DLA Architecture completes business restructure

Andrew Hargreaves and Mark Corbridge.

Leeds established DLA Architecture has completed a restructure of the business with a re-brand and succession plan.

The UK top AJ100 listed architectural practice has evolved its brand from DLA Design to DLA Architecture, giving more clarity on its streamlined proposition to provide contextual, narrative led solutions to commercial and public sector clients. It has also identified key people within the business to carry forward the succession strategy for the future.

DLA Architecture has been established for more than 40 years with offices in Leeds, Manchester and London. The award-winning practice employs over 75 architects, landscape architects, architectural technologists and graphic designers.

During the last 12 months the DLA leadership team, comprising Mark Corbridge, Andrew Hargreaves, Jonathan Knowles and Chris Levett, along with Financial Director Michael Wood, has led the business through a new succession plan following the retirement of the last founding directors. The team has identified key growth areas, concentrating on core architectural services to enable organic growth through the next chapter.

In particular, DLA has identified strong growth in the residential sector where it is currently advising on schemes comprising more than 13,000 homes. The industrial sector is expected to increase during the next 12 months with DLA actively looking at over 10,000,000sq ft of development opportunities and education is also one of the fastest growing sectors for DLA leading into 2021.

Andrew Hargreaves at DLA Architecture said, “During this last unprecedented year we have been able to re-evaluate our core values and assets and are delighted to emerge as a well-structured business with reduced overheads and strong cash flow.

“It is an exciting time for DLA as we chart the next chapter, focused on high quality commercial architecture, enabling personal growth for our talented team.

“Across our three UK offices, we have identified our rising stars and appointed sector leadership roles to deliver architectural excellence in core areas such as education, residential, workplace, industrial, retail, re-use and best practice. These team members will start to take more prominent roles within the business.

“We believe that we have some of the most passionate people in the industry who will undoubtedly carry forward our legacy for high quality design and client service.”

DLA is recognised nationally for its award-winning work which includes the sensitive, £21 million PPP delivered community project at Hackney Gardens in London and the transformation of the iconic Majestic building in Leeds city centre. Its expertise covers a broad range of sector including learning, sport, industry, care, workplace, housing, retail, conservation and re-use.