Local Authority
Project Experience
About DB3
Founded in 1883, DB3 Group is an award-winning, dynamic practice providing advisory services through three business units: DB3 Architecture & Design, DB3 Building Services Engineering and DB3 Professional Services.
DB3 Group has seven studios across the UK 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.
We provide multi-disciplinary expertise aimed at meeting the diverse needs of our client base, from architectural vision to the completed build.
We embrace the latest technology to assist in our process and operations for design, visualisation, design team coordination and more.
Maintaining a focus on delivering the project on time, with exceptional quality and within cost, ensures long term value is designed into facilities that are easy and safe to operate, sustainable, minimise energy use and are cost effective to maintain.
Our dedicated team of experienced professionals 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.
Glasgow
SECTORS
Commercial
Conservation & Heritage
Data Centres
Education
Energy
Industrial & Manufacturing
Retail
Residential
Science & Labs
Sports, Leisure & Wellbeing
Waste
EXPERTISE
Architecture
Building Services Engineering
Design Management
Decarbonisation
Passivhaus Design
Principal Designer (CDM)
Principal Designer (Building Regulations)
NEC Supervisor
Technical Advisor
Leeds
Manchester
Birmingham
Aberystwyth
London
Cardiff
Your Chosen Partner
Local Authorities are increasingly responsible for a wide range of asset classes. When managed efficiently, they offer the opportunity for revenue as well as providing for the local community. We provide valuable advice on how to achieve the most from your assets and land.
It’s acknowledged that Local authorities face increasing pressures to deliver projects that are compliant, sustainable and affordable, all while navigating ambitious net zero targets, evolving regulations and tight delivery timescales.
We work in partnership with local authorities to provide practical, turnkey solutions that address these challenges head on. As your trusted delivery partner, our role is to guide and support you throughout the entire journey, from early strategic planning and compliance advice to detailed design and project delivery.
Drawing on multidisciplinary expertise in architecture, engineering and professional services, we translate complex requirements into clear, achievable outcomes. We are often working on concurrent projects as part of a wider delivery programme and can balance the requirements of different project managers with one authority.
Whether providing independent advisory support or leading a full turnkey delivery, we collaborate closely with clients to ensure every project is future ready.
We are experienced across the full range of procurement options and can be appointed via a number of local and national framework agreements throughout the UK, making it easy for clients to access our services with confidence and speed.
Public Sector Frameworks
Bloom
Cadw Conservation
Carmarthenshire Council
Constructionline
Crown Commercial Service (Framework & DPS)
Engie
ESPO
Fusion 21
Great Places Innovation Chain Network
Midland Heart Development Consultancy Panel
National Museum of Wales
NHS SBS
Nuneaton & Bedworth MMC Framework
Pagabo (Framework & DPS)
Perfect Circle
Procure Partnerships
Property Consultancy DPS (NPS)
Prosper
Rise Construction Framework
Sanctuary
Scape
UK Leisure Framework
West Northamptonshire
YORconsult3
Funding
We know that funding projects is often one of the more challenging elements of the development process. As advisers we have access to a range of funding and investment partners through global funding mechanisms. By taking advantage of these routes, we can help Local Authorities turn a vision into a reality.
Local Authorities can access structured investment which will allow for greater social impact. The funding applications are often structured to meet at least five United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as:
Quality Education (SDG 4)
Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3)
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
We utilise an SDG Action Manager Self-Assessment Tool, developed with the UN Global Compact Organisation, to track progress against goals, ensuring that investments yield measurable, sustainable outcomes. Local Authority involvement enhances the depth of community engagement, helping us identify and overcome challenges early in the project lifecycle.
To create a financially sustainable and commercially viable model, we integrate a mixeduse masterplan that balances community focused amenities with a range of “build-to-operate”, “build-to-rent” and “build-to-sell” opportunities. By incorporating diverse property uses and ownership models, we aim to create a ‘place’ that supports long term financial resilience, attracts private investment, and fosters a thriving community.
Our masterplans envision a holistic space that brings together residential, commercial, recreational and community driven elements, fostering a well rounded neighbourhoods that encourage consistent foot traffic, stimulate economic activity, and create opportunities for commercialisation. This commercialisation strategy ensures revenue through rental income, operational revenue and property sales, establishing a reinvestment fund to support community initiatives and infrastructure improvements.
Sports, Leisure & Wellbeing
Our Sport, Leisure and Wellbeing team brings over 35 years’ experience delivering sustainable, inclusive and high performing facilities. We have built long lasting partnerships with local authorities, leisure operators and national governing bodies, reimagining their leisure provision.
