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. We are affiliated with the NDIS, Livable Housing, and the Green Building Council Australia.
Access Studio is an independent, Australian-owned access consulting firm based in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. 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.
Access Studio is a certified carbon neutral organisation with the Carbon Reduction Institute (CRI) under the NoCO2 Program.
See here for more information on our certification #NC536 and #CN536.
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.
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
Lauren Kennedy
Studio Manager
Joining Access Studio in 2026 as Studio Manager, Lauren Kennedy brings almost ten years of property management and construction industry experience from her prior roles in firms offering project management and building services engineering consulting. Along with her Bachelor of Arts degree, Lauren has developed a solid understanding of multi-disciplinary projects, as well as extensive administration, marketing and management skills that she now applies to the operations and development of Access Studio.
Using her logical and adaptive mindset, Lauren approaches projects and systems to streamline processes and help facilitate effective solutions, whilst maintaining strong relationships with clients and supporting project requirements.
Lauren is focused on growing Access Studio’s impact by fostering collaborative, efficient, and inclusive project delivery, while continuing to develop innovative systems and strategies that support both the team and the diverse communities the studio serves.
Lauren holds the following qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts (Linguistics), Macquarie University.
- Contract Management Essentials, Swinburne Professional.
- Search Engine Optimisation, CAE Melbourne.
- MYOB Essentials, Dynamic Web Training.
- Editing Essentials, Sydney Writers’ Centre.
- Principles of Marketing, Australian Marketing Institute.
Eliza Bugno
Junior Access Consultant / Administrative Staff
Eliza Bugno joined Access Studio in 2024 as an Access and Inclusion Specialist, bringing new ways of shaping spaces that are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for everyone. With a strong foundation in accessibility and inclusive design, she hopes to lead projects that prioritize community needs, foster respect, and celebrate diversity. Her focus is on creating environments that empower people and connect communities, while continuing to apply her expertise in thoughtful, practical access solutions.
As an Access and Inclusion Specialist, she is passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, respected, and included. With a thoughtful, client-centered approach, she works to ensure Access Studio’s projects reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Her expertise in accessibility, combined with a commitment to collaboration and best-practice design, makes her a valued member of the team.
Eliza holds the following qualifications:
· Bachelor of Architecture, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (Pending)
Ava Gross
Cadet Access Consultant
Ava Gross joined Access Studio in 2026 as a Junior Access and Inclusion Specialist, bringing a considered and people-focused approach to creating spaces that are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. With a strong grounding in accessibility and inclusive design, she contributes to projects that prioritise community needs, respect, and diversity. Her work focuses on supporting environments that empower people and strengthen community connections through thoughtful, practical access solutions.
As an Access and Inclusion Specialist, she applies her knowledge in accessibility and inclusive design to ensure that all projects comply with relevant standards and best-practice guidelines. She takes a structured, client-focused approach to deliver solutions that meet regulatory requirements while supporting the diverse needs of the communities Access Studio serves.
Ava holds the following qualifications:
- Bachelor of Psychology and Arts, majoring in Human Rights, Monash University (Pending)
Alfie
Director of Paw-ductivity
Alfie, our energetic puppy whippet, brings boundless enthusiasm to the studio as Director of Paw-ductivity. He contributes to team wellbeing by providing companionship and lifting morale. With his natural curiosity and friendly presence, Alfie helps ensure the team stays motivated, focused, and happy throughout the day.
Alfie holds the following qualifications:
- Certificate of Graduation, Puppy School.