About Us
Who We Are:
At Access Studio, we specialize in disability access and Universal Design consulting services. Our team collaborates with professionals on both new construction and refurbishment projects to ensure the highest standards of accessibility.
We are dedicated to ongoing collaboration with industry professionals, operators, service providers, and peak bodies to achieve the best accessible outcomes. By leveraging flexible collaborations and informed product solutions, we ensure our access consulting contributes meaningfully and responsibly to the built environment. We integrate the principles of Universal Design to maximize usability for individuals with diverse characteristics.
As an Accredited Member of the Access Consultants Association, we bring a wealth of experience, technical expertise, and industry knowledge. Our team holds has many years of hands-on experience.
Access Studio is an independent, Australian-owned access consulting firm based in Melbourne and Brisbane. With experience on projects across Australia, our qualified team includes Accredited Access Consultants, Architects, and general business staff. We advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all our projects, ensuring that everyone—regardless of race, disability, income, gender identity, or expression—feels that they belong.
Annabel Drynan
Director / Senior Access Consultant
As the Director of Access Studio Annabel Drynan is an Accredited Access Consultant and member of the Association of Consultants in Access Australia (ACA). With many years of experience within the access consulting and building industry, her aim is to provide expert guidance to design teams and excellent outcomes for end users.
Annabel’s strong client focus and passion for inclusive design drive her to provide expert advice and guidance to design teams. She prides herself on being proactive at all stages of a project and her strong communication skills and holistic project awareness ensure that client needs are met, and deliverables are issued promptly and in line with project deadlines.
Annabel was a recent panelist on the Victorian Government Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program which provided grants to fit-out or redevelop spaces to improve the availability and quality of facilities for creative uses.
An Accredited Annabel holds the following qualifications:
· Diploma of Access Consulting
· Bachelor of Business
· Accredited member of the ACA
· Registered SDA (NDIS) Assessor
· Registered LHA (Livable Housing) Assessor
· Registered Changing Places Assessor
· Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program
Chris Nahanneah
Associate / Senior Access Consultant
Chris Nahanneah is an Access Consultant and an Affiliate Member of the Association of Consultants in Access Australia (ACAA). Chris completed his Bachelor of Architecture in 2014 in Australia, before commencing his Master’s at Deakin University.
Chris also studied for an Advanced Diploma in Building Design before this, specializing in Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD.
Chris joined Access Studio in 2019, and with his strong foundational knowledge as an architect, has since become an associate.
Chris brings a human perspective to his solutions, considering issues that can sometimes be overlooked, and collaboratively solves problems while gently guiding and informing clients to ensure optimal project outcomes.
Chris’ skills in architectural design and knowledge of Access Standards enable him to identify and develop solutions to complex access design problems. Chris is highly proficient in AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Revit and the Adobe Suite.
Chris holds the following qualifications:
· Bachelor of Architecture, Deakin University
· Certificate IV in Business
· Access Institute: Liveable Housing Australia – Design Guideline Assessor
· Universal Design; Framing Housing Policy for the Future
· Introduction to Universal Design
· Diploma of Access Consulting
Joining the Access Studio team in 2024, Lillian Cumming is an Access Consultant and inclusion specialist who has a passion for achieving positive outcomes for the community.
A talented young graduate Lillian has excelled in her first year developing experience across education, residential and community projects.
With a Bachelor of Design (Architecture) and a Diploma in Access Consulting, Lillian’s education informs her professional solutions and allows her to collaborate easily with cross-functional teams, ensuring quality outcomes for each project.
Lillian holds the following qualifications:
· Bachelor of Design (Architecture)
· Diploma of Access Consulting
Hiten Bawa
Architect turned Access Consultant
Hiten Bawa joined Access Studio in 2024 as an Access Consultant bringing with him a unique and creative perspective from his background in architecture, fine art, design and illustration.
With a passion for creating inclusive spaces, Hiten is dedicated to ensuring every project meets the highest standards of accessibility and functionality, whilst maintaining creative integrity.
Hiten has a passion for Universal Design and resolving the spatial challenges experienced by people with disabilities, and he advocates to improve attitudes toward people with disabilities.
A qualified architect (South Africa), Hiten is currently completing his Access Consultant qualifications to formalise his skills in this profession.
Hiten is known for his collaborative approach and has varied project experience as an architect, and he has also provided consulting services for Councils, engineers and interior designers.
Hiten holds the following qualifications:
· 2023 UX Design certificates in Mobile UX Design, Accessibility, Design for All, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) – Interaction Design Foundation
· 2013 Master of Architecture (Professional), University of Cape Town
· 2011 BTech Architectural Technology (Applied Design), University of Johannesburg
Thomas Bugno
Access Consultant / IT Manager / Administrative Staff
Tom Bugno is an Access and Inclusion Specialist, joined the Access Studio team in 2020. With expertise in consulting and administration, he has gained solid experience in the field of accessibility.
As an Access and Inclusion Specialist, he plays a pivotal role in Access Studio’s mission to create accessible environments and promote inclusivity. Thomas contributes to Access Studio’s ability to deliver exceptional solutions and services to clients. His comprehensive skill set and commitment to ongoing education make him an invaluable asset to the team.
Thomas holds the following qualifications:
· Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering, Monash University (Pending)
· Bachelor of Finance, Monash University (Pending)