Senior ADA& Accessibility Consultant
Charles Taylor Engineering Technical Services
As part of our ongoing Employee Spotlight series showcasing the expertise within Charles Taylor, we sat down with Elizabeth Ruggles, Senior ADA & Accessibility Consultant on out Engineering Technical Services team. Her work is driven by a combination of personal experience and technicalknowledge, with a deep commitment to helping clients create spaces that are both inclusive and compliant.
Throughout her career, Elizabeth has provided accessibility guidance on a wide range of projects, from historical hotels to Modern corporate campuses. in this interview, she shares how her personal connection to accessibility influences her approach, why inclusive design should be integrated from the start, and how education and planning can reduce risk while improving access for everyone.
Our Conversation with Elizabeth Ruggles
Question: What first sparked your passion for accessibility?
Elizabeth Ruggles: Helping clients meet accessibility requirements goes beyond compliance. It means supporting people in regaining independence. Our work helps companies hire the best candidates, allows businesses to welcome every customer, and enables individuals to live where they choose and engage fully with their environment. At its core, accessibility promotes freedom, connection, and full participation in life.
Q: What first sparked your passion for accessibility?
ER: I saw friends and family members struggle to complete everyday tasks that others did not think twice about. That experience made me want to improve the world around them. At the same time, I have always had a deep interest in architecture. I believe accessibility and beauty can go hand in hand. With care, universal design can be functional, intentional, and visually appealing.
Q: What personal experiences have shaped your commitment to this work?
ER: When I was young, my father had a serious back injury. He remains mobile, but many tasks are now difficult. His spine is fully fused, limiting his ability to bend, squat, or walk for long. As his health has declined, I’ve seen the challenges that come from inaccessible environments. He is one of several people who continue to drive my commitment to creating safer, more inclusive spaces.
Q: Have any specific projects stood out to you as especially rewarding or impactful?
ER: The 16th Street Mall renovation in Downtown Denver stands out. The original design was by I.M. Pei, one of my favorite architects, so being part of the redesign was especially meaningful. I’ve also worked on the Nike World Headquarters and the historic St. Regis Hotel in Manhattan. These projects allowed me to improve accessibility while honoring each site’s unique character.
Q: How does accessibility planning reduce risk for clients while creating more inclusive environments?
ER: When considered early, accessibility benefits everyone. It makes spaces safer and more usable for all. From a risk perspective, it helps clients meet legal standards and avoid expensive retrofits. Reviewing for accessibility during design, construction, or acquisition helps catch issues before they become problems.
Q: What advice do you give clients who see accessibility as an expensive “add-on”?
ER: Designing for accessibility from the start is often much cheaper than retrofitting later. Many features can be added at little or no extra cost during construction. For example, grab bar reinforcement can use scrap material. If missed, new materials and labor are needed later. Small, early choices can manage both cost and impact.
Q: Looking ahead, what changes or innovations do you hope to see in the industry?
ER: I hope accessibility technology becomes more affordable so more people can benefit. I’d also like to see more targeted training for architects, contractors, project managers, and students. Making changes during planning is far easier than after construction. When accessibility is part of the conversation early, the outcome is better for everyone.
To learn more about Charles Taylor’s Engineering Technical Services contact us.
