About DB3
Founded in 1883, DB3 Group is an award-winning, dynamic practice consisting of DB3 Architecture & Design, DB3 Building Services Engineering, DB3 Net Zero, and DB3 Professional Services.
DB3 Group has seven studios across the UK including in Leeds, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and Aberystwyth, so we are never too far away from your project. Renowned for our quality design and technical delivery, we have long standing relationships with some of the biggest global brands across private and public market sectors.
From architectural vision to the completed build, we provide multi-disciplinary expertise aimed at meeting the diverse needs of our client base. We embrace the latest technology, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), to assist in our process and operations for design, visualisation, design team co-ordination and more.
We maintain a focus on not only delivering the project on time, with exceptional quality and within cost, but also in ensuring long term value is designed into facilities to ensure that they are easy and safe to operate, sustainable, minimise energy use and are cost effective to maintain.
Our dedicated team of experienced Architects, Project Managers, Building Services Engineers, Interior Designers and Surveyors provide a quality service regardless of project value, size or complexity, to deliver the best for our clients. Working collaboratively, we aspire to make this an enjoyable process and build relationships which result in us returning to work for the same clients on future projects.
SECTORS
Commercial
Conservation & Heritage
Education
Energy & Waste
Healthcare
Hospitality
Industrial & Manufacturing
Retail
Residential
Science & Labs
Sports & Leisure
EXPERTISE
Architecture
Passivhaus Design
Urban Design
Visualisation
Principal Designer
NEC Supervisor
Building Services Engineering
Design Management
Bringing teams together
The success of your project relies on effective coordination and communication. That’s where we come in. Our Design Management team, comprised of highly experienced designers, has a proven track record of successfully delivering projects across various sectors.
We identify design issues, scope gaps, nonconformances, and by engaging the supply chain at an early stage we can facilitate commercial opportunities. Design assurance protects your margin and enables scope certainty. We establish defined hold points with QA processes and gateway sign off for the design to save money, improve quality and reduce risk in the construction phase of projects.
To fulfil these responsibilities, our design managers possess a diverse skill set and expertise. This includes a comprehensive understanding of the construction and property industry, proficiency in technical aspects of design and construction,
knowledge of regulatory requirements, planning and programming skills, contract and commercial acumen, negotiation prowess, and effective presentation abilities. By leveraging these capabilities, the design manager can effectively lead design projects, drive collaboration, and deliver high-quality outcomes that meet client expectations and industry standards.
The key to success is the appointment of suitably qualified and experienced personnel, carrying appropriate levels of professional indemnity insurance in the delivery of design and engineering activities, products and services. For this reason, our involvement is most effective when we are appointed at the tendering stage, allowing us to support your tender or bidding process.
Design Management Offer
Our Design Management service offers a comprehensive platform designed to complement, not replace, your existing processes and procedures. It aims to enhance consistency in project controls throughout the project lifecycle. We recognise that many of our clients have processes in place which we will need to adhere to. Where this is the case we request clear onboarding, whereby the client’s design management plan and work instructions are made clear.
Our service focuses on three key pillars:
Coordination: We provide guidance to ensure high-quality design solutions that align with your needs and project requirements.
Communication & Collaboration: We create effective channels among all parties to ensure a smooth flow of design and production information. By fostering strong relationships and promoting information sharing, we enhance coordination and streamline decision-making.
Risk Mitigation: We play a crucial role in risk mitigation and proactive problem-solving. By identifying and addressing potential design issues before they escalate, we help de-risk the project and maintain progress towards successful outcomes.
DB3 DESIGN MANAGEMENT SERVICE
Led by a design professional
Fully PI backed
A work winning partner
Contractor support through all work stages
Can be complimented by other DB3 services
We will work together to:
Achieve a higher win rate
Reduce risk in delivery
Reduce risk in making good of defect period and latent defects
Avoid increasing your headcount
Provide flexible capacity to meet your demands
Provide greater cost certainty and reduce contractor prelims
MANAGEMENT TOOLS
Our typical Design Management Plan and its associated documents represents the Design Managers’ working ‘tool kit’. Examples of regularly referenced tools include the items below.
