“We are a collaborative total design consultancy. Our mission is to create healthier and happier experiences to live, work or heal in.”

Joined September 2014
1,025 Photos and videos
We are at the Design in Mental Health Network Exhibition conference and awards today. Fingers crossed for our award shortlist which is happening shortly Our Langtree Care Home, Standish has been shortlisted for the Project of the Future Design UK Award #DesigninMentalHealthAwards
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The ACA team recently had the pleasure of attending the @MindHEY Golden Gala, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton. HEY Mind are a valued ACA client, and it was especially rewarding to attend an event supporting their work. Read more about the event here aca-i.com/aca-attends-hey-mi…
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Alex & Amelia are delighted to be speaking at the next Property Directors Club event on 16th April. ACA are also sponsoring the event. Alex will share practical insights for developers and investors on: Book your place here join.propertydirectorsclub.c…
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Behind every finished space is a lot of questioning, sketching, refining and rethinking. Our February days have looked like this: ✔ site visits ✔ concept development ✔ collaboration with clients and consultants Because the best commercial projects don’t happen by accident.
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We’re pleased to announce the launch of a new consultancy service on our website - Healing Design Advisory, an independent architectural intelligence for healthcare and education environments. It outlines how we support clients at the earliest stages of a project.
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Why specialist mental health design isn’t “just another healthcare project.” High-dependency units demand: • Deep understanding of patient behaviour • Staff safety and observation planning • Materials that balance robustness with warmth Getting this wrong can be costly.
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When the build is complex, your design partner matters. We support construction teams delivering: • Secure mental health facilities • High-risk refurbishment projects • Live healthcare environments Our experience helps reduce risk, streamline approvals & anticipate challenges.
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High-dependency mental health units demand more than standard layouts. They require specialist knowledge: ✔ Anti-ligature design ✔ Robust, compliant materials ✔ Observation and staff flow ✔ Calm, therapeutic environments Let’s talk about your next specialist project.
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Great design isn’t just about how a space looks — it’s about how it performs. From circulation and acoustics to lighting and material choices, every decision should support how people actually use a space day to day. Good design and interiors is felt, not just seen.
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ACA is pleased to announce its appointment to the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), marking an important milestone in the practice’s continued work across the UK public sector. aca-i.com/aca-appointed-to-c…
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ACA supports clients by developing clear, evidence-based action plans that align condition surveys, clinical or curriculum needs, compliance requirements and long-term strategy. The result is a prioritised roadmap that supports informed decision-making and funding submissions.
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At ACA, we design healthcare environments with people at the centre. From improved patient flows and observation lines to calming interiors, durable finishes and clear wayfinding, our ward refurbs are carefully planned to support clinical delivery while minimising disruption.
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Appointing a Principal Designer is critical to managing risk, compliance and accountability. As experienced CDM Principal Designers & Building Safety Act Principal Designers (non-HRBs), we provide clear leadership, coordination & expert guidance throughout the design process.
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We proactively manage safety risks, collaborate with duty holders and specialist advisors, and ensure compliance through robust systems aligned with ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001. Our goal is simple: to design safe, sustainable and accessible environments.
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Extending and adapting buildings for future needs We help NHS Trusts and Colleges integrate new spaces seamlessly with existing buildings, ensuring compliance, accessibility and operational efficiency from day one.
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Designing the Difference: Our ACA 2025 Story 2025 has been a landmark year for ACA — a year defined by award-winning design, influential thought leadership, meaningful community engagement, and key professional milestones within our team. Find out more aca-i.com/designing-the-diff…
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Delightful Dublin Moments Through an Architect’s Daughter’s Eyes Growing up with an architect for a Dad means two things: Read all about them here aca-i.com/a-guide-to-dublin-…
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16 Dec 2025
Valencia Through an Architect’s Lens: Our Top 5 Unforgettable Family Moments with ACA! aca-i.com/valencia-through-a…
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16 Dec 2025
Top 10 UK Architectural Places to Visit Over Christmas and New Year! The festive season is a magical time to explore the UK’s built environment. Here are ACA’s top picks for architectural places to visit across the UK this Christmas and New Year. aca-i.com/top-10-uk-architec…
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12 Dec 2025
Celebrating Success We’re thrilled to announce that a new teaching block called the Ferriby Building at South Hunsley School & Sixth Form College has been awarded Winner – Educational Design (Built) at the World Design Awards 2025. Read more here aca-i.com/aca-win-at-world-d…
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