Consultant and Freedom by Symphony ambassador Adam Thomas explains how universal design broadens the potential customer base, meets needs and improves lives

Q: What is your background and how would you best describe your work – inclusive, accessible or multigenerational design? Is there any difference?

A: My path into accessible kitchen design started in quite a personal way.

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After a spinal injury left me a full-time wheelchair user, I realised very quickly how clinical and uninspiring most “accessible” kitchens were.

I thought, surely we can do better than this? That became my mission.

Over the past 40 years, I’ve been designing kitchens that are practical and safe, yes, but also beautiful, stylish and a joy to use.

Because why should anyone have to compromise?

I’ve been immersed in kitchens since I was 16.

I walked into an interview with one of the UK’s best independent designers and was handed a 3D drawing brief. That was it, I was hooked.

I was taught not just how to design kitchens but how to sell them too. It gave me a really solid foundation, and it’s stayed with me ever since.

As for the terminology – people often use inclusive, accessible and multigenerational design as if they’re the same thing.

But there are subtle differences. Inclusive design is about considering everyone – that might mean factoring in religious or cultural needs, not just physical ones.

Accessible design focuses more on mobility and physical ability – making sure people can use the space independently and safely.

Multigenerational design is about creating flexible spaces for people of all ages living under one roof.

Personally, I tend to use the term universal design.

For me, it’s about one space that works for everyone, rather than having separate solutions for different people.

It’s more sustainable, more thoughtful and ultimately, more human.

Q: How important is it for kitchen designers to consider a variety of needs when creating a project and what are the most important considerations?

A: It’s absolutely essential. As designers, we need to think beyond today.

It’s not just about how a space looks – it’s about how it works now, and how it will work five, ten, twenty years down the line.

Unfortunately, this type of thinking isn’t always part of the design curriculum, which is a real shame.

It should be standard in every course, especially in architecture and kitchen design.

When I work with a client, I always consider how the space will adapt with them.

Will they still be able to use it safely and confidently as they get older? What if their circumstances change?

This is particularly important if my client identifies as a disabled person – you have to understand their needs, the impact their condition has on their daily lives and design for the bad days not the good.

The kitchen is often the heart of independence in the home. It’s the one space where people feel completely in control.

That sense of autonomy is so important, and as designers, we have a duty to help people hold onto it.

Q: How profitable is the universal kitchen market?

In a word – very. When you design with inclusion in mind, you open up your business to a much wider market.

And not just in the short term – this is a growth area.

 Just look at the stats. The spending power of disabled people and their families – the so-called purple pound – is nearly £300 billion a year in the UK.

Then add to that the ageing population and the rise of multigenerational households. It’s a huge opportunity.

 And what’s brilliant is that these types of kitchens often end up being better for everyone.

The functionality, the flow, the clever detailing, it improves the experience across the board.

Q: You’ve worked with Symphony Group on its Freedom Kitchen range — when did that relationship start and what were you asked to do?

A: That all began about eight years ago. The Symphony Group asked me to take a look at its ‘accessible’ range and offer my honest feedback.

The team wanted to know how to make it better and to their credit, they really listened.

One of my biggest pieces of advice was to integrate it more with the mainstream range.

We didn’t want it to feel like a separate, clinical add-on.

We looked at layout improvements, unit types, compliance with building regs, and how to make it easier for dealers to champion accessible design.

 I also consulted on how to make showrooms more inclusive – from parking and toilet access to how the displays are set up and how the staff are trained.

The result? A team that really gets it. The Symphony Group has gone above and beyond.

I genuinely believe it is leading the way and not just in the UK but globally, when it comes to accessible kitchen design.

Q: How has that relationship evolved over time and are you currently working with Symphony Group?

A: Yes, and I’m proud to still be working closely with The Symphony Group.

What excited me most from the beginning was the opportunity to bring specialist design principles to a large-scale manufacturer.

It meant we could make a real impact – designs that work beautifully and are affordable.

 It allows housebuilders to not have the stress of ‘getting it right’ knowing they can rely on Symphony dealers or the design team at head office to provide cutting edge solutions which will pass building regulations, look, and function well.

Today, I’m still consulting with the team.

I work with their trainers, help support retail partners, and continue to shape the evolution of the Freedom range.

Their commitment hasn’t wavered. It’s refreshing to work with a company that cares about getting it right – not just for the bottom line, but for the people who use their kitchens every day.

Q: How can retailers gently approach the idea of future-proofing with their customers?

A: It’s all about the way you frame it.

Future-proofing can sound clinical or unnecessary, especially if someone’s fit and well today.

But when you position it as a way of protecting independence and comfort in the years ahead, it becomes something really positive.

Here’s the reality – most falls in the kitchen happen due to bending or over stretching.

These aren’t dramatic design changes. But they’re smart, thoughtful and future-ready.

 A great time to have the conversation is when a customer is planning for retirement or downsizing.

That’s when you can say, “Have you thought about making a few smart choices now that could make life easier down the line?”

Something as simple as fitting a built-in oven at waste level instead of under the counter can make all the difference.

Good design is universal. And from a business point of view, it’s a win-win – you’re reaching more people, meeting real needs, and doing work that genuinely improves lives.