Call Now
Website
Call
Business Details
39 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design & Consultancy Services
Established in 1987, Jane Darbyshire & David Kendall has built a reputation for delivering high-quality architectural solutions across diverse sectors. Our approach prioritises understanding client needs and stakeholder objectives, resulting in imaginative, efficient, and functional designs. With a focus on sustainability, we integrate environmentally conscious practices into every project, from hospice care facilities to residential developments. Recognised with over 100 awards, including the RIBA Building of the Year, our team combines technical expertise with creative innovation.

As an Employee Ownership Trust, we maintain a collaborative culture that benefits both staff and clients. Our work spans the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe, reflecting our adaptability to varied budgets and project complexities. Client testimonials highlight our ability to exceed expectations through hands-on service and consistent staffing, ensuring long-term relationships and tailored solutions.
Services
Architectural Design Sustainable Development Hospice Planning Residential Projects Commercial Architecture Heritage Conservation Healthcare Facilities Community Spaces BIM Implementation Project Management
Details
  • Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
  • We have over 35 years of experience in architectural design and project delivery.
  • Our sustainability strategy integrates low-carbon principles across all sectors.
  • Award-winning expertise in hospice and healthcare facility design.
  • Client-focused approach with consistent staffing and hands-on service.
  • Employee Ownership Trust ensures long-term commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
What people say
Excellent design Successful working relationship Imaginative solutions Sustainability focus Award-winning results
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to client needs. We specialise in healthcare facilities, residential developments, and commercial buildings, combining creativity with technical precision. Each project incorporates sustainability principles and adheres to strict budgetary and regulatory requirements.
Sustainable Development
We integrate low-carbon strategies into every project, from energy-efficient materials to BREEAM-certified designs. Our approach balances environmental responsibility with practical functionality, ensuring developments meet current standards while future-proofing against climate challenges through innovative, buildable solutions.
Hospice Planning
Specialising in palliative care facilities, we create compassionate spaces that prioritise patient comfort and staff efficiency. Our designs address complex healthcare requirements while maintaining aesthetic harmony with surrounding environments, as demonstrated by award-winning projects like St Oswald's Hospice.
Heritage Conservation
We restore and adapt listed buildings while respecting their historical significance. Recent projects include Grade II* listed railway station refurbishments, combining modern functionality with traditional craftsmanship to ensure heritage assets remain viable for contemporary use.
Project Management
From concept to completion, we provide end-to-end project management, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and maintaining strict cost control. Our hands-on approach ensures timely delivery of complex schemes, such as the 38m Rutherford Cancer Centre North East, while maintaining design integrity.
People
Otis Murdoch
Architect
Otis Murdoch brings extensive architectural expertise to JDDK, specialising in innovative design solutions that balance creativity with practicality. With a focus on healthcare and residential projects, he contributes technical knowledge and a client-centric approach to every development.
Alison Thornton-Sykes
Principal Architect
As Principal Architect, Alison Thornton-Sykes leads complex projects with a focus on sustainability and user experience. Her expertise in healthcare design has been instrumental in delivering award-winning hospice facilities that combine functionality with compassionate environments for patients and staff.
Questions
What architectural sectors does JDDK specialise in?
We specialise in healthcare, residential, commercial, and heritage projects, with particular expertise in hospice design and sustainable development.
How does JDDK incorporate sustainability into designs?
Our 20:20 sustainability strategy integrates low-carbon materials, energy-efficient systems, and BREEAM-certified practices across all projects to reduce environmental impact.
Can JDDK handle complex, large-scale developments?
Yes, we manage projects from £5m community centres to £38m cancer treatment facilities, ensuring technical excellence and budget compliance.
What awards has JDDK won?
We've received over 100 awards, including RIBA Building of the Year for St Oswald's Hospice and Landscape Institute Awards for collaborative schemes.
Does JDDK work outside the UK?
We've completed projects in Ireland and mainland Europe, adapting our design approach to meet local regulations and cultural contexts.
How does JDDK ensure client satisfaction?
Through consistent staffing, hands-on service, and regular communication, we maintain long-term relationships and tailor solutions to specific client needs.