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Who we are

DV8 Designs are a dedicated award winning Architectural and Interior Design Practice who specialise in the commercial and hospitality sectors.

We believe that creativity is diverse, so treat every job individually. As designers we deviate away from the ordinary to create unique spaces whilst working in partnership with our clients to successfully produce innovative design solutions to the brief – delivering original designs from concept through to completion.

Team

We’re passionate design specialists, all chosen for our unique skills, sector knowledge and determination to produce outstanding designs and projects for our clients

Lee Birchall
Managing Director

Lee’s career spans across a wide spectrum of multi-disciplined areas within architecture and interior design with high end hospitality, commercial and regeneration projects, allowing him to approach each project with a wealth of knowledge, technical aptitude and creative expertise gained from a diverse client portfolio.

As MD of DV8 Designs, Lee leads the distinguished award-winning interior design firm that has been setting industry standards since 2006.  The journey began with a vision to redefine spaces, and today, DV8 is celebrated as a trailblazer in the hospitality and commercial sectors, as well as for their transformative place-making projects.

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Lee Birchall, MD DV8 Designs
Rebecca Brooks
Associate Senior Interior Designer

Rebecca is a seasoned Senior Interior Designer with 17 years in the industry, specialising in large Hospitality and Commercial projects. As Project Manager and Lead Designer, she has designed and directed numerous major projects, earning a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail and strong client relationships. Each project she undertakes showcases high-quality finishes and bespoke designs tailored to individual clients and sites. 

Rebecca’s role encompasses managing the entire design process, from detailed drawings and specifications to overseeing the work on-site. She acts as the primary contact for all traders and contractors, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction throughout the project.

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Rebecca Brooks
Sally Gray
Associate Senior Interior Designer

Sally Gray is an experienced Senior Interior Designer with over 20 years of industry experience. Leading the DV8 team for Greene King, Sally spearheads the Hive Brand Roll-out, showcasing her expert knowledge and passion for the brand. Previously, she excelled as a Brand Designer for Mitchells & Butler and numerous high-end brands. Specialising in heritage design, Sally’s extensive statuary knowledge allows her to anticipate and address potential issues. 

A skilled multi-tasker, she employs a systematic and thorough approach to project management, ensuring smooth and efficient execution of multiple projects simultaneously. Sally’s expertise and dedication make her an invaluable asset in delivering high-quality, bespoke design solutions.

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Sally Grey
Jess Sutherland
Associate Senior Interior Designer

With over 20 years in the design sector, Jess is a valued Senior Interior Designer at our firm. Her expertise in detailed design development is backed by extensive experience in the hotel industry, having worked on multimillion-pound projects for brands like Marriott and IHG. Jess’s deep knowledge of hospitality design makes her the ideal lead designer for Aviation projects. Currently, she is our lead designer for Swissport’s new Airport Aspire Lounges having launched within numerous airports, earning recognition as a member of the Aspire Lounge Design Team with a further pipeline of new openings.

Jess’s role combines lead designer and project manager, overseeing projects from concept to completion. Her specialist understanding of spatial design and operational needs ensures seamless adaptation to various site parameters.

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Jess Sutherland
Gary Carter
Conceptual Designer

With 40 years in the industry, Gary is a renowned hospitality design expert. Formerly a design practice owner, he now brings his expertise to DV8, crafting standout creative solutions for numerous organisations. He has been instrumental in establishing and developing successful brands, including Hickory’s.

As the lead conceptual designer, Gary excels at tailoring spatial designs to meet the unique flow and operational needs of each site. His extensive experience and innovative approach ensure that every project is both functional and visually compelling.

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Gary Carter
Charlotte Phillips
Charlotte Phillips Mid-Weight Interior Designer
Kirsty Taylor
Kirsty Taylor - Garrett Mid-Weight Interior Designer
Molly Smith
Molly Smith Mid-Weight Interior Designer
Georgia Clarke
Georgia Clarke Junior Interior Designer
Julie Fort
Julie Fort Business Development Manager
Buddy
Buddy Security
Ethos & Values

At the core of DV8 Designs, our ethos is simple: creativity, collaboration, and integrity.

