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Bringing Hollins Chambers Back to Life: A Modern Twist on Manchester’s History


Hollins Chambers, an iconic building in the heart of Manchester’s commercial district, has long been a symbol of the city’s rich architectural heritage. Built in 1925, this historical gem has stood the test of time, but it recently needed a transformation to meet the demands of the modern commercial market. That’s where we came in. …



Transforming Vision into Vibrancy: Salt and Tar Takes Centre Stage


This month, we are celebrating the launch of Salt and Tar, a 3000-capacity social hub and event space, which marks a significant milestone in the regeneration of Bootle, Merseyside, and will provide a welcome space for residents to enjoy live entertainment, cultural events and monthly street food socials. Leveraging DV8 Designs’ expertise in breathing new …



Crown Colour Insights 2024


Unveiling the Colour Trends of 2024/25:  We were delighted to attend an inspiring milestone in the world of interior design as Crown Paints unveiled its Colour Insights for 2024/25. Hosted at the captivating White Rabbit Studios in London, the launch event was a testament to creativity, collaboration, and the power of colour in shaping our …



A Remarkable Transformation: The Harry Beswick


In the picturesque town of Heswall, on the Wirral Peninsula, a remarkable transformation has taken place, leaving architecture and design enthusiasts buzzing with excitement. The catalyst behind this remarkable project is the visionary architect, Harry Beswick, whose innovative approach to architecture has left a lasting mark on the local landscape. The former Heswall Police Station …



Northern Design Awards Finalists!


We are also thrilled to be shortlisted for the 2023 Northern Design Awards, in the Interior Design – Social Space category for our work on the Aspire Airport Lounges at George Best Belfast City Airport! ✈️ With a record number of entrants for this year’s awards, we are honoured to be amongst some amazing entrants and have all our …



DV8 Designs Wins Best Commercial Scheme at the Sefton Design Awards 2023


Awarded Best Commercial Project for the redesign of Southport Market, with recognition from the judging panel for the “effective integration with surrounding uses, adding to the vibrancy of the local economy”. DV8 Designs were appointed to help transform and re-imagine Southport Market – a local historic building, as part of the town’s huge regeneration plans. Formally a traditional indoor …



DV8 Designs Appointed by Rochdale Borough Council to Bring to Life New Customer Advice Centre


DV8 Designs have been appointed to work alongside Triangle Architects with Rochdale Borough Council to consult on and design a new customer advice centre. The multi-use advice centre will be a one stop shop for residents of the borough, primarily owner occupiers and people in the private rented sector, to access housing support initiatives and …



DV8 Appointed by the Heaton Group as Concept Designers for Hospitality at the iconic Eckersley Mills site, Wigan.


DV8 Designs were approached by Northwest property development and investment company the Heaton Group to consult on and deliver a concept design of a new food hall at the iconic Eckersley Mills £200m regeneration and transformative project near the heart of Wigan and within the Pier Quarter area. Working alongside their master planning architectural practice, …



🏆 Winners!! 🏆


DV8 were honoured to attend the Grafters Super Groups awards in Manchester this week, alongside 400 esteemed guests from the property and construction industry.   We are thrilled to have WON the Grafters 2023 Award for Best Hospitality & Commercial Interior Design – a true testament to our team’s hard work and dedication.



DV8 Designs Set to Transform Live Event Space and Culinary Destination, Salt and Tar


DV8 Designs have again been reappointed by Sefton Council as lead designer for Salt and Tar, an exciting new social destination offering live entertainment and a foodies delight in Bootle, Merseyside. The 3000-capacity event space maximises on expansive waterside views, utilising canal-side access to provide additional opportunity for leisure experiences. Salt and Tar will also …



Delivering an Airport Experience that Exceeds Expectations


DV8 are delighted to have been reappointed by Aspire Airport Lounges on this £1.2million investment at Belfast City Airport. Aspire are Europe’s largest brand of airport lounge and serve over 7 million customers worldwide. We are pleased to be able to share a ‘sneak peak’ of what’s in store for the new lounge and share …



DV8 are proud to announce that we have once again been appointed by Sefton Council as lead designer for a brand new entertainment destination in Bootle, Merseyside.


