About Katy.
Katy Heath, a distinguished Corporate Member of the RIBA, has carved a unique niche in the field of architecture with her commitment to inclusivity and excellence. Her academic journey in architecture began at Leeds and Leicester Polytechnics, culminating in a professional qualification from Leicester De Montfort University in 1990.
Her professional career commenced at Stephen George & Partners in Leicester, where she contributed significantly from 1989 to 1998. Following a family relocation to Liverpool, Katy joined Derek Hicks and Thew, which later became part of Nightingale Associates. Her ascent in the company saw her rise from Project Architect in May 1998 to Office Principal by October 2005, managing office finances and leading a team of 42 architects and technical staff.
Katy's expertise shone brightly in her role as Project Architect/Lead Consultant on diverse projects encompassing church, health, mental health, education, and commercial sectors. Notably, she served as Access Consultant for the Public Realm areas of the £1bn Liverpool One retail scheme, culminating in a RIBA award and a nomination for the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2009.
Her passion for Inclusive Design is evident in her inspirational projects for individuals with disabilities. These include designing bespoke homes and adaptations for various clients, seamlessly integrating specialist features like therapy spaces, hoisting systems, therapy pools and accessible living facilities.
Furthering her expertise, Katy completed the RIBA Conservation Training course in 2013, deepening her knowledge in Heritage and Conservation. Since 1998, she has specialised in Accommodation Expert Witness Reports for Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury cases, contributing to over 600 cases. Her role often extends to Project Architect/Design Team Leader, guiding families in adapting and extending properties to cater to the needs of disabled family members.
Katy's commitment to continuous professional development is reflected in her completion of the Centre for Accessible Environments’ “Access Consultancy Course” and extensive training in “Inclusive Design” and “Access for People with Disabilities.” She has also completed Bond Solon’s Expert Witness Training courses, including Excellence in Report Writing, Court Room Skills, Cross-Examination Training, and Law and Procedure Examination.
A respected speaker, Katy has lectured at Hope University and presented to various organisations on Inclusive Design and her role as an Accommodation Expert Witness. She has also facilitated workshops promoting collaborative approaches to housing for people with disabilities.
Her dedication to championing disabled people’s needs and aspirations led her to serve a 2-year term as the national secretary of the Access Association.
Katy’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to architectural excellence and her dedication to creating inclusive environments that respect and accommodate everyone.