With over twenty-five years of experience, the DJA team has a proven track record of delivering successful buildings.

David James is an accomplished architect with a passion for innovative design and a wealth of experience in the field. He embarked on his architectural journey at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, where he pursued his studies in Architecture and obtained a Bachelor of Architecture qualification.

In 1997, David made the pivotal decision to relocate to England, and in 2009, he founded David James Architects, a highly regarded architectural firm that has consistently pushed boundaries and achieved remarkable success. Under David's guidance, the practice has been recognised with over 20 prestigious awards, cementing its reputation for excellence in architectural design. With over 26 years as a Chartered Architect, David's expertise and visionary approach have solidified his position as a leading figure in the industry.

At the heart of David's architectural philosophy is a hands-on approach that sets the design standard for the entire practice. His keen eye for detail, coupled with a deep understanding of each project's unique potential, allows him to unlock the intrinsic value of every site he works on. David specialises in site appraisals and feasibility studies, ensuring that each design concept aligns seamlessly with its surroundings and serves the needs of its occupants.

Beyond the world of architecture, David's creative spirit extends into various artistic pursuits. A lover of drawing and ceramic sculpture, he nurtures his creativity through these expressive mediums. David is an avid art collector and sports car enthusiast, and more than anything enjoys spending time with his family. His commitment to innovative design, and his unwavering dedication to his craft have earned him a prominent place within the architectural community and an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of the south of England.

Mia, our Senior Architectural Designer, brings a vast amount of experience and knowledge to our practice. With over 33 years of industry experience, Mia ran her own successful architectural practice in South Africa for 17 years before relocating to the UK in 2017.

During her time in South Africa, Mia worked on several notable projects, including the New Jerusalem Children's Home, which received recognition and was published in two architectural books. Her NJCH Container Home design was also acknowledged at the Eskom eta Awards in 2013. Mia's expertise and contributions to the field were further recognised when she was invited to contribute to the architectural book titled "Adaptive Architecture – Changing Parameters and Practice" in 2017.

Aside from her architectural accomplishments, Mia also possesses extensive experience in project management and is known for her excellent communication skills. Her keen eye for detail and architectural expertise makes her an invaluable member of the DJA Team.

In her free time, Mia keeps herself fit with spinning classes and taking her dog, Pippa, for walks. She also enjoys indulging in reading, knitting, and listening to crime podcasts.

Kim is an experienced architectural professional with a career spanning 26 years in the industry. She relocated to the UK in 2021 from South Africa, where she had an established career as an Associate in an Architectural Practice. With her extensive experience and wealth of knowledge, she brings valuable skills to her role at DJA.

Throughout her career, Kim has worked on a wide range of projects encompassing residential, commercial, hotel, warehousing, and retail design. Among her notable achievements are the Nelson Mandela Foundation offices in Houghton, Johannesburg, and her involvement in The Mall of Africa, which was the largest single-phase mall built in South Africa at that time.

Kim is known for her conscientiousness, diligence, and precision in all aspects of the drawing process, building regulations, and project management. Her attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work make her an invaluable asset to her team.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Kim is a creative individual who enjoys exploring her artistic side. She loves painting, pottery, and crafting, showcasing her talent and versatility beyond the architectural realm.

Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Ece joined DJA in 2017 having graduated from the Arts University Bournemouth and brings a diverse range of skills to the practice. Her architectural talent, attention to detail, and artistic flair make her a valuable asset to the Concept/Planning team. Her proficiency in drafting and knowledge of drawing software, including 3D modelling, further enhances her ability to create visually appealing presentations for clients.

In addition to her role at DJA, Ece is soon to graduate with a PhD. Her experience in academic writing, analytical skills, and research abilities contribute to the practice in a meaningful way. These skills allow her to approach projects with a thorough understanding and a keen eye for in-depth analysis.

In her free time, Ece is a keen walker and enjoys exploring the British countryside. This passion for nature likely inspires her creativity in Architecture and gives her relief from her academic studies. She loves to keep fit, and is also an accomplished Yoga guru!

Mustafa, known as Muzz, joined DJA in 2024 with over five years of experience working with local firms and freelancing.  His enthusiasm and creative flair, together with his CAD skills including advanced 3D modelling and visualisations, makes him an asset to our team.  In addition to his role at DJA, Muzz is currently studying for his Part 3 in Professional Practice.

Having grown up in Switzerland, Muzz adds an international perspective to the team, being fluent in five languages and having travelled extensively.  In his spare time, he is a keen sportsman, and also finds time to enjoy drawing, photography and has a passion for music.

Becky joined DJA in 2024, bringing 26 years of experience as an Architectural Assistant.  Her experience in the industry, in both architecture and interior design, has given her a unique skill set and knowledge base.  She has worked across commercial and residential sectors, enhancing her versatility in the field and allowing her to tackle a wide range of design challenges.

Away from the office, Becky enjoys spending time with her family, and can often be found on a tennis court or walking her dog in the beautiful Dorset countryside.

Rachel joined the DJA team in 2024 having taken a career break after 19 years working for a local family business.  Rachel was born in the UK but moved with her family to Brazil in the late 60’s where she lived for 34 years before returning to the UK with her own family in 2003.

Rachel has a wealth of experience in Administration having worked in Brazil and UK within various Administration support functions for the past 40 years. She is fluent in Portuguese and likes to try out her Spanish whenever she is in a Spanish speaking country. She enjoys the sunshine so holidays abroad are a must, but she also enjoys long walks and occasional runs in the beautiful Dorset coast and countryside. She loves hanging out with family and friends and cooking good food for everyone to enjoy!

Having worked for David for the past 21 years, Nina has been with DJA since its inception in 2009. With a background in Fine Art from the London Institute, she brings a creative touch to her role at DJA. Her responsibilities include creating graphics and advertisements, managing marketing and social media initiatives, and assisting with planning drawings when required. Over the years, Nina has become the go-to person for IT-related matters within the company. She has developed a reputation for her ability to solve technical issues and has essentially become the 'IT Department' at DJA.

Outside of work, Nina enjoys walking her dog and horse riding with her daughter, which allows her to explore her passion for outdoor activities and animals.