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, Formation 3D and Home & Maker.
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
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Architecture & Design
Building Services Engineering
Net Zero Professional Services
Architecture is at the very core of our business and what we love to do. We are RIBA Chartered and work with private and public sector organisations, employing designs to develop schemes that display excellence, in line with client requirements.
Function, sustainability, aesthetic, build-ability and affordability are essential considerations of our design process. Flair and the ability to provide excellence in concept design is combined with technical knowledge and the capability to realise the built form as it was envisioned.
Our 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, delivering:
• Low carbon residential schemes including passive houses
• Refurbishment and alterations of listed and historic buildings
• Urban design and master-planning
• Supporting services including BIM, visualisation and interior design
“Truly delighted and excited with what you have done for us – by your skill and strong aesthetic understanding you have turned the library into one of the best designed learning spaces in the UK.”
– University of Huddersfield
At DB3 we have our own Building Services Engineering division, who work as part of our in-house multi-disciplinary team or can work solely as a traditional Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Consultant on your project.
Offering in depth experience within the building services field, we provide bespoke solutions for MEP Building Services Consultancy, as well as providing a truly consultative service offering support on:
• MEP Detailed & Performance Design
• Energy Performance Certificates
• Energy Modelling / Dynamic Simulation
• Planning Application Supporting Documents
• Due Diligence Monitoring Roles
• Surveys: Pre-acquisition, Dilapidation
• Building Information Modelling (BIM)
• Applications and enquiries for new utility supplies, demands and service diversions
• Full Detailed design or Design & Build Performance briefs through RIBA Stages 1 to 7
• Whole life costing, Feasibility studies , Energy studies
• Site surveys
• Project Management / On-site supervision
• Building Control/L2 compliance
• Level 5 Low Carbon Energy Assessors (ENIW) and Scotland (EPC Certificates)
• Dynamic Simulation and overheating analysis
We at DB3 strive to take a hold of our responsibility as architects and engineers in achieving the UK’s Net Zero targets through the work we do.
Our DB3 Net Zero division draws on the experience of our in-house mechanical and 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
We focus on passive design measures and a “fabric first” approach, leading to overall energy efficiency and quality in construction. The energy that is not required for a building’s operation and maintenance in the first place, whether new build or retrofit, is the greenest energy of all!
DB3 Net Zero services can ensure your project achieves its journey to zero or its lowest potential carbon emissions. Our experts are here to guide and advise you on the best design practices, bespoke to the aspirational goals of your development.
“We promote de-carbonisation to reduce a building’s reliance on fossil fuels through passive design measures and implementation of renewable and sustainable energy sources.”
– Matt Ganley, Associate Director
The DB3 Professional Services business unit offers professional consultancy services which complement the DB3 Architecture and Design and DB3 Building Services Engineering offerings. Each specialist service can be procured as a standalone package for your project or incorporated into a multi-disciplinary appointment.
Our professional teams operate from seven UKwide studios in England, Scotland and Wales and deliver the following specialist service:
• Principal Designer
• NEC Supervisor Roles
• Building Surveying
• Retail Project Management
• Contract Administration
• Technical Advisor
• Design Management
Accreditations
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: Winner - UK 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’; Shortlisted - West Midlands Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; Winner - Yorkshire Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; ShortlistedCOBBA 2023 ‘Business Development Professional’; Shortlisted - UKREiiF Awards 2023 ‘Consultant of the Year’ & ‘People & Skills Torchbearer’; Shortlisted - COMBA 2023 ‘Architecture Practice’ & ‘Business Development Professional’; ShortlistedGrafters 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’
Technology Building, Printworks Campus: Winner - MMC Awards 2024 ‘Project of the Year Education (Secondary & Higher)
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 Awards’
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
BREEAM Awards: 2008, 2007