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Fred D. Cawyer AIA - Accessibility Specialist

In accordance with the Texas Architectural Barriers Rules, adopted June 1, 1994, all new construction and renovation projects within the State of Texas must meet at least the minimum requirements for handicapped accessibility set forth by the Architectural Barriers Act – Texas Civil Statutes Article 9102.
Any new construction or renovation projects valued at $50,000 or more must have their Construction Documents (working drawings and project manual/specifications) formally submitted for an accessibility plan review no later than the 20th day after their preparation for a Building Permit or construction. If no design professional is employed, the owner is still responsible for submitting the necessary documents. For more details, visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website.

Specialized Consulting

With over 36 years of architectural design and project management expertise, Fred D. Cawyer has established himself as a leader in accessibility consulting for small and large-scale commercial construction projects. Since 1995, Fred has specialized in providing a "common sense" approach to creating accessible environments, conducting plan reviews and on-site Inspections for over 7,000 construction projects, totaling more than $1 billion in construction costs.
Fred and the ARS team work closely with Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects, and Professional Engineers to provide accessibility solutions in line with "universal design" principles, ensuring projects meet the unique needs of the disabled.

Industry Leadership

As a Texas-licensed architect, interior designer, and Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS), Fred is uniquely qualified to provide specialized consulting with a unique real-world perspective. His expertise also extends to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) consulting for multi-family housing projects under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) through CAC – Cawyer & Associates Consulting, LLC, a certified HUB/WBE.
Fred’s professional journey began with obtaining his Industrial Management degree from Abilene Christian University (ACU) in 1975. His areas of study included Accounting, Economics, Business Law, Financial Management, Architectural, Structural, Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing systems-drawing documentation, crafts, power mechanics, welding, and woodworking.
This was followed by his Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture from Texas A&M University (TAMU) in 1978. His educational foundation includes business administration, architectural mechanics, healthcare design, and hands-on training in diverse fields like woodworking, welding, and mechanics.
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Accreditations and Awards

Fred has served with industry giants such as Harwood K. Smith and Partners (HKS, Inc.) in Dallas, Texas. He now serves as President of ARS, pllc (Accessibility Resource Specialists) and Vice President of CAC – Cawyer & Associates Consulting, LLC.
His accreditations and awards include:
  • Registered Architect & Interior Designer, Texas (No. 08209 & No. 00614, respectively)
  • Certified member, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), Certificate Holder No. 26338, which allows a reciprocal architectural license with other State Boards within the USA.
  • Founding Charter Member & Past President, Accessibility Professionals Association (APA)
  • Board of Directors Member, Global Universal Design Commission (GUDC)
  • Recipient of the Alpha Rho Chi Medal, National Professional Organization of Architectural Students (1979) for “Outstanding Leadership, Service and Merit.”
  • Awarded Young Architect of the Year (1987) by the Dallas Chapter - American Institute of Architects (AIA)

A Commitment to Accessibility

Fred’s career has been dedicated to addressing the accessibility needs of everyone in Texas and across the nation. From leading accessibility compliance consulting to offering expert testimony as part of legal matters, Fred is committed to meeting both Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) and federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Through ARS and CAC, Fred and his team aim to foster inclusive environments, ensuring physical spaces meet the diverse needs of all individuals and promote equality within the built environment.
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