Evolving The Board to Support Continued National Growth

New board members reinforce our long-term investment in people, sectors and the future of our employee-owned practice

We are delighted to announce the promotion of Neil Matthews and Tom Dobson to our Board of Directors as we approach our 50th year.

Directors Neil Matthews and Tom Dobson have joined our Board to support the strategic leadership of our practice as we enter our next phase of growth. These promotions reflect our long-term commitment to succession planning and developing future leaders, alongside continued investment in our people through several recent senior appointments and promotions across our Leeds, Manchester and London studios, supporting national growth across our diverse sector portfolio.

As part of the restructure, Directors Andrew Hargreaves and Chris Levett will focus on business management and business development alongside their other project commitments.

Having climbed 15 places to 78th in the AJ100 and won Architectural Practice of the Year at the 2025 Insider Awards, our 90-strong practice continues to build on the strong foundations established following our transition to employee ownership one year ago.

Neil brings more than 20 years of experience at DLA to our Board, having played pivotal leadership roles in the growth of our London studio. His deep understanding of our practice, people and culture, together with our long-standing client relationships, will help guide us through our next phase of growth.

Tom strengthens our Board with significant senior leadership experience gained through previous roles in Manchester. Since joining DLA, he has played a key role in shaping our practice and brings a broader perspective as we continue to expand across the UK.

Director, Neil Matthews, said:
“After more than 20 years with DLA, I’ve seen the practice grow, diversify and successfully
respond to changing markets. Being invited to join the Board is a responsibility I’m incredibly
proud to take on. I look forward to working with the Board to ensure we continue delivering for
our clients, supporting our people and guiding the business through its next stage of
development following the substantial growth of our London studio’s Workplace and
Residential teams in the past 12 months.”

Director, Tom Dobson, added:
“What attracted me to DLA was its ambition, collaborative culture and clear vision for its future.
Being invited to join the Board is an exciting opportunity to help build on DLA’s legacy already in
place, work alongside an exceptional team, and lead the growth of the studios and sectors
across the North.”

About DLA

DLA Architecture is an employee-owned, 90-strong multi-award-winning AJ100 multidisciplinary practice driven by sustainability and people-centred design. The practice’s expertise spans masterplanning, residential, blended living, mixed-use, workplace, education, sport and leisure, industry and logistics, retail, conservation, adaptive reuse and deep-retrofit heritage projects. DLA delivers projects across the UK from its studios in Leeds, London, Manchester.

Media enquiries: Concrete Communications

olivia@concretecomms.net
07735 430 196