Guided by our values below, we approach every project with a commitment to delivering thoughtful, innovative designs that align with our clients' visions and needs. This is how we work, every step of the way

Creative Flair
Fun
Credible
Memorable
Collaborative
Approach

Innovative, Collaborative, and Client-Focused Design Solutions

At DV8 Designs, our approach is rooted in passion, creativity, and a deep commitment to our clients. We pride ourselves on being approachable, collaborative, and practical in delivering innovative design solutions. Constantly evolving to stay at the forefront of our industry, we embrace every challenge with enthusiasm. If you'd like to explore how we can bring your vision to life, get in touch!

Feasibility & Concept Generation

At DV8 Designs, our feasibility and concept design process begin with an on-site meeting to gather a detailed brief outlining the client's objectives and requirements.

We conduct a thorough site survey and appraisal to collect data, ensuring the accuracy of the existing plan. This comprehensive understanding of the site allows us to identify potential project risks early and align the existing conditions with the client’s aspirations.

With over 30 years of expertise in space planning, DV8 Designs ensures efficient use of floor space while meeting operational requirements and adhering to relevant building regulations and planning restrictions. Once the space plan meets the client’s brief, we move on to Concept Generation.

During Concept Generation, we create mood boards to articulate our ideas, focusing on bespoke details such as colours, tones, textures, and the overall look and feel. Our goal is to push design boundaries while staying on trend and sensitive to the client brief, customer demographic, and site specifics.

To bring our concepts to life, we use 3D visualisations that allow clients to experience the proposed space. This service is crucial for clients who may find it challenging to interpret 2D plans and mood boards.

Finally, DV8 Designs combines all aspects of the design into a comprehensive Full Scheme Presentation. This document includes everything from the initial site survey to 3D visuals, providing a clear and engaging narrative of our design journey and proposals.

Technical Design

Once the client approves the foundational design scheme, DV8 Designs initiates the creation of bespoke Tender Drawing Packs.

These packs are meticulously detailed, including layouts, elevations, details, samples, full specifications, schedules, quantities, and design intentions. The goal is to provide a comprehensive information package that enables a Quantity Surveyor (QS) to accurately prepare a Schedule of Works (SOW) and estimate the Construction Programme.

The Tender Drawing Pack, along with the QS’s SOW, is then issued to the client’s chosen contractors for costing. Our team ensure that these packs are as detailed as possible to facilitate accurate cost estimations, enabling clients to make informed decisions and select the appropriate contractor.

Simultaneously, we develop FF&E Specifications and Schedules, ensuring that each design element is cohesively integrated. Our FF&E schedules are thorough inventories of proposed furniture, lighting, window treatments, fixed seating details, and other fixtures necessary for procurement. This detailed approach ensures every aspect of the design is well-coordinated and executed to the highest standards.

Project Delivery

At DV8 Designs, we offer a comprehensive service from concept to completion, ensuring a seamless journey for our clients.

Our expertise extends to Project Management throughout the on-site works, leveraging our team’s extensive real-life experience and successful project track record.

Our Project Management services include:

  • Leading and documenting all on-site meetings.
  • Serving as the primary contact for all site queries.
  • Coordinating with FF&E suppliers and managing delivery schedules and logistics.
  • Monitoring stock and item availability.
  • Handling relevant authority applications, approvals, and commissioning.

Our team’s deep understanding of each project, coupled with a genuine passion for the design, allows us to oversee construction quality and project performance meticulously. We ensure that every detail is thoughtfully considered, delivering precisely what our clients envision.

We collaborate closely with clients throughout the project, from inception to the final review, ensuring a smooth transition from a construction site to a fully operational space.

As part of our consultancy service, we partner with skilled professionals to provide a 360-degree solution. This approach ensures that clients receive a long-term plan to drive sales, revenue, and target the right audience, fostering a sustainable and successful outcome.

Trust DV8 Designs to bring your vision to life with precision, passion, and professionalism.

Careers

We are constantly looking for talented and creative people to join our award winning team

We are always on the lookout for talented and creative individuals to join our award-winning team. At DV8 Designs, we value innovation, collaboration, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of design. If you're driven by a desire to create exceptional work and thrive in a dynamic, supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the future of design!

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