DB3 Profile
Roadside & EV Charging
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, DB3 Professional Services, and Formation 3D. 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
Glasgow
Leeds
Manchester
Birmingham
Aberystwyth
Cardiff
London
Sector Expertise: Roadside & EV Charging
As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into our daily lives has become increasingly important. Architects play a crucial role in the development and implementation of EV charging infrastructure.
DB3 work with a wide variety of clients to support their ambitions for sustainability and futureproofing their estates. For many years, DB3 have been supporting the installation of EV charging points for clients in the retail, leisure, commercial, residential and industrial sectors.
With the change to Building Regulations, the new legislation took effect from June 2022, which impacts the provision of EV charging in specific types of development. The delivery of this resource is now more onerous throughout the UK.
DB3 plays a vital role in the successful integration of EV charging infrastructure into the built environment. Our expertise in design, planning, compliance, and collaboration ensures that the charging points are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly, and environmentally sustainable.
“Actions speak louder than words. DB3 do this well and so we have a really strong working relationship with teamwork throughout. DB3 are courteous and knowledgeable with technical skill”.
- RCT Council
DB3 provide the following services for EV charging suppliers and providers:
Site Analysis and Planning: assess the site conditions and determine the optimal locations for EV charging points within a given space. Factors such as accessibility, proximity to power sources, parking layouts, and traffic flow need to be considered during the planning stage.
Design & Integration: working with electrical engineers & stakeholders to design charging infrastructure that seamlessly integrates into the overall architectural & landscape design of buildings or public spaces. Charging points should be visually appealing, functional, and fit within the existing environment.
Permitting & Compliance: navigate the process by ensuring that the infrastructure meets all regulatory & legal requirements. We prepare the necessary documentation and collaborate with authorities to obtain the required approvals.
Infrastructure Assessment: assess the existing infrastructure to determine the electrical capacity and make recommendations for upgrades or modifications necessary.
User Experience & Accessibility: create inviting and user-friendly environments for EV charging station users. We consider factors such as parking layouts, signage, lighting, shelter & accessability, to enhance user experience.
Future Scalability & Flexibility: consideration of future growth, EV adoption and plan for scalability of the charging infrastructure. Systems designed to be easily expanded or modified to accommodate increasing demand as more EVs enter the market.
Collaboration & Coordination: collaborate with various stakeholders, including clients, engineers, contractors, and utility providers, to ensure smooth implementation of EV charging infrastructure. Coordinate with construction teams to oversee installation processes and ensure adherence to design specifications.
Sustainability & Energy Efficiency: incorporate sustainable design principles which include integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, into the charging infrastructure, as well as incorporating energy-efficient technologies to minimise the environmental impact and optimise energy consumption.
Project Examples
TRANSPORT FOR GREATER MANCHESTER
DB3 has recently partnered with Transport for Greater Manchester (GMEV) to upgrade their Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across various sites. We have assisted the authority in identifying the sites that require EV charging facilities and implementing the best solution for each location. The project spans across different sites, including car parks, shopping centres and commercial hubs.
Our design work has involved evaluating the parking layout & services availability for up to ten bays of EV charging points at each location. To date, we have successfully completed the upgrades for six sites, with more projects in the pipeline. We were able to provide custom solutions to meet our client’s specific needs & help GMEV deliver on their commitment to developing sustainable & clean transport options.
WARWICK & CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE
DB3’s team of architects and building services engineers, have been collaborating with Central Bedfordshire Council and Warwick District Council on their new sports and leisure facility projects. The team offers a comprehensive service for RIBA Stages 0-6, taking into account the sustainability goals of the local authorities during the early feasibility work. A key feature of our design approach is the integration of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Each leisure centre we design includes up to 25 EV charging bays, ensuring that these facilities contribute to the promotion of sustainable transportation options
Our team pays careful attention to the overall design, considering both hard and soft landscaping requirements, guaranteeing that the car parking areas not only serve their functional purpose but also blend harmoniously with their natural surroundings. To date, DB3 has successfully completed five schemes as part of this collaboration, with four currently in the construction phase, and several additional projects in the pipeline.
In addition to the works with Central Bedfordshire and Warwick, DB3 are delivering 10+ similar leisure schemes across the UK.
CENTRAL COOP
DB3 have a longstanding relationship with Central Coop, as the sole provider of architecture, Principal Designer and project management services for their entire portfolio. Projects include new build stores, funeral care and petrol filling stations, from RIBA Stages 0-6. Many of their stores incorporate EV charging within the car parking areas, providing customers with the convenience of charging whilst they shop.
