Meet our team
We provide impartial, unbiased advice to architects, surveyors, and other construction professionals on home adaptations, ensuring that your projects meet the highest standards of accessibility and functionality. Drawing on our extensive experience, we are pleased to recommend reputable companies with whom we have successfully collaborated and we offer project management services as required. Our Occupational Therapists operate across England and Wales.
Acer Morgan
Head of Client Services
Acer has a wealth of technical and communication skills from her background as a formulation scientist. Her experience includes liaising with clients, suppliers, managing projects and networking within the cosmetics industry to bring new products to the market in the UK and abroad.
Acer acts as the first point of contact within DfI, she liaises with new and existing clients, building relationships, referring and recommending other services as appropriate. Acer coordinates the services we provide to all of our end users and the professional teams supporting them ensuring information is available when needed. Acer manages the function of the office and supports the MD. Acer is office based so is available for clients as a daily contact.
Design For Independence is unique.
As Housing Occupational Therapists we adeptly interpret complex medical conditions into architectural designs. As Manual Handling experts we precisely assess spatial needs and equipment placement for optimal functionality.
As Therapists we prioritise privacy and dignity, ensuring that our recommendations for purchasing, designing and adapting properties for individuals with disabilities are expertly tailored to enhance quality of life.
Design For Independence is unique.
As Housing Occupational Therapists we adeptly interpret complex medical conditions into architectural designs. As Manual Handling experts we precisely assess spatial needs and equipment placement for optimal functionality.
As Therapists we prioritise privacy and dignity, ensuring that our recommendations for purchasing, designing, and adapting properties for individuals with disabilities are expertly tailored to enhance quality of life.
Chroma House, Shire Hill,
Saffron Walden CB11 3AQ
FIND
DESIGN
ADAPT
Suitability Assessments
Is this the right property for your client’s needs?
Before investing time and money into a property, you need certainty that it can be adapted within the available budget and that it will meet your client’s long-term needs.
That’s exactly what our Suitability Assessments provide.
At Design for Independence Ltd, we assess properties from a clinical and practical perspective. We don’t just look at access or layout - we consider manual handling, equipment installation, long-term care needs and the emotional impact of the environment on your client.
Our Housing Occupational Therapists (OTs) are experts in inclusive home design and accessibility. We assess how a person’s living environment supports - or limits - their ability to live independently and comfortably.
Our Housing OTs create bespoke home designs tailored to each individual's unique needs and abilities. They recommend thoughtful layouts, fixtures, and fittings that enhance safety, comfort, and functionality - empowering individuals to navigate and enjoy their homes with confidence and ease.
We primarily support individuals who have experienced life-changing injuries or live with complex, chronic, or debilitating medical conditions. Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams and legal professionals, we help deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.
FIND
DESIGN
ADAPT
What we assess:
Access and circulation for wheelchair use, walking aids, carers and equipment.
Layout and zoning for personal care, therapy and family life.
Safety and risk factors affecting both client and carer.
Long-term suitability based on prognosis, growth or changing support needs.
Recommend further feasibility studies to be completed and consider planning restrictions.
Why it matters
A property that seems “suitable” can become a major obstacle if key factors are overlooked. Our assessments are trusted by case managers and solicitors because they’re clinically grounded, comprehensive and clearly reported.
We help you make confident decisions - whether that means going ahead, walking away or adapting your plan.