Profile
Years ago, ACA’s co-founder Alex Caruso, suffered an almost fatal motorbike crash and spent a long time in hospital. The environment was functional, but poorly-designed, concerning the mental health aspects of recovery. So, having experienced the effects of bad design personally, Alex promised himself, when he recovered, to place a special emphasis on wellbeing in his designs to help other people feel better and improve their lives.
Therefore, ACA’s mission is design happier and healthier experiences.
ACA specialises in design for the health and social care sector and has designed buildings for several NHS Trusts and private care companies including GP surgeries and health centres; specialist hospital wards; operating theatres; Acquired Brain Injury units; mental health and learning disability units; hospices; care homes; extra care and retirement living accommodation and dementia care units.
Our overriding philosophy is to work in a collaborative, open and integrated way with patient groups, clinicians and nursing staff, contractors and facilities management to realise the vision of a person-centred, inclusive, welcoming and well-lit environment that enhances privacy, dignity and aids the healing process.
ACA is proud of its multicultural and lingual design team with English, Italian, Polish, Arabic and Punjabi influences. Highly talented and culturally diverse individuals collaborate to creatively respond to Clients’ briefs and deliver unique design solutions.
Leading ACA’s design team, Alex is an Independent Dementia Design Champion with strong links to Stirling University’s Dementia Care Services Development Centre, Hammond Care and Worcester University. He is also a Board Director for the Design in Mental Health Network, where he leads the international workstream, sharing knowledge, best practice and innovation.
ACA’s investigative approach maintains research at its heart to learn about our clients’ priorities. We dedicate time to explore the complex needs of people, understanding their challenges to achieve safe, effective and responsive facilities, compliant with CQC Registration Standards.
We also offer a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Client Adviser service, which is a testimony to ACA’s wealth of specialist knowledge and experience. A RIBA-accredited role, Client Advisers guide clients through the process of commissioning buildings and help them to maximise the value and quality of their projects. They provide independent advice among public sector client groups such as the NHS and local authorities.
“We appointed ACA on this type of project for their recognised specialism and expert knowledge in design for dementia. We knew the team would deliver!” Dan Laughton, Projects and Strategic Development Manager, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust.
We selected ACA because, having worked together on previous projects, we knew they had the experience and design ability to deliver – I would highly recommended using ACA Architects if you are looking for a complete and professional architectural service.”
Keith Lidington, Senior Project Manager LNWH NHS Trust