Designed for independence, dignity and life in full.
Every person deserves a home that supports their independence, their routines, and their future. At BCAE Architects, we specialise in designing homes that remove barriers — turning properties into places of empowerment for people with disabilities.
Whether adapting existing spaces or creating something new, our goal is the same: to make independence feel effortless.
Tailored from
first step to last
Our process begins long before the first sketch. We work alongside clients, their legal teams, and clinical advisors, guiding the journey from property search to final handover.
In cases of clinical negligence or personal injury, we act as accommodation experts - helping assess suitable options, advising on feasibility, and ensuring designs meet both functional and legal requirements.
David Alcock
Associate Director
Expertise and experience combined
Our work in this area has been strengthened through our merger with DMA Associates, led by David Alcock. David is a Chartered Building Surveyor (MRICS) and Associate Director at BCAE Architects, with more than 30 years of expertise in accessible housing and inclusive environments.
Throughout his career, David has focused on reducing the barriers to independent living for disabled people, placing lived experience at the centre of the design process — an ethos that aligns closely with our own. His work has spanned bespoke home adaptations for individuals, through to projects with local authorities, housing associations, and private clients.
By bringing DMA Associates into BCAE, we now offer a complete service that combines expert witness and advisory knowledge with the ability to design and deliver homes from start to finish. This merger allows us to provide a unique blend of technical insight, empathy, and architectural skill — ensuring that every adaptive home is both practical and life-enhancing.
David Alcock
Associate Director
Expertise and experience combined
Our work in this area has been strengthened through our merger with DMA Associates, led by David Alcock. David is a Chartered Building Surveyor (MRICS) and Associate Director at BCAE Architects, with more than 30 years of expertise in accessible housing and inclusive environments.
Throughout his career, David has focused on reducing the barriers to independent living for disabled people, placing lived experience at the centre of the design process — an ethos that aligns closely with our own. His work has spanned bespoke home adaptations for individuals, through to projects with local authorities, housing associations, and private clients.
By bringing DMA Associates into BCAE, we now offer a complete service that combines expert witness and advisory knowledge with the ability to design and deliver homes from start to finish. This merger allows us to provide a unique blend of technical insight, empathy, and architectural skill — ensuring that every adaptive home is both practical and life-enhancing.
Collaboration that truly matters
Adaptive design is never a solo effort. We coordinate closely with occupational therapists, case managers, specialist suppliers, and care teams, making sure every decision is informed by insight and empathy. From adjusting countertop heights, to creating fluid, wheelchair-friendly layouts, to incorporating discreet lift systems and ceiling-mounted hoists — every detail is carefully considered.
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David brings a person-centred approach to every project, believing that good design starts with listening. His commitment to practical, cost-effective solutions without compromise on care or comfort makes him a trusted advisor to clients and professionals alike.
Architecture that cares
We believe adaptive features should feel integral, not tacked on.
Our design philosophy is rooted in creating environments that are beautiful, intuitive, and life-enhancing. Accessibility is never an afterthought; it is woven into the fabric of the architecture. The result is homes that work seamlessly, where function and comfort are equal partners.
Real world impact
Adaptive design is about more than compliance. It changes how people live day to day, enabling greater independence and reducing reliance on support. That might mean creating level access so movement through the home is effortless, designing bathrooms that allow for both privacy and assistance, or ensuring that every key space is usable for the whole family.
Our work spans from modest adjustments to complete property transformations. Sometimes it’s about opening up circulation, improving daylight, and rethinking layouts. Other times it’s about designing entirely new homes tailored to specific clinical needs. In every case, the goal is the same: to create spaces that genuinely improve quality of life.
Seamless into life
Adaptive features should never feel clinical. We pay close attention to how they can be integrated into the character of a home. Wide hallways, flush thresholds, and gently sloping ramps become natural extensions of the architecture. Bathrooms and kitchens are designed to be safe and practical while still feeling warm and welcoming.
