David has played a central role in the design and delivery of the Practice’s 400 plus built projects. He has an extensive understanding of the practical issues of delivering high quality projects that achieve the aspirations of clients and stakeholders whilst meeting real world budgets and deadlines. His experience encompasses work in the private and public sectors, including commercial, leisure and healthcare with a particular expertise in all forms of housing including mixed-use master planning. David has been integral to a large number of exemplar and award winning regeneration projects. He is fully committed to helping to engender a better social and built environment. David is actively involved in the day-to-day management and future strategy of the Practice.
Alongside David Gilkes, Dave leads the practices 20 strong staff. Dave takes an active lead in the concept and design development ensuring continuity across all projects within the office. He is an intuitive and creative designer and has been involved in projects of all scales and complexities from one off private houses to community led schemes and multi million pound mixed use developments. Dave is a strategic thinker who understands clients requirements. His ability to find clear and elegant solutions to resolve complex problems informs much of DK Architects work. Dave regularly speaks on the importance of design quality in housing to industry leaders.
Jamie joined the Practice in 2006 and was made an Associate Director in 2016. His vast experience in the design and delivery of a wide range of completed projects includes office and commercial schemes, social housing, private rented sector housing, student housing and community facilities. Within the practice, he has particular responsibility for navigating and obtaining statutory approvals, and has significant expertise in achieving planning permission and working with a variety of external stakeholders. Jamie also takes responsibility for the delivery of technical information throughout a project and places emphasis on providing a high quality and robust product through creative design solutions within the budgetary constraints.
Andy joined the Practice as an Associate Director in 2016 and has extensive experience in residential, community, conservation and healthcare projects from inception to completion. Before joining DK-Architects, Andy worked for OMI Architects in Manchester leading a variety of high-profile projects. He has led projects across a range of sectors up to a value of £50 million, with a number of projects receiving national design awards. He also acts as visiting design critic at Liverpool John Moores University. Andy is committed to architecture that prioritises people and places. He believes in a sustainable approach based on the use of materials and detailing that is timeless and durable.
Hannah joined the Practice in 2011, was made Associate in 2017 and Associate Director in 2023. Hannah leads DK-Architect’s Practice Management and works with the Directors on the strategic focus of the Practice including business development and resourcing, leading on bids and relationship management. She is a qualified Architect with project experience from feasibility of one-off private houses to technical design and construction of multi-million pound mixed-use developments. Hannah is able to adapt to evolving client requirements and believes in the benefits of experience-based learning. She is an advocate of clear and thorough communication throughout a project.
Nick joined the team at DK-Architects in 2014 and has since established himself as a key member of the practice. Nick’s experience within the residential sector has seen him deliver one-off bespoke housing, social housing and community schemes and large-scale urban redevelopment projects throughout the North West. Nick believes in a considered, simple, elegant design approach with a key focus on the creative use of high quality materials from the local vernacular.
Since joining DK-Architect’s in 2016, Gethin has gained extensive experience in the residential sector working on a wide range of schemes from bespoke private housing to high-density urban residential blocks. He is able to adapt to and overcome complex planning constraints on challenging sites to create appropriate, high quality outcomes. Previous to working at DK-Architects, Gethin worked at John McCall Architects where he assisted on a variety of projects within the residential and commercial sectors. Gethin combines creativity and lateral thinking with a strong attention to detail in order to carefully consider every aspect of the projects he is involved in.
John has a wealth of knowledge across all stages of project development with extensive experience in the residential, commercial and healthcare sectors, successfully delivering schemes ranging from small bespoke developments through to award winning complex mixed tenure schemes. John believes in creating timeless design solutions appropriate to the social and economic context in which they are set. He is a committed and intelligent designer known for his calm and meticulous approach and is an exceptional mentor within the Practice.
Having completed his Master of Architecture Degree at the University of Liverpool, Tom spent several successful years working in London and in Sheffield. He returned to Liverpool to join DK Architects, bringing with him a breadth of knowledge across multiple sectors, having worked on residential, commercial, education and mixed-use projects in both a design and delivery capacity. During his time in Practice in London, Tom developed his approach to modern contextual design. He believes that high quality designs and uplifting spaces play an instrumental role in people's wellbeing and have the power to shape healthier communities. He has a passion for photorealistic visualisation which enables him to convey and communicate clear design intent from the outset of a project.
Kate joined the DK-Architect’s team in 2021 after completing both her Undergraduate & Master’s Degrees at University of Liverpool. Her work explores the the link between the quality of a designed space and its effect on people's lives, focusing on the positive impact it can have on heath and wellbeing. Kate seeks to create designs that respond to the unique requirements of each client and site specific context to ensure project success, authenticity and longevity.
Holly joined the practice in 2023, having previously worked in Manchester on a range of large-scale projects, including commercial, residential and student accommodation schemes. Holly’s studies at the University of Sheffield for both her undergraduate and master’s degrees have given her an appreciation for socially conscious design. She is passionate about sustainability, and seeks to promote the use of low carbon materials and strategies for passive energy-saving throughout her work.
Before joining DK Architects, Ed completed his Master of Architecture degree at the University of Liverpool where he won the LSA Student Prize and Sikorski Memorial Prize for his Thesis Project. Ed has a keen interest in building conservation fuelled by his previous experience working with listed buildings. Through his project work Ed considers the impact of the buildings we design on the wider built environment, with a focus of Architecture’s ability to create connections and foster a sense community. Ed’s creative approach, strong work ethic and keen eye for detail make him a valuable addition to the team.
Callum joined the practice after graduating from Liverpool John Moores University, where he was awarded the Liverpool Architecture Society Award and the Claire Wrigley Lighting Award. Before embarking on a career in Architecture he performed in the West End and as the Principal dancer with Riverdance touring Asia, Europe and North America for 10 years. With experience in a high pressure and fast paced industry Callum brings a flexible working approach across a variety of projects and adaptability in different areas of the Practice. His work is expressive of movement through a carefully considered design approach using photography, model making and sketching.
Melanie joined the practice in 2021 working alongside the Practice Manager to assist in efficient, effective and safe management of the practice, compliance with relevant legislation and standards and the wellbeing of staff and clients. She is the first point of contact for clients and others from outside the practice. Previous to working at DK-Architects Melanie lived in Sydney Australia working as a finance and compliance manager.
After completing her Master of Architecture degree at the University of Liverpool, Philippa joined the practice as part of the administration team, to expand her knowledge of the business operations of an Architectural Practice. As Studio Coordinator, Philippa utilises her previous experience working as an Architectural Assistant to proactively contribute to the operational management and development of the practice. Philippa’s architectural interests lie in place making and end-user experience - her thesis focussed on feminist design practices in the context of safety in the City. Philippa works alongside the Practice Manager assisting in the financial management of the practice, developing relationships with clients, and liaising with external consultants.
Project CGIs supplied by The Collective.