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Thriving Beyond Codes: Inclusive Design in Architecture

AIA CES program ID: GMGH.0020

Approved LUs: 1 LU|HSW

Prerequisites: None

Program level: Entry

Advance learner preparation: None

Designing for Dignity, Not Just Compliance

Architecture isn’t just about what we build—it’s about who we build for. This powerful course challenges the status quo of code-based design and asks a deeper question: are your projects truly inclusive? Through the lens of accessibility, sustainability, and lived experience, this podcast episode redefines what it means to create spaces that foster dignity, equity, and belonging.

Program Description

In this episode of Tangible Remnants, host Nakita Reed interviews Ganesh Nayak, founder of Meteor Inc., to explore the essential intersections of sustainability, accessibility, and equity in architectural design. Inspired by his experience raising a son with developmental disabilities, Ganesh shares his journey from traditional architecture to founding a consultancy dedicated to creating more inclusive environments.

The conversation goes beyond ADA compliance, delving into the emotional, social, and structural implications of designing for both visible and invisible disabilities. The two discuss how holistic, justice-driven design practices can reshape not only individual buildings but the profession itself. Topics include the complexities of retrofitting historic buildings, actionable strategies for equitable climate action, and the long-term impact of inclusive design decisions on community health and cultural resilience.

Learning Objectives

1. Analyze how inclusive design principles can address both visible and invisible disabilities.
2. Evaluate the challenges and strategies for integrating accessibility into historic building retrofits.
3. Explain the connection between climate action, sustainability, and social equity in architectural design.
4. Apply strategies to design spaces that promote inclusivity and holistic well-being for all users.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is tailored for architects, designers, urban planners, and AEC professionals who:

• Are committed to designing for equity, inclusion, and social impact
• Want to build accessibility into the foundation of every project—not tack it on after the fact
• Are working with or retrofitting historic structures that require nuanced ADA upgrades
• See climate action and accessibility as interwoven design challenges
• Lead or influence firm culture and want to push past checkbox compliance into meaningful, justice-oriented design

Why It Matters

• Earn LU|HSW credit while exploring how inclusive design strategies can transform lives—not just meet legal minimums
• Gain deep insight from a practitioner whose lived experience fuels innovation in the built environment
• Learn how accessibility and sustainability intersect to shape healthier, more equitable cities
• Discover how to embed inclusion into design processes from day one, avoiding costly rework and fostering long-term cultural relevance

HSW Justification:

The discussion addresses key aspects of health, safety, and welfare by focusing on accessibility, sustainability, and equity in design. By exploring how architectural practices can create inclusive, safe, and equitable spaces, the content aligns with the professional duty to protect the public's physical, emotional, and social well-being. 

The episode includes acceptable HSW topics:  

Programming and analysis: The evaluation of project constraints related to accessibility and sustainability is a central theme, emphasizing the need to design beyond minimum code compliance.  

Project planning and design: Ganesh Nayak highlights the integration of accessibility into initial design phases to create inclusive and equitable spaces for all users.  

Project development and documentation: The discussion examines the integration of building systems and design strategies to meet accessibility and sustainability goals, ensuring a safer and more inclusive built environment.  

Construction and evaluation: The episode includes post-occupancy insights, particularly about how existing spaces can impact users’ dignity and functionality, advocating for inclusive retrofitting and adaptive reuse.  

The conversation extensively covers health by advocating for accessible design that promotes physical and emotional well-being. It addresses safety by emphasizing the creation of spaces that minimize harm for individuals with disabilities, both visible and invisible. Welfare is discussed through the lens of equitable access, holistic sustainability, and inclusive design. The majority of the episode revolves around these core themes, meeting the 75% threshold for HSW relevance.  

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AIA CES Provider statement

Gābl Media is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10024977. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.

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