We provide leisure strategy and portfolio advice. From assessing existing assets to early stage feasibility, detailed technical design and delivery, DB3 works as an extension of each council’s team, collaborating closely to develop projects that align with local health, wellbeing and active community strategies. Our approach is rooted in partnership, transparency and a shared ambition to design facilities with you, not just for you.
Since 1998, our team has supported Sport England as Design Advisor and Design Assessor, reviewing and improving hundreds of leisure projects nationwide. Today, we champion Sport England’s “Pivot to Active Wellbeing” initiative, helping councils in Greater Manchester, Essex, North Yorkshire and West Sussex transform traditional leisure centres into community wellbeing hubs that truly meet local needs.
We collaborate closely with national governing bodies, including Sport England, British Gymnastics, Sport Scotland, British Cycling, Swim England, Scottish Swimming, British Water Polo, Volleyball UK, The FA, UEFA, the Football Foundation and the Premier League, to ensure every design meets the highest performance and technical standards. Through our work on British and European standards committees, we actively shape the future of sport and leisure design across the UK.
Wet and dry leisure centres
Swimming pools
Fitness and wellbeing centres / gyms
Cycling facilities
Community sports hubs
Multi-use sports halls
Sports grounds and pitches (grass, 3G, MUGA)
Athletics tracks and facilities
Boxing academies
Outdoor recreation spaces and parks
Arenas and stadia
Ice rinks
Velodromes
Volleyball centres
Condition surveys
Decarbonisation
“DB3 have worked with us to develop excellent facility designs which meet our identified customer needs; they have supported the council through consultation and Planning phases; and through the construction phase, they have explored any questions or potential changes, and their expertise has guided our decisions.”
Lisa White, Central Bedfordshire Council
Houghton Regis Leisure Centre
Helensburgh Leisure Centre
Education
For over 25 years, our teams have helped shape the future of learning environments across the UK. From early years provision, through primary, secondary, SEND, further and higher education, we bring deep expertise in the full range of education and learning building types. With vast experience gained from working with over 30 Local Authority clients, we understand the practical, financial and regulatory challenges of delivering high quality education projects. We deliver solutions which inspire learning and improve outcomes for pupils and communities
Always striving for innovation in education design, we have received numerous awards for designing the UK’s first digital media multi-sensory theatre within a school environment.
Designing new education buildings and extensions
Overseeing refurbishments
Implementing off-site prefabricated teaching accommodation
Crafting intricate lab and technology environments
Establishing community and education hubs
Creating outdoor learning spaces like nature trails, sports facilities and amphitheatres
Developing SEND facilities, including hydrotherapy areas, therapy rooms, and dedicated respite blocks
Constructing pupil referral units (PRUs)
Providing adult education facilities
Condition surveys
Decarbonisation
“In my experience, DB3 can deliver a dynamic, proactive service, even up against challenging time frames and adverse project realities.”
Iain Love, Warrington Council
Woking High School Vision Impaired Unit
Residential
At DB3, we understand that delivering housing is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating communities where people can thrive. We work with local authorities to make their ambitions achievable, guiding councils through every stage of the residential development process.
Our experience spans private housing, social housing, retirement living and the refurbishment of existing or listed buildings, including sites requiring HRB remediation. We understand the challenges councils face: balancing budgets, meeting regulatory requirements, navigating planning and addressing community expectations. Our role is to make these complex decisions easier, providing clear advice and practical solutions.
From early feasibility studies to design, construction and long term maintenance, DB3 helps authorities deliver homes that are not only functional and cost effective but also adaptable for the future.
Affordable and social housing developments
Mixed-use and regeneration schemes
Retirement and supported living projects
Infill sites
Conversions and refurbishments of existing or listed buildings
HRB (High Risk Building) remediation projects
Low carbon, energy efficient solutions
Passivhaus certified design
“DB3 consistently provide a high level of service and professional advice, with excellent communication throughout. They have exceeded expectations, delivering high-quality work and always meeting milestones on our development programmes.”
Elizabeth Unwin, Thurrock Council
Culver Centre Housing Development
Waste
Waste management and circularity is a critical factor for all local authorities. The implementation of targets set out in The Environment Act (2021) puts increasing pressure on the right facilities being in place.
Councils often face tough decisions around site selection, funding and long term adaptability. That’s where DB3 comes in. We guide clients through every stage of a project, helping them understand the implications of different options, anticipate challenges and make informed choices with confidence.