DV8 are proud to announce that we have once again been appointed by Sefton Council as lead designer for a brand new entertainment destination in Bootle, Merseyside. The development will bring a lively daytime, evening, and nighttime economy to the area through new leisure, food, and drink opportunities with detailed plans in place that include …



Meet The Team: Hannah Warren


Meet the team: Hannah Warren       At DV8 Designs, we champion our team members at every opportunity, and we are very fortunate to have some passionate and talented women working with us! Our Junior Designer Hannah has been with us for 9 months, and in that time she has gone from strength to strength, relishing every …



The Sky is The Limit for our Next Airport Lounge!


Following a series of successful rebrand openings of Aspire Airport Lounges, DV8 Designs have once again been appointed to work with Aspire, the prestigious airport lounge brand owned by Swissport, this time at Belfast City Airport. Aspire lounges offer space and amenities that ensure each visit is a rewarding and relaxing experience. The team at …



Happy Christmas from DV8!


Merry Christmas! Our team at DV8 Designs are grateful for the full and productive year we have had. We would like to thank everyone for their amazing and continuous support! The office will be closing for the festive period on Friday 23rd December and will reopen on Tuesday 3rd January. 🎅🏻 We hope everyone has …



The Evolution of the Beer Garden


With the World Cup 2022 now in full swing, and pub operators ramping up their promotional activity, I can’t help but look back over the past few years, particularly during the pandemic, at our hospitality design projects and how we’ve helped shape the client brief to create revenue generating, community spaces that work harder than …



Food Halls – A market trend that’s here to stay?


It’s such a delight to find out when old, unused buildings are given a new lease of life; particularly when regeneration of towns and cities is high on the living agenda. This year we’ve seen a rise in purchase interest of heritage places to give them a brand new purpose – transforming spaces and breathing …



Pubs as the new (old) Community Hubs


A thought piece by Director, Lee Birchall: With over 30 years working in the hospitality industry, we can see first-hand how rising costs are affecting pubs, hotels, restaurants, bars and leisure properties. It’s not going to be an easy ride, and fingers crossed some positive respite will be announced shortly. This impact has been noticed …



41 Spring Gardens


DV8 Commercial Design team were appointed by FBI – Flexible Business Interiors to create an enticing sophisticated communal entrance experience including reception space, stairwells and landings for 41 Spring Gardens in Manchester. The client wanted to revive the existing space, adding colour and texture to transform these areas, so that the tenant’s and visitors can …



Wearing green, eating green and thinking green


As an architectural and design practise, we have always had sustainability at the core of our design considerations and client delivery. According to new research by construction blog Bimhow, the construction sector contributes 23 % of air pollution, 50% of the climatic change, 40 % drinking water pollution, and 50% of landfill waste. ‘Buildings and …



Heswall Police Station


DV8 have been appointed by brewer and pub retailer Hyde’s Brewery to transform Wirral’s historical landmark former Police Station on Telegraph Road in Heswall into a new Hyde’s premium dining and social destination.



Egerton Place, Knutsford


DV8 Designs have been appointed by GGM Properties once again, to bring to life the vision of a new venture – MBOSS – Mason Boler Office & Social Space, Egerton Place, Knutsford, Cheshire is the second project for this ambitious company. Formerly named Marshall House this iconic old school building is to be transformed into …



Meet Jess – Our Senior Interior Designer


The DV8 Team are still growing! Just before Christmas last year, we welcomed our newest team member Jess who joins us as our Senior Interior Designer.

Jess studied Interior Design at Manchester Metropolitan University and has over 20 years’ experience in Commercial Interior Design, specialising in Bars, Restaurants & Hotels, Jess is another perfect fit for the DV8 family.



2022 Kick’s off with a flying start!


DV8 were appointed by Star Pubs & Bars to transform this well-loved, Grade II Listed Public house in the centre of Knutsford.