Gap Analysis
Design Management Plan
Document Control Plan
Project Risk and Opportunity Register
Design Responsibility Matrix
Design Resource Review
Master Design Deliverables Schedule
Design Programme
Master Information Required Schedule
RFI / TQ Tracker
Design Issues Register
Change Control Tracker
Design Review Checklists
DTM / Workshop Minutes
Third Party Consents / Stats Tracker
Samples / Technical Submittal Tracker
PROCESS
Identification of key design issues and delivery team required
Identification of key design packages, risks and responsibilities
Identify critical interfaces between designers and how they will be coordinated
Identify quality and handover hold points with scheduled gateway sign off
Design programme development & validation (long lead, procurement, tech subs)
Programme buy-in from sub-contractors with design responsibility
Set up workshops and identify mock ups, benchmarks, and samples required
Review scope gaps, identify and raise queries
Keep the change management log to manage change control and scope creep against original ER’s
Drive D&B savings in Stage 5
Manage the client and contractor VE log
Suggest, validate and indemnify similar/ approved alternatives
Work with the contractor to dispute spurious downstream variations
Highlight sub-contractor scope diversions
Use quality audits to protect the contractor from over-valuations of incomplete works
Recent Projects
GREATER LONDON AUTHORITY
New City Hall
Location: London Expertise Area: Design Management
The Greater London Authority, the London Assembly, and the Mayor of London embarked on a significant refurbishment project for their new headquarters at the former Crystal building near Royal Victoria Dock. Originally an exhibition centre for sustainable architecture, the building was renamed “City Hall” in December 2021.
DB3 was engaged by the contractor, ISG, to oversee the design management role, playing a pivotal part throughout the project’s lifecycle. As part of our responsibilities, we facilitated communication and collaboration among all designers to ensure a smooth flow of design and production information aligned with the construction schedule. Our team actively managed design risks, contributing to planning and coordination efforts that added substantial value.
Throughout the project, we conducted workshops, identified requirements for mock-ups, benchmarks, and samples to guarantee successful delivery, and coordinated and tracked requests for information from designers to the client.
Our scope also encompassed collaboration with architects and specialist fabricators to complete bespoke public spaces such as the London Living Room, Committee Rooms, and the Chamber. A noteworthy contribution was a large backlit Corian screen facing the committee rooms, featuring microperforate acoustic veneered timber, oak slat panels backed with green acoustic felt, and a backlit stretch acoustic ceiling with pendant lighting within a felt soffit. In the Chamber, we ensured the materiality echoed this aesthetic with timber privacy fins and a halo of pendants above the triple-height space, complemented by a public viewing gallery.
BT Headquarters
Location: Manchester
Expertise Area: Design Management
This major project, valued at £21 million, involves a six-floor office fit-out for the BT Group HQ. The mixed-use space features office areas, a restaurant, a wellbeing space, and an event space. Additionally, minor works are being carried out on the ground floor reception, along with over cladding of the circulation cores.
Appointed by the contractor, ISG, we are fulfilling the role of design manager. We take full responsibility for coordinating the design, auditing it to identify inconsistencies, discrepancies, and missing information, and tracking the resolution of these issues. We oversee the production and control of the design programme and report progress regularly.
We identify and manage risks related to drawings, specifications, design release dates, programme, and procurement. Chairing design workshops
with trade contractors, we develop design and workshop drawings, managing coordination between trades. Regular reviews of design development with the commercial team ensure alignment between design and commercial aspects.
Managing the production and approval of samples, mock-ups, and quality benchmarks is a key part of our role. We contribute to design team meetings with consultant designers, tracking information and actions. Additionally, we coordinate the integration of building services with architectural and structural elements.
We also identify potential quality issues and latent defects, working with the design team to develop suitable resolutions.