We understand that modern waste facilities must meet operational requirements, environmental standards and community expectations, all while navigating complex planning, regulatory and budgetary challenges.
We design with the future in mind, ensuring each facility can handle increased demand and adapt to changing waste streams, new technologies and evolving sustainability targets. Through genuine collaboration and practical, hands on expertise, we help councils deliver infrastructure that is resilient, efficient and aligned with their long term goals.
Our experience spans
Household waste recycling centres (HWRC)
Waste transfer stations (WTS)
Materials recovery facilities (MERF)
Resource recovery facilities (RRF)
Anaerobic digestion and composting plants
Clinical waste facilities
Energy-from-waste (EFW) developments
Our support includes
Feasibility studies and business case development
Site evaluation, planning and environmental assessments
Design for operational efficiency and safety
Integration of renewable energy and low carbon technologies
Lifecycle cost analysis and long term maintenance planning
Stakeholder engagement and community consultation
“Excellent to work with nationally recognised industry leaders who listen to their clients.”
Padraig Herlihy, Warwick Council
Nantycaws Resource Recovery Facility
Commercial
From council headquarters and civic centres to business parks, office developments, libraries and start up hubs, DB3 has extensive experience in commercial design, masterplanning and strategic workplace planning.
As councils adapt to new ways of working, many are redefining the role of the workplace, shifting from traditional offices to flexible, hybrid environments. We support local authorities through this transition, helping them to reimagine civic and administrative spaces as places that embody their organisational values, increase collaboration and reflect modern public service delivery.
Our designs place people at the heart of the workplace. We create environments that enhance wellbeing, encourage productivity and enable teams to work in ways that suit them best.
Sustainability and performance are central to every design decision. Many of our workplace projects achieve high BREEAM ratings and incorporate low energy systems, responsible material choices and adaptable layouts to support long term efficiency.
We incorporate modern indoor air quality and wellbeing standards into our designs, such as WELL, NABERS, Fitwel and LEED.
Our expertise spans the full spectrum of delivery, including:
Cat A: Landlord fit-out works
Cat B: Design of tenant fit-out
Cat B: Develop & deliver a fit-out
Designing the Shell & Core
“DB3 have been knowledgeable and gone over and above. The team have embedded themselves into the design team as a whole.”
Bruce Chibesa, Thurrock Council
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Culture, Conservation & Heritage
We advise and support clients, including local authorities and government departments, on the planning, renewal, regeneration and conservation of historic buildings, heritage sites and monuments.
Working closely with Conservation Officers and bodies such as Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland & Cadw, we ensure every project respects and enhances the character and significance of heritage assets.
We design and deliver solutions that balance sensitivity to heritage with practical, sustainable approaches, helping clients protect and enhance historic buildings. We manage listed building refurbishments and essential maintenance, overcoming challenges to deliver projects that meet client needs while satisfying heritage bodies.
Beyond conservation, we support clients in regenerating historic sites to unlock their wider social, cultural and economic potential. Whether restoring civic landmarks, repurposing industrial heritage, or revitalising underused assets, we help create places that connect the past with the needs of contemporary communities.
Our specialist advisors can also help decarbonise these assets, bringing them up to modern standards whilst preserving their original charm and character. Decarbonisation can range from fabric improvements, such as incorporating EnerPHit standards, to removing gas boilers and replacing heating systems with ground or air source heat pumps, or solar arrays (PVs) and LED lighting.
Our experience spans:
Town halls and civic buildings
Museums, galleries and visitor centres
Historic theatres and event venues
Libraries and archives
Listed housing and residential conversions
Heritage led regeneration of high streets and market halls
Places of worship
Scheduled monuments and landscape conservation
“DB3 have always been professional, whilst securing a trusted relationship - even when we have had to do a sudden 90 degree turn, the responsiveness and the support that we get has been brilliant.”
Lesley Curry, Enfield Council
Embassy of Ireland
Energy
With global energy demand projected to double by 2050, the energy sector is undergoing rapid transformation to meet growing electricity needs, reduce carbon emissions and ensure long term security of supply.
In the UK, this transition means replacing ageing infrastructure, accelerating grid decarbonisation, diversifying energy generation and embedding practical storage and transmission solutions across the network.
For local authorities, this brings both challenges and opportunities. They must secure renewable energy sources for their towns, support local energy projects and upgrade buildings and infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions.
