Inclusive Design Standards FAQs

The Inclusive Design Standards are a set of over three hundred design recommendations (elements) that help designers, architects, developers, and builders create more accessible and inclusive multifamily housing. They cover the entire lifespan of a building, from pre-design to operations, and everything in between. They are free to use and available to download at thekelsey.org/design.

Building codes and the ADA set minimum accessibility requirements and primarily focus on mobility and sensory disabilities. The Inclusive Design Standards are not a replacement for building codes. They go beyond compliance, offering a holistic, cross-disability framework that addresses access needs rather than specific types of disabilities.

The Inclusive Design Standards were created by The Kelsey, in partnership with Mikiten Architecture and the Inclusive Design Council.

Although they were designed specifically for new multifamily housing, many elements from the Inclusive Design Standards can be applied to rehabilitations, retrofits, or even single-family residential properties (e.g., wider hallways, lever faucets, grab bar backing).

Projects don’t need to adopt every element – it would be nearly impossible to do so. Project teams can select elements that fit the scope of their project and incorporate as many as they like. If interested, projects can pursue full or focused certifications, which are based on the number of elements incorporated into the project.

Government entities can incorporate the use of the Inclusive Design Standards as incentives for funding, or they can incorporate them into their own standards. Washington, D.C., and San Jose have already offered extra points in funding applications, and San Antonio has integrated the Inclusive Design Standards into their own local housing standards.

No, the data shows that inclusive, disability-forward housing can be delivered at costs comparable to other affordable housing projects. For example, the total development cost of The Kelsey Ayer Station, which is Gold Certified by the Inclusive Design Standards, was less than the average development cost for projects of a similar size in the same area. This demonstrates that embedding inclusive design does not create outsized expenses; in fact, it can reduce future costs by avoiding expensive retrofits and ensuring long-term usability for residents.

Projects earn points by implementing elements across six categories: Design Process, Site, Building Components, Interior Spaces, Dwelling Units, and Operations. Incorporating more elements leads to higher certification levels. Essential is the baseline, requiring all Essential Elements to be included in a project, and must be met for any higher certification.

Essential Elements are elements that must be included in a project to receive certification. All Essential Elements must be incorporated to receive certification; however, if an element does not apply to a project (e.g., there are no exterior stairs), the project will not be penalized if the element is not implemented.

Exemplary Badges are optional recognitions that highlight projects excelling in a specific area. The areas are: Mobility and Height, Hearing and Acoustics, Vision, Cognitive Access, Health and Wellness, and Support Needs.

Focused Certifications allow projects with limited scope, like dwelling unit rehabilitations or upgrades to outdoor spaces, to achieve recognition in specific areas without pursuing full certification.

The Inclusive Design Standards have a self-certification tool that allows project teams to review their project against the elements. The Kelsey offers technical assistance and consulting to support this process. The self-certification tool can be downloaded for free at thekelsey.org/design.

Cross-disability means supporting a wide range of disabilities, focusing on access needs rather than specific diagnoses. The access needs categories are: mobility and height, hearing and acoustics, vision, cognitive access, health and wellness, and support needs.

Designing for inclusion at the beginning of a project can help avoid expensive retrofits, reduce maintenance costs and risks, and mitigate legal exposure under the Fair Housing Act. It also reduces turnover and builds resident loyalty.

By exceeding code minimums, projects that use the Inclusive Design Standards are more adaptable to future regulations, evolving funding requirements, the growing population of older adults and people with disabilities, and the needs of families. 

Some examples include: 42-inch hallways, curved shower rods, grab bar backing in all bathrooms, lever and gooseneck faucets, pocket doors in small spaces, and adjustable closet rods and shelving.

The Inclusive Design Standards complement other standards by focusing on accessibility and inclusion, while also aligning with sustainability and wellness goals from LEED, WELL, and other frameworks.

1. Washington, D.C.: maximum QAP points for Inclusive Design Standards-certified projects.
2. San Jose, CA: extra funding points for projects with more accessible units or inclusive design workshops.
3. San Antonio, TX: integrated the Inclusive Design Standards into their design standards.
4. Teton County & Jackson, WY: incorporating the Inclusive Design Standards into their Livability Standards.

The complete first edition of the Inclusive Design Standards and self-certification tool are available to download for free at thekelsey.org/design. Additional design-related resources can be found in the Learn Center at thekelsey.org/learn. Teams can also email design@thekelsey.org for technical assistance.