Central Coop has rolled out an initiative to provide EV charging points at all their petrol stations across the country. With the added benefit of café and convenience store facilities, Central Coop is committed to offering a seamless and comfortable experience for customers. There are currently four stores awaiting planning permission, and more projects in the pipeline set to be delivered.
MORRISONS
DB3 are appointed to the framework of Architects to support Morrisons’ development programme, providing services from RIBA Stages 0-6. We have been responsible for a variety of projects including new build, conversion, extension and remodel schemes for stores and petrol filling stations.
In 2020, Morrisons began a roll-out programme to install 50 kW DC chargers in store car parks to help EV drivers get a rapid charge, and bring additional customers to the sites. With all new store designs we include a minimum of 20 EV charging points as standard.
TIM HORTONS
DB3 are working in partnership with Tim Hortons to support the roll-out of new drive-thru units across the UK, and have delivered eight units to date. The schemes range from transformation of exiting F&B units at key sites to new build eateries at new roadside facilities. The designs incorporate Tim Hortons branding and ER’s to ensure consistency across their portfolio. We assess car parking & vehicle route layouts as a key element of the scheme design, along with incorporating signage and external landscaping. DB3 has a pipeline of works to deliver for Tim Hortons, with new drive-thru units making provision for EV charging on site.
Sector Expertise: Roadside & EV
Charging
EMPOWERING THE FUTURE
Building Sustainable Infrastructure for Tomorrow
DB3 have expertise in designing and planning roadside projects such as petrol filling stations (PFS) and drive-thru eateries. Working roadside requires architects to navigate myriad complexities, from ensuring safety and traffic management to addressing environmental considerations and branding requirements. With careful planning, expertise, and collaboration with various stakeholders, we can successfully design and deliver roadside projects that meet functional needs while enhancing the overall roadside experience.
Working with major retailers, DB3 design and deliver roadside facilities across the UK. Over the past 10 years, the uptake of Electric Vehicles has led to retailers installing EV charging points across their estates, including supermarket car parks, services areas, retail parks, drive-thru eateries and petrol filling stations. Typically installing between five and 25 bays at any one time.
Our retail client base includes.
Asda
Central Coop
Coop Group
Heron Foods
Marks & Spencer
Morrisons
Tim Hortons
Our team of Building Services Engineers and Architects work with local authorities and private developers to update their estates to have the best EV infrastructure in place, to meet or exceed legislative requirements, for existing sites and new build projects. Sites include retail & leisure centres, residential developments, commercial & regeneration schemes, industrial & distribution parks and energy & waste facilities.
Our private and public sector clients include:
Acciona
Argyll & Bute Council
Bridehall
Cardiff Council
Central Bedfordshire Council
Coca-Cola
Cornwall Council
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Ipswich Borough Council
Manchester City Council
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council
Rotherham Council
Sheffield City Council
Suez
Thurrock Council
Trafford Housing Trust
Warwick District Council
Wigan Council
Sector Expertise: Roadside & EV Charging
“I cannot recommend DB3 highly enough. They have acted as both architect and project manager for us and have consistently delivered work of the highest quality to very tight deadlines”.
- Smithers Viscient
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 six individual business units.
DB3 Architecture & Design
Providing RIBA Chartered sustainable architecture, urban 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 50+ 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 are CIBSE Low Carbon Energy Assessors and offer Thermal Modelling (DSM).
Formation 3D (F3D)
Drone operated aerial surveys, photography and videography by DB3’s in-house CAA qualified drone operators. A low risk, time efficient alternative for building inspections and land surveys. F3D also offers highly accurate 3D data capture & mapping of existing structures using point cloud, RTK and PPK technology, turning into 3D digital models for construction, design & facilities management projects.
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.
Home & Maker
A sister company to DB3 Architecture & Design, Home and Maker provides RIBA chartered online architectural services to domestic residential customers. Drawing on DB3’s many years of home design and construction experience, Home & Maker focuses on designing great homes at an affordable price.
Accreditations & Awards
AJ100 Company
RIBA Chartered Practice
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 - 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’
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
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’
Michael Woods Leisure Centre: Highly Commended – SCALA Awards 2014 ‘Civic Building of the Year’; Scottish Property Awards 2014 ‘Architectural Excellence’
MOMA Machynlleth Tannery Gallery: CPRW Awards 2014 ‘Special Award’
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 Awards’
Llwydcoed Crematorium: Commendation – RIBA Awards 1968
Various 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
BREEAM Awards: 2008, 2007
Montgomeryshire Design Awards: 1997, 1994
0113 244 6931 contact@db3group.com www.db3group.com London Leeds Birmingham Manchester Cardiff Glasgow Aberystwyth
