SPOTLIGHT
A Q&A with Alex Jones
SPECIALIST IN DESIGNING HOMES THAT ENABLE INDEPENDENCE
In this spotlight, we sit down with Alex Jones, one of SDA’s experienced architectural specialists to explore the unique challenges and deeply rewarding moments involved in designing homes for clients with life‑changing injuries. From navigating complex adaptations to creating bespoke new‑build properties, his work is shaped by a commitment to restoring independence, dignity, and comfort for every individual he supports.
In this Q&A, he shares insights into his approach, the qualities essential in this niche field, and the impact thoughtful, client‑centred design can have on a person’s everyday life.
What inspired you to specialise in architecture for people living with disabilities?
Having spent many years working on high end residential projects for corporate clients whose main focus was profit margins, the opportunity to work with disabled individuals was an attractive proposition. I knew that to be involved with domestic projects which make a fundamental difference to the lives of disabled people by provided suitably adapted or new build homes would be very rewarding, and this has proven to be the case.
How long have you been with Steven Docker Associates, and what has been your most memorable project to date? Why?
I have worked with SDA since 2008 and during this time have had the pleasure of working on many disability-related projects with some very interesting and driven disabled individuals.
Whilst I have project managed a great number of projects (both adaptation and new build) over the years, the most memorable ones recently have been a new build detached dormer bungalow in Rough Close, Stoke on Trent, and more recently a new build detached house in Horsley Woodhouse, Derbyshire. Both individuals live with similar significant injuries. Both projects were challenging in their own way, but the demands in creating a comfortable and effective environment for these young men was very enjoyable to work on.
We have since returned to these new properties upon expiry of the defects liability period and it is very satisfying to see the clients improved mood and general demeanour, which comes a result of their homes having been carefully designed to meet with their specific needs.
The Steven Docker Associates’ design philosophy is “Designed to Enable.” Can you explain what this means in practice when designing a home for a client with life-changing injuries?
We always aim to design appropriately to provide our clients with a safe and practical home environment. The aim is always to achieve improved independence and dignity to minimise the impact such catastrophic injuries would otherwise have on their daily lives.
What personal qualities do you believe are essential for an architect working so closely with clients and families who have sustained serious injury?
It is very important for us as professionals, experienced in this very niche sector, to fully comprehend the requirements of each client whose needs are always very specific and can differ considerably between each client. We have to embrace qualities such as compassion and understanding, with the ability to listen intensely, which allows us to fully comprehend the client's needs accurately and efficiently.
What are the biggest challenges in adapting existing properties for accessibility, and how does your team’s expertise help to overcome them?
Most of our clients resided in perfectly comfortable and suitable homes prior to sustaining their injuries. Post-accident, such homes are often no longer deemed appropriate when individuals are left fully wheelchair-dependent, which can be challenging if their current home is found to have significant height differences between external ground and floor levels and is set on more than one level.
There can also be situations when site gradients or garden features make the property and grounds inaccessible. Careful consideration is given as to whether the necessary external regrading to create suitable level access is achievable and cost-effective, or whether, subject to financial constraints, it makes sense to move into a suitable adapted new home, ideally a bungalow on a level plot of land.
Could you discuss the importance of incorporating assistive technology and sustainable design features in your projects?
The essential requirements when considering assistive technology within an adapted home is to maximise the client’s ability to live independently and minimise their reliance on others in dealing with everyday needs.
These include their ability to access all areas of their home by automation of opening doors, switching channels on the TV, and control of the heating system, etc., to provide the client with the dignity and satisfaction that they are not continually engaging carers or other family members to assist with such everyday needs.
Sustainable measures and carbon technologies are an increasing part of all properties and not limited to disabled individuals. However, in adapting or creating new build homes when expense for items such as professional care are significant, any such measures that ultimately reduce ongoing building running cost is essential.
How do you manage the budget and timeline for a large-scale adaptation or new-build project to ensure transparency for the client and their legal team?
We always insist and monitor closely progress with building projects on site. This is achieved by close co-ordination and communication with the selected principal contractor and attending regular site meetings. All the appointed contractors are requested to provide a construction programme together with an anticipated financial forecast prior to commencement to enable such matters to manage effectively and efficiently. All site instructions and variations to the works are directed via SDA project managers to ensure close management of building costs.
At Steven Docker Associates, our Designed to Enable® philosophy ensures every project delivers a safe, practical home environment that maximises independence and dignity. Our team brings compassion, understanding, and meticulous project management to every stage of the process.
If you, your client, or a family member could benefit from our highly specialised architectural services, please contact us today