Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Simecek.
Hi Meghan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a passion for fashion design, and a head for math. I burned out on my chosen major less than a year into college, and my friend (now husband) suggested I check out Interior Design (to blend my passion and my ability). After much soul searching and a change in universities, I graduated from Texas Tech with a Bachelor of Interior Design. I practiced at various commercial architecture firms, and was always the employee looking for the “why” of the Texas Accessibility Standards. I felt strongly that if we could understand who the Standards were written for, we would all be better designers.
In early 2015, I decided to pursue my Registered Accessibility Specialist license, solely to make me better at my current job. In late 2016, a friend asked if I would be willing to complete some plan reviews and inspections for some of her buildings. By January 2017, I decided that being my own boss was a good fit, and I opened Texas Accessibility Group. I now conduct plan reviews and inspections all over the state of Texas for compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest struggle has been work/life balance. As a sole owner, there’s always “just” one more thing to be done in a day. However, as a sole owner, I have the flexibility to work when I need to- I can get up early and knock out some emails, or respond to client requests while sitting at my daughter’s extra-curriculars without worrying that I need to get in 40 hours in front of a boss.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Texas Accessibility Group?
Texas requires that any commercial project (with few exceptions) that spends over $50,000 on construction to be registered with Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR), and hire a Registered Accessibility Specialist (a RAS) to review the project plans, and perform an inspection of the project upon completion of construction. Texas Accessibility Group provides these services to building owners, landlords, building managers, architects, engineers, designers, landscape architects, and/or tenants. Texas Accessibility Group is known for its stellar service- I’m always available to answer questions via email, text, or phone call. The other thing that sets TAG apart is that I am the sole RAS- as a designer, I would get frustrated that one RAS would conduct the plan review of my project, while a different RAS would perform the site inspection. This often led to issues that were discussed at the plan review phase being missed at the inspection, or the inspector finding violations that the plan reviewer never mentioned. Another thing I often hear from my clients is that I make the Standards easy to understand in layman’s terms. I strive to not let my clients feel the things I felt as a designer- I don’t want them to be confused by the process, or embarrassed at having to go back to an owner with issues, or doubt if their solution is going to be acceptable or not. I am proud of the support documents that I have available (for owners and for designers), and of my willingness to say, “no, but” or “yes, and” to help find satisfactory solutions for successful projects.
What are your plans for the future?
I’ve been working out of a spare bedroom since March of 2017. In early 2020, I started looking at co-working options, but we all know what happened next! I am claiming 2022 as the year that I will move out of my house!
Also, I currently offer two Barrier Free CEUs (both AIA and IDCEC accredited), and plan to add a third one soon. Stay tuned for “Accessible Restrooms 101”!
Contact Info:
- Email: meghan@txaccessgroup.com
- Website: www.txaccessgroup.com
Image Credits:
Danielle Washington
