ACANTHUS DA
Acanthus Darbyshire Architects (Acanthus DA) is RIBA chartered and was established by David Darbyshire in 1987. The studio soon joined the Acanthus Architects group, a national network of like-minded practices.
In 2003 Acanthus WSM Architects, based in Leeds, started to assist Acanthus DA with education projects. The relationship continued to develop between the two practices culminating in a management takeover in 2015. Acanthus DA then acquired Alston Murphy Associates in 2017 increasing our involvement in the care sector.
Acanthus DA remains part of the Acanthus Architects network. This connection enables us to offer a dedicated regional service reinforced by a national network of skills and experience.
Acanthus DA works particularly closely with Acanthus WSM Architects and Woodhall Planning and Conservation, also based in Leeds, specialising in the historic environment.
Acanthus DA is led by directors Paul Glover and Katherine Pimblott.
Paul was a director at Acanthus WSM Architects, Leeds from 2003 before joining Acanthus DA in 2013. He became managing director in 2015. He has delivered numerous education projects, working with both the Anglican and Roman Catholic Diocese and Academy Trusts, and private and public sector residential developments throughout the North East including affordable housing and housing for the elderly and people with special needs.
Katherine was project architect with Alston Murphy Associates Ltd prior to their merger with Acanthus DA. She became director in 2021 and has extensive experience in delivering residential developments for the elderly, nursing and specialist care homes throughout the country for the private sector. Katherine has also completed numerous developments in both leisure and cultural sectors in the North East.