Driving inclusive design forward with Altro

At Altro, we’ve always believed that good design should be accessible to everyone.

Over the past decade, we’ve worked closely with sector experts, architects, and designers to make inclusive design a reality - not just a theory.

From dementia-friendly design to wider inclusivity

Our journey began ten years ago in collaboration with the University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC).

Together, we developed colour palettes and non-sparkle finishes for safety flooring, which led to best practice guidance and our RIBA-approved CPD: Designing for Dementia.

This quickly became a valued resource across the care sector.

Why a quieter care home matters

But dementia is only one part of the story. As Joe Hurst, our UK Social Care Key Account Manager, explains:

“The care sector is broad - with services supporting adults with learning difficulties, autism, neurodiversity, physical disabilities, young people in independent living facilities, and more. We realised the design community could do so much more to enhance spaces for everyone.”

Building knowledge through forums and CPDs

This wider focus led to the launch of our Designing for Neurodiversity CPD. Developed in collaboration with sector experts and shaped by our Forum events, this RIBA-approved session explores what neurodiversity is and why it matters in building design.

It gives practical advice on creating inclusive spaces, backed up with relevant legislation and standards. Since its launch, it has reached nearly 5,000 architects, designers, and estates managers - with overwhelmingly positive feedback.

In April 2024, we expanded the conversation further with our latest CPD: Designing with inclusivity in mind. This programme looks more broadly at diversity and inclusion in the UK, covering the nine protected characteristics, the latest guidance and legislation, and design best practice.

The role of colour in accessibility

One area where design really makes a difference is colour. That’s why we’ve begun publishing Chroma values alongside Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) for our ranges - giving designers more tools to make accessible choices.

Architect and inclusive design consultant Stephanie Kyle explains:

“Chroma values help identify colour intensity, making it easier to reduce overstimulation for people with sensory processing differences. They complement LRVs, which measure light and dark contrast, and together they give designers a stronger foundation for inclusive design.”

Maria Luigia Assirelli, also from Floyd Slaski Architects, adds that tonal colours - variations within a single hue - can create visually engaging healthcare environments while maintaining harmony and calm.

Supporting better practice across the sector

Alongside these new initiatives, we continue to update our established CPDs, including Designing for Dementia and Designing for Mental Health. All of our sessions are RIBA-approved and designed to be accessible, taking around an hour to fit into busy professional schedules.

Find out more

Altro’s RIBA-approved inclusive design CPDs give professionals the tools and insight to create environments that work for everyone. To explore our full CPD programme, visit Altro CPDs page.