Celebrating 140 Years of Design Excellence
At DB3, design is not just a profession; it’s a legacy that has spanned over 140 years. Since our beginning, we have been at the forefront of innovation, continuously pushing boundaries and embracing change to remain leaders in the ever-evolving landscape of design. Our journey has been one of exploration, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional architectural solutions.
Throughout the years, our team of designers has skilfully intertwined form and function, crafting environments that are not only visually appealing but also deeply practical. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of design trends and methodologies has seen us introduce new realms of innovation, enabling us to create award-winning spaces that prioritise people.
A Legacy of Design Leadership
A Legacy of Design Leadership
Since our inception, DB3 has been synonymous with design leadership. Our portfolio speaks volumes, and we take great pride in being involved with some of the most transformative projects in the UK. Notable among these is the North London ERF, which aims to divert almost 700,000 tons of waste from landfill every year, as well as Xlinks Morocco-UK Interconnector Project, facilitating the linkage of renewable energy from Morocco to the UK grid, via underwater cables.
Beyond our projects, we play a significant advisory role for Sport England – a relationship that has spanned over three decades. Our position as design advisors has led us to engage in the review of hundreds of leisure centre projects, with our contributions having a profound impact on design standards across the UK.
Designing for People
Designing for People
At DB3, our ethos has always revolved around crafting designs that focus on the needs of the user. This principle has been at the heart of our work for decades, with projects like Somerset House (1936) paving the way. This pioneering office space placed an emphasis on user wellbeing well ahead of its time, utilising abundant natural light and providing versatile office areas that catered to individual needs.
Fast-forwarding to 2020, DB3’s Llys Cadwyn has established a fresh standard for design and wellbeing. Through this revolutionary mixed-use revitalisation project, a dilapidated shopping centre was reborn as an exceptional flagship development. Beyond its aesthetic charm, Llys Cadwyn has acted as a catalyst for positive change, yielding a social return on investment of £12.6 million. The initiative has infused vitality into the local economy by generating numerous job opportunities and boosting customer footfall for existing enterprises.
Awards That Speak Volumes
Awards That Speak Volumes
Throughout the years, our success in design has been solidified by winning numerous awards and accolades, including prestigious honours like the RIBA Awards, Prince of Wales Design Awards and the London Design Awards, among many others.
Our 140th year has been especially rewarding, with an abundance of recent awards that highlight our commitment to excellence:
Winner – SME ‘Welsh Enterprise Awards’
Winner – BUILD Construction & Engineering Awards ‘Best Sustainable Architecture & Design Firm – Leeds’
Shortlisted – Yorkshire Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’
Shortlisted – COBBA 2023 ‘Business Development Professional’
Shortlisted – UKREiiF Awards 2023 ‘Consultant of the Year’ & ‘People & Skills Torchbearer’
Shortlisted – COMBA 2023 ‘Architecture Practice & Business Development Professional’
Preserving Heritage for the Future
Preserving Heritage for the Future
DB3’s impact is woven into the fabric of the UK’s architectural heritage. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of retrofitting and adapting some of the most iconic buildings, ensuring their legacy endures. Notable projects include:
Innovations Shaping the Future
Innovations Shaping the Future
Our legacy in design has been marked by our commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technologies into our projects. A prime example of this ethos can be found in Sparks Daylight Bakery (1938), where we ingeniously incorporated the bakery’s hot air system into the entire structure’s heating through cleverly designed ducts, showcasing our dedication to comprehensive design solutions.
In the post-war era of architecture, we embraced modern construction methods, giving rise to notable projects like the Pyle Infant School (1958). By harnessing innovative prefabrication techniques, we not only accelerated construction but also ensured an environment conducive to learning. Simultaneously, our transformative extension to the County Grammar School (1958) demonstrated our design prowess, characterised by a steel-framed construction and the integration of curtain wall cladding.
In the present day, our journey of design evolution remains steadfast as we enthusiastically embrace emerging technologies poised to shape the future of architecture. The infusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our processes exemplifies our commitment to adaptability. Driving this innovation is our DB3 Lab – an incubator for groundbreaking ideas that foster creativity and compels us to push boundaries further.
Our Story
Our Story
Throughout our impressive 140-year history, we have continually made waves through strategic acquisitions, remarkable projects, and ground breaking technological advancements.
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