Inclusive Design & Masterplanning
Creating inclusive, accessible places isn’t just good practice—it’s essential. At AWP, we specialise in inclusive design and masterplanning across Devon and the South West, helping to shape developments that work for everyone. From dementia-friendly layouts to accessible infrastructure, we provide expert guidance to ensure your project is welcoming, functional, and forward-thinking.
Inclusive Designer & Masterplanner in the South West
Inclusive design is about creating environments that can be accessed, understood, and used by all people—regardless of age, ability, or background. At AWP, we work with developers, architects, and local authorities to embed inclusive design principles into every stage of the planning process. This includes advising on accessible layouts, disabled access, wayfinding, public realm design, and dementia-friendly features that promote usability and comfort.
We also offer strategic masterplanning services, supporting larger or mixed-use developments to ensure long-term success, sustainability, and community cohesion. By combining practical planning knowledge with a strong understanding of social needs, we help clients design places that meet policy requirements while genuinely improving quality of life. Whether you’re working on housing, public buildings, or regeneration schemes, AWP brings both passion and expertise to ensure inclusivity is part of the plan—not an afterthought.
Inclusive Design
One of Angharad’s passions since becoming a town planner was ensuring that development could be enjoyed by anyone and everyone, advancing her to pursue a reputation within the South West for Inclusive Design.
Angharad undertook her Maters dissertation on Dementia friendly design and planning and has worked with a number of organisations to advise them on how their developments can be more neurodiverse. Angharad designed a dementia friendly checklist for developments as well as contributed to the RTPI Dementia and Town Planning advice in 2017.
AWP can offer advice to developers and individuals regarding inclusive design no matter how big or small your proposal is. For larger developments, we can provide advice on layout design, open space design and master planning, to ensure these needs are catered for and in line with the requirements of the Equality Act. For smaller, individual projects, we can offer advice and support for how to ensure the planning process can support the changes or growth of your home for disabled access.
We can also work as a consultant to the NHS regarding the developments of new hospitals and the growth or regeneration of existing, as well as advise Local Authorities on policy making, accessibility and wayfinding in existing and future applications.
Why Choose AWP
Chartered Professional
Led by Angharad Williams, a Chartered Town Planner with over a decade of experience in both public and private sectors, you’ll receive expert, reliable, and honest advice.
Local Expertise
AWP understands Devon and the South West inside out. With strong relationships across local authorities, we know how to navigate local planning policies effectively.
Personal, Dedicated Service
At AWP, you work directly with Angharad—not a large team or call centre. Every project gets the tailored, one-to-one support it deserves.
Proven Track Record
Award-nominated leadership, successful applications, and Local Authority trust. AWP is known for making planning clearer, simpler, and more successful for clients.
Inclusive Design Expertise
AWP is committed to creating well-designed, accessible places for everyone, with specialist knowledge in inclusive and dementia-friendly design.
Inclusive Design & Masterplanning FAQs
What is masterplanning?
A masterplan is a long-term strategic layout for a site or area, guiding how it will be developed over time. It brings together elements like land use, access, infrastructure, green spaces, and building design to create a coherent, functional, and sustainable place. Masterplanning is especially important for larger or mixed-use developments, where multiple phases and stakeholders are involved. A well-prepared masterplan sets the vision for the site and helps secure planning approval by demonstrating how proposals will meet policy and community needs.
What is the difference between urban design and masterplanning?
Urban design focuses on the detailed layout and appearance of public spaces—like streets, parks, and buildings—while masterplanning works at a broader, more strategic level. Masterplanning sets the overall structure of a site, determining land use zones, access points, infrastructure, and development phasing. Urban design sits within that framework, shaping how individual elements look and feel on the ground. At AWP, we ensure that both strategic masterplans and detailed design guidance come together to create inclusive, high-quality places.
What is the meaning of inclusive design?
Inclusive design is about creating environments that are accessible, usable, and welcoming to everyone—regardless of age, ability, or background. It goes beyond minimum standards to ensure that places and spaces are designed with real people in mind. This includes considerations like step-free access, clear signage, sensory-friendly layouts, and dementia-friendly design features. At AWP, inclusive design is central to our approach—helping to build communities where everyone can participate fully and independently.
What are the principles of inclusive design?
The core principles of inclusive design focus on flexibility, usability, simplicity, and equitable access. This means designing environments that can be used easily and safely by as many people as possible, without the need for adaptation. It includes features like wide pathways, gentle gradients, accessible toilets, intuitive layouts, and clear navigation. At AWP, we apply these principles to all planning and masterplanning work—ensuring that inclusion is built in from the outset, not added later as an afterthought.
