Mrs Jessica Noel-Smith

Jessica Noel-Smith is a chartered Architect with a specialism in accessible and inclusive design practice. Following 18 years’ experience of interdisciplinary work between the disability sector, creative industries and architecture, her research examines the ethical and sociological impacts of contemporary accessible design in architectural practices; as revealed by the lived experiences of disabled people and the gap between technical compliance-based design, human rights and equalities legislation.

Jessica’s PhD research is funded by the University of Stirling's IAS Interdisciplinary Studentship Award (2023), part of the Accessible Environments research cluster, and the Faculties of Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities.

Jessica is a member of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), The Access Association, SEDA (Scottish Ecological Design Association), and is a freelance Associate of the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC).

Research Interests: Physical accessibility of the built environment, architectural design practice, disability rights, design ethics, and technical design policy and legislation.