Practice History:

Derek Lovejoy Partnership (DLP) was formed in 1962 by Derek Lovejoy as a multi disciplined professional practice of Architects, Town Planners and Landscape Architects.  The practice quickly became established in the UK and overseas as a leading UK based practice winning many international awards.

In 1988 the original partners retired and new partners wished the practice to achieve international recognition as Landscape Architects and Urban Planners.

The Architects element and client base was severed and Keith Martin formed a new practice as Derek Lovejoy Martin (DLM), with a name change in 1999 to DLM Design.  The practice is located in Christchurch and has been since the early 90’s, concentrating on the design, planning and development of housing in all its forms and developing its expertise in education, light industrial, commercial and historic buildings within the South of England supported by Landscape Architects and Project Managers.

Simon Morgan purchased the practice as a going concern in November 2005, and took over as Managing Director allowing Keith Martin to take retirement. Keith does however remain as a senior executive consultant to the practice.

Since 2005 the practice has grown, and gained a reputation within the industry for quality, efficiency, value for money, and good design and detailing.

DLM design are members of EXOR & CONSTRUCTION LINE and also the Federation of Small Businesses. We also support charities through our corporate membership of the Dorset Sporting Club and Wooden Spoon Society.

Simon Morgan, MCIAT ICIOB Managing Director – studied Building Construction at Bournemouth & Poole College of Further Education and Bournemouth University gaining ONC and HNC in late 80’s early 90’s and achieving full membership to the Institute of Architectural Technologists in 1993, gained valuable experience with architects offices during final years in school and became full time junior architectural assistant in the early 80’s with a small practice based in Amesbury. Progressed through various roles in several different architectural practices through the 80’s and early 90’s becoming an Associate with local practice in 2000. Working on many schemes from different sectors including Healthcare, commercial industrial and residential and joined DLM Design in a senior role in 2002. In 2005 bought the practice and took control of DLM Design in a leading role as Managing Director. Simon is actively involved on each and every project and assists his team in continually providing a high quality efficient service. As well as being a member of the Charted Institute of Architectural Technologists and the Chartered Institute of Building, he is also an affiliate member of the RIBA.

Lisa Morgan, Company Secretary and HR Manager – Lisa and Simon have been married since 1996 and have set up home in Dorset and have two children of school age. Lisa has gained valuable experience over the years working as a Secretary and Office Administrator at some of Oxford’s and also Dorset’s large businesses, and has always provided support for Simon in his role, and in his career in Architecture since they met. Upon forming the new company in 2005 Lisa has very much been hands-on in assisting with the running of the business and more recently has taken on the role of HR Manager.

Keith Martin, MCIAT ICIOB Senior Executive – Although now fully retired Keith retains a role with DLM Design as a Senior Executive on a consultancy basis. Keith was the principle in setting up DLM Design in the late 1990’s and prior to that held several senior positions with large practices centred in London, Birmingham and Edinburgh and was involved with many major master-planning schemes throughout the UK and Europe.

David Mann  BA (Hons), Dip Arch, RIBA; Non Executive Director -
A registered architect for approximately 30 years. Member of the Christchurch Borough Council’s architects panel and of Dorset Building Control’s consumer panel. Registered to practice in France.
The “old mann” of the practice having been with it and its predecessors for over 18 years. Personally involved with its past major projects both in the UK and overseas. With an enduring interest in good design, buildability and lately concepts of sustainability, is keen to assist the practice in its future development.

Emma Boyce, BSc BA(Hons) Senior Technologist – studied Architecture at the University of Dundee before making the journey south to Dorset in 1999.   It wasn’t long before Emma joined the DLM Design team and has since progressed and grown along with the practice.  As well as working full time at DLM there has also been time to fit in an Honours Degree in Architectural Technology at Southampton Institute.  Emma continues to make a valuable contribution to the development of the practice and looks forward to being involved in the wide variety of projects that the practice has come to be involved in.

David Swain MCIAT - Senior Architectural Technologist -
David has more than 30 years experience in the architectural profession. Originally from London David has worked with many large architectural practices including RHWL, Scott Brownrigg, Fitzroy Robinson and PKS Architects. David moved to the south coast in 1987 when he took up a position with retirement living company McCarthy & Stone. David joined DLM Design in July 2007 and has already established himself as a valued member of the DLM team. David has experience in the commercial, residential, industrial and educational sectors.

Ross Macfarlane, Architect

Vickie Jones, Architectural Technologist - Originally from California, Vickie received a BFA in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco in August of 2005. She jumped across the pond in April 2006, and worked in a well established south coast firm before joining our practice in the September of the same year. Vickie continues to expand her knowledge in the field architecture. To achieve this she is working towards a degree in Architectural Technology at Southampton Solent University. She thoroughly enjoys working with the design team and on the diverse and exciting projects that continue to come in.