Tilbury Docks
Location: Essex
Expertise Area: Design Management, Lead Designer, Building Services
Located at the Port of Tilbury, the new manufacturing facility will enable Aggregate Industries to supply customers 24 hours a day with conventional, low carbon, and circular cementitious materials from five loading heads.
The Tilbury Docks development will involve the importation of raw materials and the production of cementitious products using a vertical roller mill. Key infrastructure will include the installation of a rail mounted eco hopper to receive granulated blast furnace slag from a mobile harbour crane, an overland enclosed belt conveyor and tripper stacker system, and a storage hall with over 50,000 ton capacity.
DB3 has been appointed by P.J. Carey Ltd as the lead designer and design manager for the civil works. In this role, DB3 collaborates closely with civil and structural engineers to coordinate multiple infrastructure and external works
packages. These include underground services such as piling, foundations, drainage, ducting (for water, power, and data), and floor slabs, as well as above-ground retaining walls and push walls.
Providing direction and guidance, we ensure the delivery of high-quality design solutions that align with client needs and project requirements. Our responsibilities include establishing communication channels, fostering collaboration, and enhancing coordination and decision-making processes to facilitate the seamless execution of the project. We play a proactive role in risk mitigation and problem solving, providing valuable insights into strategic planning and coordination efforts to de-risk the project.
Central to our work is the management of an integrated design programme, involving the preparation, oversight, and securing of collective ownership of the programme among stakeholders.
One City Park
Location: Bradford
Expertise Area: Design Management
PwC is the new anchor tenant at One City Park, Bradford. This award-winning £35 million scheme is the flagship of Bradford Council’s regeneration of the city centre and future economic growth. ISG has been selected as the fit-out contractor for PwC’s new offices, which encompass 27,148 square feet, and have appointed DB3 as the lead coordinator for the 10-week delivery programme. DB3 are providing design management support in the form of a coordination and risk reduction roll. Our scope is based around reviewing the subcontractor drawings against the architect’s tender drawings, federating subcontractor models with the tender package into Navisworks for coordination purposes and, where required, developing a limited series of DB3 drawings and sketches.
There are stacked phases for both floors and an aggressive start to the project in terms of coordination to ensure packages are procured in time. There is a desire to be proactive in getting the partitions frozen in the first week to inform the rest of the packages as shown on the programme. DB3 ensured design freeze within a week of instruction.
As lead coordinator, we are ensuring that all remains as specified in the Stage 4 requirements outlined in the architect’s scope of works.
PWC
DAVID LLOYD
Park Club Leisure Centre
Location: London
Expertise Area: Architecture, Design Management
The design management scope for the extension to the Park Club Leisure Centre involved a comprehensive approach to addressing various aspects of the site, integrating with the existing building layout, and fulfilling the client’s design brief requirements, which included implementing a new internal design guide. One of the main focuses was to reconfigure the internal spaces of the leisure club and increase the overall floor area to align with current market expectations and cater to the needs of the patrons. This involved strategically balancing the maintenance of core elements of the existing structure with the incorporation of new features and facilities to enhance the overall experience.
Key elements of the design brief included the improvement and expansion of changing facilities, the addition of a new wet spa, the retention and refurbishment of the pool hall, the reconfiguration of the reception and club lounge areas, the provision of a new family lounge and children’s activity rooms, the extension of gym facilities, and the incorporation of new studios. The outdoor
facilities aspect of the brief further added complexity to the project, with requirements for a spa garden featuring an outdoor spa pool, landscaped seating areas, and a fenced enclosure.
As the design management lead for the principal contractor on this complex refurbishment and extension project, DB3 was committed to ensuring the seamless integration of design elements, construction processes, and project requirements. Our role involved coordinating with the architect, engineers, and subcontractors to maintain design intent while meeting budget and schedule constraints. By facilitating regular design coordination meetings, conducting value engineering exercises, and resolving design conflicts in a timely manner, we aimed to enhance collaboration and minimise project risks. Leveraging our expertise in design, we strived to deliver a high-quality leisure centre that met the expectations of both the client and the market.
