DPA Design and Planning Associates Limited
About Us
Background
DPA is a Chartered Building Consultancy established in 1981 by Melvin Gough, whose aim was to create a practice which initially specialised in large-scale housing developments, following his experience within the Tarmac Housing Division.
From the outset, the Practice targeted client companies, rather than individuals, with a view to providing an economical, speedy and effective service. The clientele quickly spread and DPA has provided design services for most of the national house builders. From the initial expertise employed on residential development, the Practice widened its horizons in the early ‘90s and extended into commercial and industrial projects, together with domestic conversions and conservation work.
DPA has completed conservation work on listed buildings varying from simple agricultural conversions to period country houses.
The advent of AutoCAD and the Internet has enabled the Practice to provide technical services to companies in any part of the country.
Our services
DPA together with its associate company DPA Surveys Limited brings a broad range of property expertise under one roof.
Both companies consider the concept of client communication to be paramount. Throughout every job, whether designing a supermarket or valuing a cottage, ongoing client communication ensures that client expectations are met.
DPA - architectural services:
- Measured building surveys
- Feasibility studies
- Sketch proposals
- Planning submissions
- Listed Building submissions
- Building Regulations submissions
- Site supervision
- 3-D visuals and presentations
Our associate company DPA Surveys Limited provides the following services:
- Schedules of condition
- Defect analysis reports
- Structural reports
- EPC surveys
- SAP calculations
- Party-wall matters
- Re-instatement cost assessment
- Building conservation work
- Dilapidations
- Boundary disputes
Please visit: www.dpasurveys.co.uk
Resources
The Practice understands the need to maintain up-to-date technology for the efficient production of information and to enable them to communicate and work effectively with other members of the project team. The traditional architectural and drafting skills have not been abandoned, and much of the design work originates from traditional hand-drawn sketches.
The Practice operates AutoCAD LT2009 and SketchUp Version 7, enabling high-level presentations to be made in 2-D or 3-D model form.
Environment
DPA is conversant with current environmental policies, aiming towards environmentally responsible design, including Code for Sustainable Housing and BREEAM standards.
Equal opportunities
DPA believe in equal opportunities and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnic origin, age, gender or disability.
Training and Associations
DPA has memberships through various members of staff with the following associations/institutions:
• RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
• CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building)
• CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists)
The Practice recognises the need to continually improve and maintain a service that is both professional and aware of changing standards in legislation and regulations.