Managing Director, Architect

Julian joined DCa in March 2010 bringing his broad range of experience to the practice.   Since joining us, he has taken the lead role in many of the larger masterplanning and urban design projects working with both smaller independent developers, as well as many of the national housing PLCs.

Julian previously worked for over six years as an Associate in a large architectural practice where his housing experience enabled him to develop a role running many of the large scale residential projects within the office.  This experience built on his earlier role in a London practice where he successfully developed new residential work with several key city developers.

Besides residential schemes, his work in London involved extensive and varied conversion and fit out contracts throughout the country ranging from public houses to university refurbishment projects.  Many of the projects were part of large scale mixed use developments whilst several required the conversion and refurbishment of key Listed Buildings.

Before moving to London, Julian was in a practice in Cardiff, where he acquired considerable residential experience on schemes that involved 600+ units, including local authority estate regeneration projects and new private development.  In addition to the residential work, he had a significant role on several key retail and commercial projects and worked on the refurbishment of an Armed Forces base.

He was also employed in Cardiff County Council's Architects' Department working specifically with the Educational Department on a variety of educational projects ranging from refurbishing and extending existing schools to the construction of new schools and associated teaching facilities.

Julian studied at the Welsh School of Architecture and is a member of the RIBA and ARB.

CEO and Architect

As founder of DCa in 1993, David heads the management of the practice, together with a key responsibility for new business activity and leading the practice towards growth and expansion.  He maintains an active role in projects and with clients at all stages to ensure high quality design and delivery.

Gained over 30 years, David has a wealth of experience in the commercial, retail, industrial, leisure, hotel, housing, education and health sectors, including work for the FCO on the British Embassy in Saudi Arabia.  His particular interest is the planning and concept stage of projects, getting the most out of difficult sites and often achieving high added value consents.  He really enjoys working with clients to add value – in the broadest sense.

David graduated from the University of Manchester and is a member of the RIBA, ARB and the RICS 1921 Club.  He has participated in a three day master class workshop at the Princes Foundation titled ‘Structuring Settlements – Tools for the New Urban Challenges’ and has taken part in the HCA workshops ‘Masterclass on Sustainable Communities’.  He has worked with design codes and ‘enquiry by design’ processes.

David has spoken on the subject of ‘tall buildings’ – ‘expanding upwards not outwards’ at Milton Keynes Council’s ‘Growth Partnership’ at the Stadium MK and has spoken to different professional groups on ‘Conflicting Values’.

David has been a Town Councillor for Olney, Chairman of the Olney Chamber of Trade and a community school governor.  He is a Founder Member of the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce and led the ‘health-check’ appraisal for Olney, a government programme to stimulate the regeneration and competitiveness of market towns.

He loves to ski and sail and is a qualified Yachtmaster.

Director

Sheila co-founded DCa in 1993 and is Company Secretary and Finance Director. Formerly she gained wide experience in the public and private sectors whilst working in London for the Ministry of Defence, in the corporate banking sector and latterly for a private confectionery company.

She also continues to improve DCa’s presence with current news updates via social media, effective marketing material, events and exhibitions.

Sheila is a keen sailor and skier and loves to walk her Cockapoo, Fizz.