GROUP DLA

CROWN COMMITMENT | Justin, Shane + Alex are ecstatic to be working alongside Lipman Pty Ltd and BNMH Architects on UNSW's new Biomedical Sciences Centre in Wagga Wagga. This campus will house the UNSW Medicine & Health's Rural Clinical Campus, transforming rural medical education in Australia through a $21 million federal government investment as part of the Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network. This state-of-the-art facility will feature lecture theatres, labs, tutorial rooms, research spaces, and more, enabling students to complete their Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine degree locally, with pathways to postgraduate training in collaboration with the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD). As part of the Murrumbidgee Health and Knowledge Precinct, the Centre addresses clinician shortages in regional New South Wales by supporting students to train and work in their communities, reducing the need for relocation to Sydney. The Centre is set to open in early 2025. GROUP DLA are providing Crown Consultancy on this new addition to the already stellar UNSW portfolio. #GroupDLA #FeatureProject #Crown #CrownConsultancy #Infrastucture #WaggaWagga #ClinicalCampus #Education #UNSW #Lipman #BNMH #BioMedical #Research #Rural #Investment Photo: Shane Berry (Onsite) Renders: BNMH Architects

MEET MATT | We recently appointed Matthew McNamara as Technical Director | Infrastructure to further propel our Government and Infrastructure Projects. Bringing with him a legacy of 3 decades of Transport, Hospital and Defence experience, Matthew’s passion is working on high-profile, high-complexity government projects that make a meaningful contribution to the local community and landscape. Whilst Matthew is new to the GROUP DLA Team, he is very familiar with our origins with Davis Langdon. We are excited for the opportunity to extend our experience and insight offering within this dynamic and ever-changing sector.   #GroupDLA #Celebrate #MeetTheTeam #Certification #PCA #BCA #DDA #Infrastructure #RIW #Rail #Airports #Education #Hospitals #Metro 

REFRESH | As 2024 draws to a close, GROUP DLA would like to express gratitude to our incredible supporters, clients, and collaborators we have worked alongside this year. To all the architects, designers, project managers, engineers and construction teams who partner with us to bring projects to life, we are grateful for your support. This year has been one of progress and collaboration, and we are genuinely excited about the opportunities and achievements that lie ahead in 2025. Thank you for being part of our journey! #GroupDLA #Gratitude #Holiday #ThankYou #HappyNewYear

LEADING ACCESS | GROUP DLA are elated to announce the appointment of Elisa Moechtar to Technical Director | Access. For over two decades, this rockstar has been a champion for change and advocate for inclusive design. Leveraging her background in interior design, and passion for integrating access and bespoke solutions that are equitable in design and function, this Access Consultants Association (ACA)-formerly Association of Consultants in Access Australia (ACAA) Accredited Member brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and insight to every project she delivers. Her extensive portfolio across a broad range of projects, from large scale public buildings and intricate heritage refurbishments to all stages of education, government, healthcare, transport, stadiums, and public domain works. We are proud of Elisa and her achievements where her pragmatic and considered approach to her work is a testament to the constant evolution of this key sector of our business and we look forward to sharing an exciting development for this team in the new year – watch this space! #GroupDLA #Celebrate #DDA #Access #Accessibillity #DesignForDisability #InclusiveDesign #Promotion #YeahtheGirls #Certification #PublicBuildings #PublicRealm #Education #Design #Construction #ProjectManagement #Leadership #Heritage #Hospitality #Hotels #Transport #Government #Healthcare #InteriorDesign #DesignforInclusion

