Grounded in his decades of work in Accessibility, his 35 years as an architect, and his lived experience through his mother who has Macular Degeneration, Richard passionately believes that the development of the built environment is only successful when it is inclusive of everyone. To that end, Richard is of the firm view that beautiful design and accessibility can and should co-exist.

Richard is a self-proclaimed ‘Clarkitecht’ – an architect who does not design or build but who instead uses their knowledge to ensure that the designs of others are never disrupted, only enhanced and supported by accessibility expertise. Richard has always had an interest in how humans interact with the built environment. Trained in architecture, Richard’s professional career has spanned more than three decades working in accessibility consultancy, interior architecture, facilities management, project design management and architecture.

In 2010, Richard formed iAccess Consultants, a division of the iAccess Group, to specialise in the provision of access consultancy services for building professionals to meet their statutory obligations and to ensure optimal utility for the end-user. Since its formation, iAccess Consultants, under Richard’s management has undertaken over 1,400 projects across all property sectors for both private and government clients.

Prior to the formation of iAccess Consultants, the iAccess Group, also under Richard’s management undertook a range of large-scale projects and Government initiatives including:

• Program Architecture (client side) for the Office of Housing NSW for the delivery of 6,500 Universal Design dwellings across the State, 1,500 of which were to be adaptable under the provisions of SEPP Seniors or AHRSEPP, as part of the nation building economic stimulus package.
• Project Design Management for the Provision of Accessible Facilities and Amenities for Westfield Shopping Centres
• Facilities Management and Building Program Delivery for the University of Sydney

The human impact of Richard’s work has impacted him greatly and drives his approach on a daily basis. At the forefront of his influence is his mother, Ginette Matalon, who has Macular Degeneration which affects her central vision and has had to learn to live in a built environment where accessibility is complex. In 2012 Richard and Ginette attended the International Mobility Conference 14 (IMC14) at Palmerston North, New Zealand where the leading academic researchers into accessibility for persons with vision impairment presented.

Over the years, Richard has been inspired by the people for whom his work is intended to assist. For example, seeing people enter their own home for the first time, adapted to meet their needs and meaning they could live a comfortable, dignified, independent and safe life represents the human-impact of Richard’s work.