicola Ryan is co-director of Studio Red Architects. She is a Grade 2 Conservation Architect. She has a special interest in inclusive housing solutions - including development of existing buildings, infill plots and backland sites in established communities.

Nicola’s son has autism, epilepsy, and mobility issues. She recently completed a co-housing build with her business partner, Gráinne Dunne – to provide 3 family homes on a backland site in the village of Chapelizod, Dublin. Her family’s home, designed around the specific needs of her son, was highly commended in the RIAI Architecture Awards 2022, under the Universal Design category.

Design with Empathy: Universal Design Homes to Benefit Everyone