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
Medway Family Court
Location: Kent
Expertise Area: Architecture, Design Management
DB3 was entrusted by Paragon Tilbury Douglas to provide comprehensive design management for the refurbishment and change of use of the Grade II Listed Gun Wharf Building, intended to house the new Medway County and Family Court. Situated within the historically significant Brompton Lines Conservation Area, this project presented a multifaceted challenge demanding meticulous attention to detail.
The project team, comprised of DB3’s in-house design manager, conservation architect and BIM manager, along with external acoustic, structural, and mechanical engineers, collaborated extensively to integrate their specialised knowledge. Our goal was to seamlessly blend modern functionality with the building’s historic fabric.
Central to our role was overseeing the development of a design concept provided by the client. Spaces include a reception area featuring a new security search station, six hearing rooms, ancillary areas, consultation rooms, and office accommodations for staff and judiciary. Additionally, public amenities such as tea points, waiting areas, and spaces for advocacy, agency staff, and wellbeing were integrated into the design.
Throughout the project, DB3’s design management ensured effective coordination among all stakeholders, adherence to regulatory standards, and efficient project delivery. By integrating diverse expertise and applying rigorous quality control measures, we aimed to transform the Gun Wharf Building into a modern court facility that honours its past while meeting the needs of the present.
Architecture and much more
As a multi-disciplinary consultancy, our expertise extends beyond architecture, meaning our clients can pick and choose key areas or combine a number of our service skill sets and project management skills when selecting our single point service offer. DB3 Group offers the following four individual business units.
DB3 Architecture & Design
Providing RIBA Chartered sustainable architecture, urban design, landscape design and masterplanning, with supporting services including BIM, visualisation and interior design. DB3’s architectural team comprises 35+ architects, supported by a strong team of 40+ technologists and architectural assistants with the capacity to resource projects across all sectors.
DB3 Building Services Engineering
Offering CIBSE Chartered Mechanical and Electrical Engineering to all sectors. The team have particular experience in the leisure sector, having delivered numerous wet and dry leisure facilities across the UK. The team incorporates Building Physics Engineering, are CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors and offer Thermal Modelling (DSM).
DB3 Net Zero
Drawing on the experience of our in-house mechanical & electrical engineers, architects, energy assessors, Passivhaus designers and sustainability experts. Our suite of Net Zero consultancy services is broken down into six categories which cover topics around whole life cycle. These categories include; Carbon, Efficiency, Passivhaus, Wellbeing, Performance & Compliance.
DB3 Professional Services
The team deliver building surveying, retail project management, principal designer, contract administration and NEC supervisor roles, across the UK. Working alongside DB3’s architectural and M&E teams, these roles can be incorporated into a multi-disciplinary offering or procured as an independent service.