Delivering these types of projects requires specialist knowledge and proven experience across generation, transmission, distribution and storage. Our team brings over 30 years of combined experience working with major clients such as National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), National Gas and Xlinks.
We provide advisory and technical services that guide clients through every stage of project delivery, from feasibility and design to implementation and handover. Our step by step approach ensures clarity, compliance and confidence throughout the process.
“It feels like a team experience as opposed to a consultant principal relationship.”
Andrew Hazell, East Riding Council
Energy Generation
Anaerobic digestion
Biomass
Coal
Energy recovery
Hydrogen
Hydro
Natural gas
Nuclear and SMRs (Small Modular Reactors)
Onshore wind
SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuels)
Solar Transmission, Distrubution & Storage
Battery storage
Compressed air storage
Great grid upgrade
Interconnectors
National Gas infrastructure
Off grid / storage networks
Peaking plants
Power monitoring systems
District heat networks
Templeborough Biomass Power Plant
Data Centres
In an increasingly digital world, data centres are the backbone of modern infrastructure, supporting everything from cloud services to AI applications. This is critical to the continuous service provided by local authorities, as much as it is for private sector businesses.
At DB3, we bring a wealth of experience in designing and delivering high performance data centres across the UK, Europe and UAE.
We can help you convert existing assets into valuable spaces that create local economic impact and resilient revenue. Offices, industrial spaces and disused brownfield sites are all ideal spaces for conversion to data centres. We can also upgrade legacy data centres to allow for additional capacity and a higher specification to attract high value off takers (tenants).
Our approach integrates the latest technologies with a deep understanding of Local Authority priorities. We focus on delivering facilities that are scalable, sustainable and integrated into their surroundings. This includes considerations for energy efficiency, noise reduction and visual impact, ensuring minimal disruptive impact to communities within the local area.
Our team collaborates closely with Local Authorities to navigate the complexities of planning and development, ensuring that all projects comply with local regulations and meet community expectations.
By choosing DB3, Local Authorities can be confident in receiving a partner who understands the unique challenges of data centre development.
Enterprise data centres
Managed data centres
Colocation data centres
Hyperscale data centres
Modular/factory built data centres
Traditional on premises data centres
Cloud data centres
High Performance Computing (HPC) data centres
Disaster recovery / backup data centres
“I
have worked with DB3 on a number of projects in Northamptonshire and currently at Enfield Borough and have found all personnel, regardless of office base/ location or grade, to be professional, reliable and proactive in meeting required programmes/deadlines at all times.”
Jane Smith, Enfield Council
Enterprise, Employment & Skills
Councils can generate growth in their regions by promoting disused land for employment use, creating spaces and opportunities that enable businesses to start, grow and thrive. We advise clients on the best use for areas of regeneration and repurposing of land. These spaces can allow for future expansion by transforming underutilised sites into thriving hubs of economic and community activity, enhancing the local area’s vitality and opportunities. Our design approach aligns with the regeneration goals by prioritising tenant attraction and community cohesion.
Development of flexible employment sites fosters enterprise and innovation. Providing affordable, adaptable workspaces suited to the needs of start ups and small businesses.
Enterprise parks
Tech hubs
Industrial starter units
Flexible use B1 employment units
“DB3 are very professional. In terms of development of client briefs it is strong. We get a good output in terms of design solutions. DB3 are very responsive to project issues and offering solutions. Reactive and available.”
Anthony Hayward, Pembroke Council
Robertstown Development
Transport
Our multidisciplinary team provides architecture, building services design, masterplanning and project management across a diverse range of bus, rail and road infrastructure projects. We understand that transport infrastructure lies at the heart of local growth, shaping how people move, connect and experience their communities. Whether improving a local bus interchange, redeveloping a railway station or planning around new road and rail links, we work closely with local authorities, operators and delivery partners to unlock the wider social, environmental and economic potential of every site.
Alongside design and delivery, we offer advisory services to help clients maximise the value and performance of their transport assets, identifying opportunities for regeneration, improved accessibility and long term efficiency.
Our experience includes:
Train maintenance and servicing facilities
Depot modernisation and rationalisation projects
New station designs and multi-modal interchanges
Station accessibility and passenger flow improvements
Trackside and rail supporting infrastructure
Bus depots and integrated transport hubs
Highway and road network planning
Cycleways and green transport links
London Underground and TfL upgrades
Terminal and passenger facilities (port and air)
“Their responsiveness has been outstanding - always quick to reply to queries and proactive in offering solutions. What really stands out was how approachable and easy to communicate with they are, making what could be a complex process both enjoyable and straightforward.”
