Chris Downey

Architect & Accessibility Design Expert; Founder of Architecture for the Blind; Lecturer at UC Berkeley

Piedmont, CA, USA
Live Event: $20,000 - $30,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info
Architecture, Architecture, Art & Design, DEI, Disability
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Chris Downey Biography

Christopher Downey, AIA, is a recognized leader in contemporary architecture and accessibility design. Downey has practiced architecture and consulted for more than three decades, including a significant period after losing his sight. He began his career after earning a master's degree in architecture at the University of California, Berkeley, designing a range of projects from theaters to libraries. Following the loss of his vision after surgery to remove a brain tumor, Downey adapted his approach to architecture, utilizing tactile drawings and emphasizing acoustics in his design process. He collaborates with Arup and its San Francisco Soundlab, using virtual listening environments to model space acoustics and conduct virtual tap-throughs.

Downey integrates disability-related themes into his work, focusing on accessibility for both sighted and blind individuals through effective color contrast, tactile information, and multi-sensory design strategies. He is the founder of Architecture for the Blind, a consulting practice specializing in accessible design for public and private spaces. His projects include the Department of Veterans Affairs blind rehabilitation center, renovations of housing for the blind in New York City, and the Transbay Transit Center in San Francisco. Downey has also contributed to accessible buildings such as the San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Duke Eye Center. He served as lead architect and designer for the San Francisco Independent Living Resource Center, a project completed on budget and on time.

Downey's work has been featured in media outlets including 60 Minutes, and he has exhibited internationally at venues such as the Victoria & Albert Museum. He is a global speaker, with his TED talk, "Design with the Blind in Mind," encouraging audiences to reconsider how the built environment engages all senses. Downey teaches accessibility and universal design at the University of California, Berkeley, serves on the Board of Directors for the LightHouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired, and holds a gubernatorial appointment to the California Commission on Disability Access. He was named the inaugural Lifchez Professor of Practice in Social Justice in the Department of Architecture at UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design, focusing on universal design for blind and low-vision individuals.

Downey advocates for inclusive design, demonstrating that environments designed for people with disabilities enhance experiences for all users. Drawing on his perspective as an architect without sight, he collaborates with design teams and clients to create spaces that prioritize physical accessibility and multi-sensory engagement. Downey is widely regarded for his expertise in universal design, inclusive architecture, and accessibility, and his work continues to influence the fields of architecture and design.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/30/2026.

Chris Downey Videos

An Architect's Story: Chris Downey

An Architect's Story: Chris Downey

The American Institute of Architects presents a short documentary about Chris Downey, an inspiring architect in San Francisco who is ...

Chris Downey: Design with the blind in mind

Chris Downey: Design with the blind in mind

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  • What topics does Chris Downey speak about?

    Chris Downey is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Architecture, Architecture, Art & Design, DEI, Disability

  • Where does Chris Downey travel from?

    Chris Downey generally travels from Piedmont, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.

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Chris Downey is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Chris Downey for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Chris Downey generally travels from Piedmont, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Phnam Bagley, Hilary Farr, Jeff Speck, Alison Victoria and Liz Ogbu. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Chris Downey for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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