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About Us

Lifemark® is the leading Universal Design consultancy in New Zealand that offers user-led expert advice and an independent quality assurance process.

Leading the world in Universal Design and accessibility

Lifemark® was established in 2008 to promote and standardise Universal Design principles in New Zealand.

In 2012, we published our first Universal Design Standards handbook and developed the Lifemark® Home Rating System to assess new homes based on the Universal Design principles of adaptability, accessibility, usability, safety and lifetime value.

Since then, we have been named Most Outstanding Universal Design Innovator in Australasia at the 2019 Enablement Awards in Melbourne and the Most Outstanding in the World at an event in London – achievements that exemplify our unique approach in the Universal Design space.

Our team of Universal Design advisors includes people with lived experience of disability. We create homes that are beautiful, functional and future-proofed for people of all abilities and ages, with the aim of promoting better and more inclusive communities for New Zealanders everywhere.

Our approach to Universal Design includes feedback from people with lived experience of disability. We help create homes and communities that are beautiful, functional and future-proofed for people of all abilities and ages.

Bespoke

We also offer a bespoke service where we can customise a set of standards and use our Assessment Management System and quality assurance process to ensure performance outcomes for any organisation or region, anywhere.

Creating homes for life and living it well

FAQ

  • How do I get a Lifemark® rating?

    It's easy. Include the performance level you would like in your build contract and discuss this with your designer, or contact us to help find the right designer or architect for your project. Remember, only the team at Lifemark® can issue a Lifemark® rating.

  • Where can I get a copy of your design standards?

    Simply get in touch to request a copy and we will send you a free outline that identifies the key considerations. If you have a specific project in mind, we would be glad to discuss it with you in more detail and help you understand your options. The Design Standards Handbook V3 2024 is sent to our design partners.

  • Is the Lifemark® rating just for wheelchair users?

    A Lifemark® rating benefits everyone and you can choose the performance level that is best suited to your needs. If you are building a new home and you are a wheelchair user then we would recommend the Accessible+ rating, but other ratings will ensure a home is comfortable and future-proofed for all. Click here to learn more about our design standards. 

  • How much does it cost?

    Universal Design can cost less than 1% of total build costs, depending on the site and any earthworks that may be required to enable level access. The Lifemark® certification is $895+GST for one dwelling typology and one dwelling, with different pricing applying for developments with more than one typology and multiple houses.

  • Why do I need a Lifemark® rating?

    A Lifemark® rating gives you assurance that a specific level of Universal Design performance has been reached. Universal Design is an above building code approach to housing design that makes the home easier to live in at any stage in life, and is particularly useful for older and disabled people.

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