Restructure delivers growth for architectural practice

Leeds-based DLA Architecture has reported a strong financial performance at its 2021 financial year end, with turnover rising from £5.73m to £7.18m.

It follows a restructure of the business in January 2021 with a re-brand and succession plan for the architectural practice.

Michael Wood, finance director, said: “The effects of the restructure has delivered significant growth for the company with turnover increasing by 25% on the previous year and profits back to pre-pandemic levels.

“With the strong reserves this puts us in an excellent position to develop the business to the next stage.”

DLA Architecture employs 75 architectural staff across its offices in Leeds, Manchester and London.

During the last 12 months the company’s leadership team, comprising Mark Corbridge, Andrew Hargreaves, Jonathan Knowles, Chris Levett and Michael Wood, has led the business through a new succession plan including an expansion of the shareholding to key members of the team.

DLA says it achieved growth in all sectors and over the last 12 months the practice has secured a number of strategically important projects, in particular large scale high-rise mixed use developments in city centres.

It most recently secured planning consent is for Lisbon Square, a major gateway development on the former international pool site in central Leeds. The business is also advising on the redevelopment of the former Yorkshire Post site in Leeds.

Jason Clarke, equity director at DLA Architecture, said: “Our profile is definitely on the ascendency, as the scale of our recent new projects across all three of our offices demonstrates.

“The last 12 months have been an exciting time for DLA as the personal growth of our talented team has been demonstrated through a range of planned promotions and the recruitment of new staff who will undoubtedly carry forward our legacy for high quality design and client service.”