Environmental Purpose
Environmental purpose is at the heart of the way we practice and design.
As a practice, DMA has been carbon neutral since 2019 and we have set goals to be Net Zero in 2030 across Scopes 1, 2 and 3. We are part of the Mayor’s Business Climate Challenge and we help to deliver the Heart of the City’s Climate Action Programme for SMEs on behalf of the City of London. Since February 2024, we have also been part of the United Nations Global Compact and their Climate Ambition Accelerator programmes.
In designing our projects, we take a ‘Fabric First’ approach to maximise the thermal performance of the building envelope. We combine this with proven renewable energy sources and we use digital tools to reduce carbon and waste. Our R&D team is constantly working to improve building performance through early design analysis and materials selection, and our in-house conservation architects advise on the re-use and retrofit of existing buildings, including historic and listed ones.
Sustainable methods of construction, both modern and traditional
Here are a few of the outreach activities we have been involved with
DMA really get the importance of diversity! They open their doors to kids from all backgrounds and come up with creative ways to bring out the best in even the hardest to reach pupils who have been excluded. It’s definitely “opportunities for all” at DMA.
Alison Watson, Founder, Class of Your Own.
DMA's Virtual Design Academy
DMA’s Virtual Design Academy is an award-winning, 5-day, structured work experience programme for young people. You can take part in our London or Liverpool studios or, if you live too far away or are unable to attend in person, that’s not a problem as you can still take part remotely.
Social Purpose
At DMA, we go beyond the bricks and mortar to make everything we do a force for good.
On projects, it’s a given that we apply the principles of inclusive design and work with local communities to find the best solutions, but we actively seek out ways to create extra social value.
We provide opportunities for young people through work experience and mentoring, encouraging and supporting them into careers in architecture and construction. Our multi award-winning ‘Virtual Design Academy’ (VDA) is an open-learning experience that equips young people with highly relevant digital design skills. We partner with schools, local authorities, charities and clients to ensure that we reach those who might not otherwise access these opportunities including Class of Your Own, the Construction Youth Trust and PLACED. For more information and to apply, see details below.
We also regularly offer pro bono services to unlock community projects and collaborate with charities and organisations such as The Fitzrovia Partnership, Fitzrovia Community Centre, PLACED and Westminster Business Council to help improve the places in which we live and work.