BCAE Architects Launches Specialist Catastrophic Injury and Disability Accommodation Service
- Ben Craven
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
Chorley-based BCAE Architects has launched a new specialist service focused on disability and catastrophic injury accommodation following the firm’s merger with DMA Associates, a practice with extensive experience in accessible housing and inclusive environments.
The service is delivered from BCAE’s Chorley office and supports clients nationally, with current instructions across the UK.
The new service brings together architectural design, feasibility reporting and accommodation expert witness services, offering a comprehensive solution for individuals with complex needs and the professional teams supporting them.
By combining expertise in accessible design, property assessment and expert reporting, BCAE Architects provides an integrated approach to accommodation planning, design and delivery.
This supports people whose housing needs have changed following injury or disability.
Supporting People with Complex and Evolving Needs
People living with spinal injuries, brain injuries, neurological conditions or progressive disabilities often find that their existing home no longer supports their daily needs.
Challenges can include:
limited wheelchair access
insufficient circulation space
unsuitable bathroom facilities
lack of space for care teams
restricted access to outdoor areas
In many cases, families and professional teams must decide whether it is possible to adapt an existing home, relocate to a more suitable property, or develop a specialist new-build solution.
BCAE Architects supports this decision-making process through accommodation needs assessments, feasibility studies and design solutions, ensuring housing proposals are practical, robust and capable of supporting long-term independence while standing up to professional and legal scrutiny.
Working with Legal and Healthcare Professionals
Accommodation planning in catastrophic injury cases often involves collaboration between multiple professionals, including:
case managers
occupational therapists
solicitors
insurers
Court of Protection deputies
Accommodation decisions can play a significant role in catastrophic injury litigation, making clear and evidence-based assessments essential.
BCAE Architects works closely with these teams to develop housing solutions that are both clinically appropriate and technically feasible.
In some cases, the practice also provides accommodation expert witness services, producing reports that support legal proceedings and help clarify the most appropriate housing options for an individual.
These reports can include:
property feasibility assessments
accommodation needs analysis
cost evaluations
technical advice for litigation and settlement discussions
Specialist Expertise Through DMA Associates
The launch of this specialist service follows BCAE Architects’ merger with DMA Associates, bringing additional expertise in accessible housing and specialist accommodation design.
This collaboration allows BCAE to offer a fully integrated service combining:
architectural design
accommodation assessments
feasibility studies
expert reporting
The result is a clear pathway from initial assessment through to completed housing solutions, helping clients and professional teams move confidently from evaluation to delivery.
Introducing David Alcock
As part of this expanded service, BCAE Architects has joined forces with David Alcock MRICS, Associate Director at the practice.
David is a Chartered Building Surveyor with more than 30 years’ experience in accessible housing and specialist accommodation.
His work includes:
bespoke home adaptations
specialist residential design
projects with local authorities and housing associations
accommodation advice for individuals with complex needs
He has extensive experience advising on complex accommodation requirements and preparing detailed technical assessments used by professional teams involved in rehabilitation planning and litigation.
“Accessible housing requires a clear understanding of the individual’s needs, care requirements and long-term wellbeing. This service brings together technical expertise and practical design to deliver suitable, future-proofed accommodation.”
David Alcock
His expertise strengthens BCAE’s capability to deliver carefully considered and technically robust accommodation solutions.
Designing Homes That Support Independence
At BCAE Architects, accessible housing is about more than meeting technical standards.
A well-designed home can significantly improve quality of life by supporting independence, dignity and comfort.
Whether adapting an existing property or designing a new home, the goal is to create environments that:
remove barriers
support daily routines
accommodate care and equipment
remain adaptable as needs evolve
At the same time, homes should remain beautiful, welcoming and genuinely lived-in spaces.
We are already working with legal deputies, case managers and families to design and deliver complex home adaptations following serious injury.
Alongside expert reporting and feasibility work, we are currently delivering several live projects involving full home adaptations:
St Helens – full adaptation and extension of an existing bungalow for our client. Following a successful planning application we are now preparing the full tender package.
Sawley, Clitheroe – extension and full adaptation of a private home where BCAE is appointed as architect and project manager.
Preston – a further residential extension and full adaptation project currently in progress.
These projects reflect the type of work David has helped strengthen within the practice – delivering homes that support independence, dignity and long-term living.
Specialist Disability Accommodation Services
BCAE Architects’ specialist service includes:
architectural design for disability and catastrophic injury home adaptations
design of specialist accessible new-build homes
accommodation needs assessments
property feasibility studies and option appraisals
cost evaluations
accommodation expert witness reports for litigation and insurance purposes
These services support individuals and families, as well as professional teams working to deliver appropriate housing solutions following catastrophic injury.
In catastrophic injury and clinical negligence cases, accommodation requirements can form a significant element of a claim. Providing clear, well-evidenced accommodation advice helps legal teams assess realistic housing options and associated costs.
BCAE Architects supports this process through detailed feasibility assessments and accommodation expert witness reporting, helping solicitors, deputies and case managers evaluate suitable long-term accommodation solutions.
Who This Service Is For
BCAE Architects’ specialist accommodation service supports a wide range of individuals and professional teams involved in planning suitable housing for people with complex needs. This includes:
Solicitors acting in personal injury and clinical negligence cases
Court of Protection deputies responsible for property decisions
Case managers coordinating rehabilitation programmes
Occupational therapists assessing accommodation requirements
Families exploring adaptation or relocation options
In many cases, the service also supports professionals seeking independent accommodation expert witness advice on catastrophic injury accommodation and long-term housing solutions.
National Service Coverage
Although BCAE Architects’ specialist disability and catastrophic injury accommodation service is based from the practice’s Chorley office in Lancashire, the team works with clients and professional teams across the UK.
The practice supports solicitors, deputies, case managers and occupational therapists nationally, providing accommodation feasibility assessments, architectural design advice and accommodation expert witness services for catastrophic injury accommodation cases throughout England, Wales and Scotland.
Supporting Long-Term Housing Solutions
The launch of the specialist disability and catastrophic injury accommodation service represents an important step for BCAE Architects.
“Launching this specialist service is a key development for BCAE. David’s expertise in accessible housing strengthens our capability to deliver practical and compliant accommodation solutions for clients with complex needs.”
Ben Craven
Through this new service, BCAE aims to support individuals, families and professional teams in delivering housing solutions that are carefully considered, technically robust and tailored to the needs of each client while supporting independence, long-term wellbeing and practical day-to-day living.
BCAE Architects welcomes enquiries from solicitors, deputies, case managers and occupational therapists seeking clear and practical advice on accommodation options for individuals with complex needs.
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