Accreditations
AJ100 Company
RIBA Chartered Practice
Passivhaus Trust Member
Certified Passivhaus Designers
CIAT Registered Practice
CIBSE Directory of Practices & Firms
CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors
ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System
ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management System
Altius Approved Elite Vendor
H&S SSIP Accredited, through Eurosafe and Alcumus
Constructionline Gold Member
Achilles RISQS Accredited
Cyber Essentials Plus
Awards
DB3 Group: Shortlisted - COBBA 2024 ‘Architect of the Year; Shortlisted - Yorkshire Insider Awards 2024 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; WinnerUK Enterprise Client Service Excellence Award 2024 ‘Best Sustainable Architecture Practice’; Shortlisted - The Grafters Awards 2024 ‘Best RIBA Architectural Practice’; ’Shortlisted - MMC Awards 2024 ‘Women in Modern Methods of Construction’; Winner - Build Architecture Awards ‘Best Sustainable Architecture & Design Firm 2023’; ShortlistedWest Midlands Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; Winner - 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’; Shortlisted - Grafters Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice’; Winner – COMBA & COBBA 2022 ‘Architect of the Year’; 2021 Digital Enterprise Top 100; Winner – Insider Property Awards 2018 ‘Architectural Practice of the Year’ & ‘Design Excellence’; Shortlisted – BD Awards 2017 ‘Sports & Leisure Architect of the Year’; RICS Design Through Innovation Award 2017; Insider Property Industry Awards 2015 ‘Highly Commended Architectural Firm of the Year’
Printworks Campus: ‘Project of the Year Education (Secondary & Higher)’ - MMC Awards 2024
Helensburgh Waterfront Development: Highly Commended - Argyll & Bute Awards 2023 ‘Aesthetic Design’; Finalist - Planning Awards 2023 ‘Outstanding Contribution to Placemaking: Best Use of Arts, Culture or Sport’; Highly CommendedIStructE Awards 2022 ‘Leisure Project’
Llys Cadwyn Regeneration: Winner – Cardiff Property Awards 2021 and Ystadau Cymru 2021 Award for ‘Creating Economic Growth’; Highly Commended – British Construction Industry Awards 2021; CLAW Project of the Year Awards 2021; Winner –Constructing Excellence Awards Wales 2021 ’Integration and Collaborative Working’ & ‘Building of the Year’
Adidas Oxford Street: Gold Winner – London Design Awards 2020
Leeds College of Music: Winner – RIBA Regional Award 2015 ‘Small Project Award’; Shortlisted –Insider Property Industry Awards Yorkshire 2018 ‘Regeneration Project of the Year’, Education Estates Awards 2018 ‘Refurbishment Project’, AJ Retrofit Awards 2018 ‘Further & Higher Education’; Constructing Excellence Yorkshire & Humber Awards 2018 ‘Building Project of the Year’
Chancery Lane Residential: Shortlisted –London Construction Awards 2018 ‘London Build Excellence’ & ‘Regeneration Project’
Airedale Air Conditioning: Winner – RICS 2017 Regional Award ‘Design through innovation’
Ysgol Craig Y Deryn School: RTPI Wales Planning Award 2014
Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre: Commended – SCALA Awards 2014 ‘Civic Building of the Year’
MOMA Machynlleth Tannery Gallery: CPRW Awards 2014 ‘Special Award’
Michael Woods Leisure Centre: Highly Commended – SCALA Awards 2014 ‘Civic Building of the Year’; Scottish Property Awards 2014 ‘Architectural Excellence’
Marks & Spencer, Liverpool: Highly Commended –CIAT Award 2010 ‘Technical Excellence’
PAN Emirates, Dubai: Shortlisted – Retail Interiors Awards 2010 ‘Best International Interior’
Threeways School, Bath: BCSE Awards 2009 ‘Inspiring Design for Special Schools’
ASDA Stores Supplier Awards: 2009 ‘Best Consultant’ & ‘Best EDLC (Every Day Low Cost) Initiative’
University of Huddersfield, Creative Art Building: Bronze Awards – RIBA White Rose Award 2009; Commendation – CIAT Award 2009; Shortlisted –RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards 2009
University of Huddersfield, Milton Centre: Winner – Insider Yorkshire Renaissance Awards 2006 ‘Best Restoration Project’
Aberdovey Yacht Club: Winner – Snowdonia National Park Awards 1992 ‘Good Design in the Countryside Award’
St Giles Business Park for the DBRW: Winner –Prince of Wales Design Awards 1990 ‘Good Design’
Llwydcoed Crematorium: Winner - RIBA Wales Architecture Awards 1971
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): 2017, 2011, 2010
Green Apple Awards: 2015, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2008
LABC Building Excellence Awards: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008
LABC Design Excellence Awards: 2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2003, 2002
Leicestershire & Rutland Craftsmanship Awards: 2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2003, 2002
Civic Trust Awards: 2012, 2007, 2006, 1993, 1990