SPOTLIGHT
A Q&A with Greg Stanfield
THE COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO CREATING CLIENT-CENTRED, "DESIGNED TO ENABLE" HOMES
This month, our spotlight shines on Greg Stanfield, Architectural Designer & Project Manager here at Steven Docker Associates. Greg is driven by a passion to use his architectural education and experience to positively impact the wellbeing of clients. This focus has led him to specialise in designing homes for people living with disabilities; creating spaces that are accessible, inclusive but also healthy and efficient.
We spoke with Greg to learn more about his collaborative approach, his most memorable projects, and how his personal and professional experiences combine to create truly client-centred designs.
What inspired you to specialise in architecture for people living with disabilities?
I began working in architecture after leaving school in 2004, whilst studying part-time at university. The very first project I worked on independently was for a client who had sustained a spinal injury and was using a wheelchair, where I designed a bay window in his living room so he could have space to comfortably see outside.
Over the next few years, I continued to work on similar projects, including wet room extensions, but most of my projects remained within mainstream architecture. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in 2010, I took some time out to go travelling (mainly skiing + surfing), as I had started to fall out of love with the profession.
During my travels, I had a realisation that I could use my education and experience to positively impact wellbeing. This led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Environmental Architecture, where I focused on designing buildings that are not only low-impact on the planet, but also healthy for the people living in them.
Whilst finishing my Master’s degree, I joined Steven Docker Associates, which reignited my passion for architecture. It showed me that I could really enhance wellbeing through architecture, allowing me to design homes that are not only accessible and inclusive, but also healthy and efficient.
How long have you been with Steven Docker Associates, and what has been your most memorable project to date? Why?
I first started working with Steven Docker Associates back in 2014. I later spent some time in Canada (in the ski resort Whistler) from 2017, where I continued working in architecture, but specialised in designing homes to the Passive House standard, incorporating Building Biology principles. I did continue to work with SDA on a consultancy basis through this period (whilst also skiing as much as possible too).
I since returned to the UK, and to SDA, in 2021. A big part of that decision was the nature of the work, as I really missed the sense of achievement that comes from creating homes for people with disabilities. I also really enjoy being involved in projects from the initial brief all the way through to handover, as it offers the opportunity to build strong relationships with clients and their wider support team.
As for the most memorable project, I would struggle to pick just one – every project is unique and equally rewarding. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work on a wide variety of schemes, with fantastic clients, families, and professionals. However, one project involving a historic building stands out because it was adapted to include hidden adaptive equipment, ensuring the space was both functional and respectful of the building’s original features.
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?
At Steven Docker Associates, “Designed to Enable” means creating homes that allow clients to live as independently, comfortably, and safely as possible after life-changing injuries.
It’s not just about the individual, as consideration needs to be made for the needs of immediate family members, support workers and care teams too. That’s why the process should be highly collaborative, involving professionals such as Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Case Managers from the very start. Their input is essential to ensure the design truly supports every aspect of the client’s needs.
Functionality is always at the heart of any design, but the look and feel of a home can be just as important too. A well-designed space that feels calm, uplifting, and personal, can have a huge impact on wellbeing. In practice, “Designed to Enable” is about more than just adapting spaces, it’s about creating homes that give people back a sense of dignity, comfort, and control.
What personal qualities do you believe are essential for an architect working so closely with clients and families who have sustained serious injury?
Empathy is absolutely essential, as it’s crucial to try to understand what the client and their family are going through — not just physically, but emotionally as well. This understanding helps build trust and ensures that the design supports the client’s needs and aspirations.
A strong work ethic is also important, as projects often require a lot of time and effort to navigate the different stages of development. It helps having a clear sense of direction and focus on the desired outcome, as this can keep the project on track and ensures that everyone’s efforts are aligned towards creating the best possible environment for the client.
How do you collaborate with stakeholders to ensure a truly client-centred design?
I try to take a hands-on approach to reduce pressures on the client / professional team, as construction projects can be inherently stressful. This involves creating a collaborative environment for all the external consultants, so everyone is on the same page in achieving the best possible outcome for the client.
Of course, there are challenges, especially around managing costs. However, ensuring that everyone understands the expected level of service and the desired outcome helps build a professional, productive team. Providing clarity through good communication helps keep the project moving smoothly and ensures the client’s needs stay at the heart of every decision.
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?
I believe in being open and upfront from the very beginning. Budget is always a critical factor, and keeping costs under control is paramount. As someone who enjoys working with numbers, I like to keep a close eye on the budget throughout the project, making sure both the client and their professional team are regularly updated.
Timelines are equally important, especially since many clients need to move as soon as possible to improve their quality of life. I make sure to be transparent with the client and builder about deadlines, and this is a key topic at every progress meeting. I also monitor the schedule closely between meetings to keep a track of progress.
You volunteer with groups supporting people with disabilities in skiing and surfing. When did you start doing this and what inspired you to do so?
I started volunteering with The Wave Project when I returned from Canada in 2021. Then, after completing an Adaptive Ski Instructor Course in 2025, I was able to volunteer with Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) as well.
Volunteering with these charities just felt like a natural fit. I love skiing and surfing, and I know firsthand how much joy these sports can bring, no matter a person’s abilities, or disabilities. I still remember the smile on the face of the first person I helped onto a wave with The Wave Project. In some ways, that moment was better than catching the wave myself.
Working with people living with disabilities both professionally and through your volunteering must give you a unique perspective. How do those personal interactions shape your understanding of what makes a truly enabling environment?
Volunteering for people living with disabilities has given me a deeper, more practical understanding of what an enabling environment truly means. Supporting individuals in skiing and surfing has shown me how focusing on clients abilities, rather than just their disabilities, can foster independence and confidence. This mindset has naturally carried over into how I approach designing homes.
It’s also helped me develop a more intuitive understanding of how people with disabilities move through spaces, which is not something that was covered at university. Seeing a range of mobility needs firsthand gives me a stronger foundation for making design decisions for clients.
This experience has also been invaluable when reviewing clients medical or therapy reports. I can interpret them with greater insight and translate that information into a tailored design that supports the day-to-day lives of individuals with disabilities, as well as their care team.
If someone was interested in the accessible skiing or surfing activities, where could they get more information?
I volunteer with Disability Snowsports UK (DSUK) for skiing and with The Wave Project for surfing. Both organisations run sessions throughout the UK, and even holidays in Europe, so a great place to start is by searching for them online and checking out the locations near you.
If you’d like, you can also get in touch with me directly, as I’d be happy to point you in the right direction. I’m based in the North and take part in ski sessions at the indoor snow centres in Manchester and Castleford, as well as surf sessions on the beaches around Scarborough.