Louise Davies, Warwick Council
Woodlane Arches
Healthcare
People are at the heart of everything we design. By working collaboratively with local authorities, healthcare providers and developers, we deliver accessible, efficient and compassionate environments that enhance wellbeing and support effective care delivery.
We have successfully delivered schemes in partnership with general practitioners, NHS Trusts and charitable organisations, tailoring each project to the specific needs of the community it serves.
DB3 is actively involved in the “Pivot to Wellbeing” initiative, supporting the national shift towards social prescribing, connecting clinical care with community based health and wellbeing. Our designs enable collaboration between medical and social services, creating inclusive spaces that promote prevention, participation and long term community resilience.
Our approach balances clinical precision with human experience. Through thoughtful use of light, intuitive layouts, acoustic comfort and sustainable materials, we create uplifting
environments that promote recovery, mental health and productivity.
With a commitment to quality, practicality and meaningful social impact, we help clients deliver healthcare facilities that meet today’s operational needs while anticipating future models of care, flexible, community focused and centred around people.
Our experience includes:
GP and primary care centres
Dental practices and community clinics
Mental health and counselling facilities
Adult social care and day centres
Health and wellbeing hubs
Therapy and rehabilitation spaces
Pivot to Wellbeing hubs and social prescribing environments
Community hospitals and outpatient facilities
“They were professional, collaborative and solution-focused throughout the process, responding positively to challenges and ensuring that the final design meets operational and sustainability objectives.”
Glenn Miller, Ipswich Borough Council
Martin House Children’s Hospice
Architecture & 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 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:
Winner – Insider Wales 2025 ‘Architectural Practice of the Year’; UK Enterprise Client Service Excellence Award 2024 ‘Best Sustainable Architecture Practice’; Build Architecture Awards ‘Best Sustainable Architecture & Design Firm 2023’; Yorkshire Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; COMBA 2022 ‘Architect of the Year’; COBBA 2022 ‘Architect of the Year’
Shortlisted – Yorkshire Insider Awards 2025 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; Building Awards 2025 ‘Architectural Practice of the Year’; COBBA 2024 ‘Architect of the Year; Yorkshire Insider Awards 2024 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; West Midlands Insider Awards 2024 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; The Grafters Awards 2024 ‘Best RIBA Architectural Practice’; West Midlands Insider Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice of the Year’; UKREiiF Awards 2023 ‘Consultant of the Year’; COMBA 2023 ‘Architecture Practice’; Grafters Awards 2023 ‘Architecture Practice’; Foundations Healthy Housing Awards 2023 ‘Design of Adaptations’
DB3 Team:
Shortlisted – AJ Awards 2025 ‘Emerging Architect’, Isabella Webb; G4C Yorkshire & Humber 2025 ‘New Professional of the Year’, Keitu Sibanda; Construction News Specialist Awards 2025 ‘Rising Star’, Isabella Webb; Downtown in Business COMBA 2025 ‘BDM/Salesperson of the Year’, Jen Spencer; Women in Business Awards 2025 ‘Professional of the Year’, Charlotte Scaife; Insider Yorkshire Young Professionals Awards 2025 ‘Young Business Development Professional’, Jen Spencer & ‘Young Property Professional of the Year’, Mohammed Mahdi; Shortlisted - MMC Awards 2024 ‘Women in Modern Methods of Construction’, Nainita Howard; COBBA 2023 ‘Business Development Professional’, Charlotte Scaife; Shortlisted; COMBA 2023 ‘Business Development Professional’, Charlotte Scaife
DB3 Features:
Building Magazine 2025 ‘Top 50 Architects’; Building Magazine 2025 ‘40 under 40’, Hemal Patel; Building Top 150 Consultants 2025; Digital Enterprise Top 100 2021
DB3 Projects:
Woking High School: Shortlisted - Education Estates 2025 ‘Project of the Year - Inclusive Design’
National Museum Wales: Shortlisted - AJ Awards 2025 ‘Client of the Year’
BOSS Regent Street: Shortlisted – Retail Week ‘The Best New Store Award – Large’
Flitwick Leisure Centre: Winner – UKActive Awards 2024 ‘Regional Club/Centre of the Year – London’
Castle Farm Leisure Centre: Winner – LABC Building Excellence Awards 2024 ‘Regional Winner Best Public or Community Building’
Printworks Campus, Leeds City College: 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 Commended –IStructE 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
Adidas Oxford Street: Gold Winner – London Design Awards 2020