Biography
ARS, pllc - Accessibility Resource Specialists (and CAC - Cawyer & Associates Consulting LLC - A Texas HUB) is a Dallas, Texas area based consulting firm providing professional architectural design and associated services specifically relating to accessibility compliance consulting - design / Plan Reviews, on-site Inspections and project management / construction contract administration services regarding master site planning; architecture; space planning / interior architecture; and, environmental and graphic design.
The firm has successfully provided Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) - Title III; Fair Housing Act (FHA); and, Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) plan reviews and / or on-site inspections for over ten-thousand accessibility-construction related projects, representing billions of dollars of new and renovation construction. The firm provides accessibility consulting expertise on both “privately-funded” and “publicly-funded” construction projects. Having provided Architectural design and Engineering (A/E) coordination consulting services master site development planning, architecture and interior space planning of commercial office buildings, healthcare facilities, corporate headquarters, banks, credit unions, hotels / motels, multi-family housing, ecclesiastical / religious, and a variety of public and private educational projects - the firm is uniquely qualified to provide specialized accessibility consulting from a “real world” perspective. The firm has also provided United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) consulting regarding the accessibility design ramifications to multi-family housing per the Fair Housing Act (FHA) Guidelines.
The ARS business philosophy emphasizes team member performance in the achievement of our Client's specific accessibility performance goals as they relate to compliance to the federal ADA and the TAS State requirements. The effective integration of this philosophy of quality service has resulted in the firm’s ability to consistently deliver successful accessibility design, design review and on-site construction consulting on projects that are well designed, technically well executed and completed within the allocated budgets and schedules established by our Clients.
ARS representatives enjoy a professional reputation of integrity and proven expertise within the Construction Industry - by working hand-in-hand with owners, construction managers, general contractors, sub-contractors, manufacturers and construction material suppliers. ARS representatives provide our clients with valuable, accurate and timely accessibility information as it relates to ADA / FHA / TAS requirement application criteria.
Specialized professional consulting requires a combination of technical competency, creative design ability and a “common sense” approach to provide maximum construction value. ARS representatives have these qualities. The ARS Design Team Members have the desire and the talent necessary to combine an understanding of the accessibility requirements and the financial values imperative in the creation of successful commercial construction investments.
The ARS Design Team of creative, experienced professionals is committed to applying the strict minimum accessibility requirements within the context of a “common-sense” approach. Our overall desire is to create a “win-win-win” environment for all parties involved. Meeting the ADA / FHA / TAS requirements is not voluntary, it is basic Civil Rights Law !
We are committed to a “universal design” philosophy of accessibility design. This design approach must NOT be an after-thought. It is based on appropriateness and equal access for all Americans. As an example, according to the most recent United States Census - 3.8 million Texans (19.4%) have one or more physical or mental disabilities that affect activities of daily living. And, this number is growing as the population ages.
Accessibility in multifamily housing is covered by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. These civil rights laws are administrated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
In conclusion, ARS is a multi-disciplined firm built with a strong business approach, driven by service, putting forth the extra effort required to create the greatest value for our clients. We apply a “common sense” approach to meeting at least the minimum ADA / FHA / TAS requirements - to ensure that architectural barriers are removed from existing sites & buildings, and that such barriers to people with disabilities are not constructed in new construction and are adjusted accordingly during construction alterations / renovation projects.