Profile

Since foundation of the practice in 1987 we have retained an approach that has been highly successful in delivering design proposals which are imaginative, efficient, affordable and above all work well.

From a starting point of specialising in hospice and residential projects, we have expanded the range of our work which is now exceedingly diverse in building type and scale. We have a particular interest and have gained considerable experience in environmentally low impact design, the principles of which we apply to our work in all sectors. Our clients and development projects are located across the UK and we have worked in both Ireland and mainland Europe.

We know that our clients place huge value in the working relationships we build with them, taking time and effort to understand their businesses, needs and aspirations as well as offering a consistency of staffing due to JDDK’s extremely low staff turnover. We provide a hands-on service that focusses on exceeding our clients’ expectations.

We know that our clients rate highly our designs which respond innovatively and sensitively to their design briefs and site contexts, and we know that they appreciate the benefit they gain from our technical expertise.

The practice is led by its four Directors Nicky Watson, Kevin Turnbull, Adam Vaughan and Mura Mullan who maintain a direct, ‘hands on’ approach to project involvement. Our founders Jane Darbyshire and David Kendall continue to have a hugely positive impact upon our work, their approach to design being embedded in the practice ethos.

We are delighted to say that over the years the quality of our work has been reflected in over 100 architectural awards, including the RIBA Building of the Year Award (now the Stirling Prize) for St Oswald’s Hospice.