DLA003 | WHEN DOES A WALKWAY BECOME A RAMP? | In designing ramps for accessibility, architects and interior designers should note that a walkway becomes a ramp when its slope is steeper than 1:20 but shallower than 1:14.  A walkway is what you would traditionally see without needing any handrails or tactile indicators for NCC / BCA compliance and is a much simpler install if you have the space for a 1:20 fall between surfaces. For a ramp, depending on the gradient Australian standards specify different requirements that need to be detailed by your designer/architect, some of these requirements are as follows, the ramp may require wider widths than the minimum 1000 mm wide normally needed, as curved ramps require a minimum width of 1500 mm. Landings are to be provided at the top and bottom of ramps, as well as at 9 m intervals for ramps with a 1:14 slope, landings must be at least 1200 mm long. Ramps must include handrails on both sides that do not obstruct the clear width, along with kerbs or kerb rails. The ideal approach angle is zero degrees, and crossfalls for curved ramps should slope towards the center of curvature that have maximum fall allowances. Additionally, ramp surfaces must meet slip-resistance classifications as outlined in Table D3D15 of the BCA / NCC, and ramps need to be provided with Tactile Indicators. Overall a much more complicated design than a simple 1:20 walkway we are sure you would agree. #YMOMNK #YouMayOrMayNotKnow #GroupDLA #BuildingCompliance #Certification #BCA #PCA #DDA #Access  

DLA003 | JUICED | What to consider when integrating EV charging stations into for carpark designs? There is a new Fire Brigade position statement which supports the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) position on electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure in Class 2-9 buildings. FRNSW identifies EVs and charging stations as special hazards under NCC 2022 provisions E1D17 and E2D21, requiring careful design consideration to mitigate risks. To enhance fire safety, EV parking should ideally be located externally or in open air. Where internal parking EV chargers are proposed.  Proponents are encouraged to collaborate with your GROUP DLA contact and will also need to work with fire safety engineers to prepare the special fire hazards assessment report to address any requirements of your EV charging installation for your location to ensure a safe, functional, and compliant spaces. #GroupDLA #YMOMNK #YouMayOrMayNotKnow #BuildingCompliance #Certification #BCA #PCA #FRNSW #EV #ElectricVehicles

IDPWD | Acknowledging International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) which celebrates the contributions of people with disability and promotes more inclusive communities. This year, GROUP DLA Access attended two Sydney events reflecting this year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” The first, Designing Inclusive and Safe Communities, hosted by University of Technology Sydney, featured expert panelists discussing accessibility challenges in local government, emphasizing the value of lived experience, the need to embed inclusion in planning and decision making, and emerging research to inform better design. The second event, Elevate the Stage, a vibrant concert at International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), showcased the talents and passion of people with disability, marking a pinnacle celebration of IDPwD in Australia. #IDPwD #DesigningforInclusion #InclusionMatters #NDIS #IDPwD2024 #GroupDLAAccess

ON LOCATION | Our Major Projects and Access Team made the most of the sunshine this week visiting one of our cracking heritage upgrades in the heart of the CBD. Our teams collaboration to provide specialised BCA and DDA Access Consultancy alongside Buildcorp, and Tonkin Zulaikha Greer to deliver another exceptional outcome for the public domain and the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. #GroupDLA #heritage #BCA #DDA #Access #Consultancy

SMASHED IT | Congratulations to the team at MPA delivering this great project for The Work Project. Special shoutout to Andrew Hanna providing GROUP DLA the chance excel on an expedited approval process to meet critical milestones and benchmarks. Awesome outcome for all involved.

DLA002 | TRANSFERENCE | What does LH and RH mean on Accessible bathroom signage?  Accessible bathrooms are specifically designed with increased space and access features to accommodate the needs of people with physical disabilities, such as wheelchair users or people who use walking frames. While designed for independent use they must be designated as unisex to accommodate carers of different genders. LH and RH signage refers to the transfer side for accessing the toilet pan in the facility as some people may need or prefer to transfer onto a toilet pan from the right or left side i.e. LH means the grabrail is located on the left-hand side wall when seated on the toilet. By including this information on the room signage, a person can better anticipate the layout and locate the facility to suit their needs and preferences. Where there is more than one accessible toilet provided in a building, the number of left and right-handed facilities should be provided as evenly as possible. Contact our team of Access Consultants if you would like to know more about “F4D5 Accessible sanitary facilities – F4D5 (g). #YMOMNK #GroupDLA #BuildingCompliance #Certification #Accessibility #Design