Breaking Barriers: Joshua Potter is Shining A Light on Accessibility in the Architecture Profession
This week, COX Senior Designer, Joshua Potter, launched the Accessibility Taskforce under Parlour’s Annexe initiative – designed to improve accessibility in the built environment.
In 2016, while undertaking his master’s degree in architecture in London, he experienced sudden and profound hearing loss. Navigating university, work, and everyday life became a challenge as he adapted to a world that wasn’t built for him. As he entered the workforce, he identified that the profession had a way to go in understanding the challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities.
“I once went to great lengths to hide my hearing loss, quietly finding ways to navigate the challenges it brought,” Joshua said.
“Over time, however, my perspective has transformed. I now view my hearing loss as one of the unique strengths I bring to my career. It has deepened my understanding of accessibility, inclusion, and the barriers that so many people face, making me a more empathetic and effective designer.”
Senior Designer, Joshua Potter
These experiences are not merely challenges to overcome – they are valuable insights that inspire and inform better, more inclusive design outcomes.
Joshua founded the Accessibility Taskforce to address these challenges head on; to dismantle barriers, amplify the voices of architects and designers with disabilities, and advocate for systemic change. The Taskforce focuses on five key objectives:
Understanding the landscape – collecting data to highlight the experiences of individuals with disabilities in the profession.
Advocating for change – pushing for inclusive policies in education, licensure and workplaces.
Providing resources – developing accessible design tools, case studies and training modules to improve inclusivity in architectural practices.
Raising awareness – using storytelling and campaigns to reduce stigma.
Building support networks – creating mentorship and peer support opportunities.
Senior Designer, Joshua Potter
By fostering a profession that truly values accessibility, we can create spaces—and careers—that include everyone.
Find out more about the taskforce objectives and how to get involved here.