Lighting, acoustics, and sensory considerations are also part of our design approach. We think about how different users experience the home, ensuring it feels comfortable, calming, and secure for everyone.
From search, to sanctuary
We don’t just design; we also help clients find the right starting point. For some, that means identifying a property with the potential to adapt. For others, it means creating a bespoke new build. Either way, we guide you from feasibility through planning and technical design, all the way to project management and delivery.
By blending architectural expertise with an understanding of clinical and personal needs, we ensure that every home is both highly functional and deeply personal. It’s not just about removing barriers — it’s about creating places that feel like home.
Built for the future
Adaptations are not just about immediate needs; they must anticipate the future. We think long term, designing homes that can evolve as requirements change.
Spaces are flexible, materials are durable, and systems are chosen for resilience as well as comfort. Sustainability is also part of this conversation: homes that are energy-efficient, healthy, and built to last benefit both residents and the wider environment.
Why it matters
A home is more than walls and a roof. For people with disabilities, it can mean the difference between dependence and independence, frustration and freedom. Adaptive design has the power to restore dignity, improve wellbeing, and unlock opportunities for living life to the fullest.
Let's create your independent future
If you or a loved one needs a home that is more than accessible — a home that empowers — we’d love to help. With our blend of architectural skill, expert knowledge, and a deeply personal approach, we can create adaptive homes that are safe, functional, and inspiring places to live.
Kind words,
from our clients
"Ben understood our vision from the first design appointment, and his drawings took our lifestyle into full consideration. Arron and Ben have stayed in contact throughout the build, ensuring any amendments are in line with the aesthetic we want for our finished home. It would have been a lot more stressful without their help!"
Oliver
The Barn
Kind words,
from our clients
"Arron has been an fantastic support since we embarked upon our renovation. He was on hand to answer all our questions and made the design process really enjoyable. We were looking for an architect who would make suggestions and challenge us and Arron certainly did that. Our final design is incredible and we are so excited to see it come to life. We couldn’t recommend BCAE more."
Naomi & Jack Campbell
Glen Avenue
Kind words,
from our clients
"We were truly blown away by the concepts and can’t wait to proceed to the next steps!"
Jemma & Lee
Wigan Road
Kind words,
from our clients
"Thank you, Ben, for all the work you have done on the design – Its down to you it's got through 😊 and nice to hear about the comments, Just shows your talent!"
Kim Ray
Astley Street
Kind words,
from our clients
"We have worked with both Ben and Arron at BCAE for some time now on projects throughout the North West. From concept through to technical delivery, the BCAE team always go above and beyond. Their professional yet personal touch makes them a pleasure to work with and we look forward to working together in the future. Thanks again guys, on to the next project!"
Arron Dewhurst
A.R.N Projects
Kind words,
from our clients
"We have been working with BCAE Architects on a couple of our commercial projects, including the conversion of a care home into residential apartments with an innovative focus on intergenerational living. Throughout the process, Arron, Ben and their team have consistently delivered. The attention to detail in their designs and presentation is particularly commendable—they’ve managed to bring our vision to life in a way that is both practical and inspiring.
We’ve been thoroughly impressed with their ability to meet deadlines without compromising on quality, and their proactive approach has ensured that any challenges are swiftly addressed. We look forward to continuing our partnership on future projects.”
Omair Haider
Millennium Care Group - Managing Director
Kind words,
from our clients
"CitySide Work with BCAE across multiple projects, each with unique challenges and complexities. Their expertise has been evident in the development of a 72 bed care home within an £9.5m construction budget, a sensitive 110 home development in open countryside, a 36-bed HMO split into townhouses, and a comprehensive 108-acre mixed-use masterplan, as well as completing multiple other feasibility study’s for our sites. From concept to detailed design at Stage 4, BCAE Architects consistently deliver innovative solutions, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach that ensures our projects are not only functional but also exceed expectations. Their commitment to quality and design flair makes them a valuable partner."
Benjamin Carr
Cityside - Co-founder