Mixology North & DV8 Christmas 2021


After the eventful year we had in 2020, we were delighted to finally attend Mixology North this year! The awards were held at the Kimpton Clock Tower Hotel on Oxford Road, a bit different from what we usually see at the GMEX Manchester, but a lovely venue and wonderful to see everyone from the design …



Trusted & Transformed: DV8 Completes Commercial Office Transformation for Allegiant Finance


Thanks to a successful reputation as commercial designers, the DV8 Designs team were appointed by long established claims firm, Allegiant Finance to transform their empty shell office into an inviting space for their employees to work individually and collaboratively.



Mix Interiors Mixology North Award Finalist 2021!


We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted as finalists for the Mix Interiors Mixology North 21 Project of the Year (Bar & Leisure) for our work on Southport Market! The Mixology North Awards celebrate the best of Northern commercial interior design across workplace, public sector, hospitality and living, and we are thrilled to be finalists.



Just What The Doctor Ordered!


One of Liverpool’s favourite venues, the historical Dr Duncan’s recently reopened late August following a £250,000 renovation by our client Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group. As part of the project, DV8 Designs developed the concept and design with a choice of layouts and mood boards to deliver the vision for the client.



Meet Sally – Our Senior Interior Designer


The DV8 team is growing! This month we welcome our newest team member Sally who joins us as Senior Interior Designer.

With over 20 years’ experience in Commercial Interior Design, specialising in Bars, Restaurants & Hotels, Sally is another perfect fit for the DV8 family.



Welcome to Team DV8 – Charlotte & Ellie!


We'd like to say a warm welcome to our two newest team members, Charlotte and Ellie!



DV8 Hospitality – The Spread Eagle, Mellor


With a prime, elevated location overlooking the Ribble Valley and rolling Lancashire countryside, North West based architecture and interior design company DV8 Designs has transformed an underused external terrace at The Spread Eagle, Mellor into a beautiful outside dining location, truly maximising on those infamous Ribble Valley views. Using beautiful design features such as external …



DV8 Appointed to Work With Aspire Once More


We are delighted to say that we have once again been appointed to work with Aspire, the prestigious airport lounge brand owned by Swissport. Following our successful rebrand opening of the award winning Aspire Edinburgh Lounge in 2019, DV8 were also appointed to refurbish the Aspire London Luton Airport Lounge, which has gained us finalist …



Meet Our New Studio Manager


Meet Mel, our new studio manager! Mel joins us from Warrington PR & SEO agency No Brainer, and will help drive the  business operations of the company – from strategy and procedures, to finance, wellbeing and HR! She has studied interior design and considers it a hobby too, so we’re in great hands! A mum …



Mix Interiors Mixology Award Finalist 2021!


We are delighted to announce that we are a finalist in the 2021 Mix Interiors Mixology Awards for project of the year (Bar & Leisure Interiors) for our work on Aspire Airport Lounges Luton Airport!



Classy, Sassy, and a bit Kick-Assy!


When a brief comes our way to design something with true SASS, we get really excited. We’re always on top of new and emerging trends, and consistently work with our suppliers to ensure each project is synonymous with the brand. .  



Commercial Project Spotlight: St Nicholas House


DV8 commercial were appointed to look at redesigning the communal areas, drawing inspiration from the iconic St Nicholas Church...



The Horse and Farrier, Manchester Completion


DV8 are delighted to see our clients reopen their doors once more after a year of uncertainty. Handed over recently, was the Horse & Farrier in Gatley, Manchester. A renowned pub for Hydes Brewery, the pub has now benefitted from a makeover with a transformation of both interior and exterior space.  



The Spread Eagle, Mellor Completion


It was a pleasure to hand over the family owned, countryside pub and kitchen, The Spread Eagle at Mellor, Blackburn recently.  



All The Fun of the Seaside – Southport Market


Working alongside Sefton Council, DV8 Designs team have been key in helping to transform and reimagine this prime asset as an enabler to help reinvigorate and regenerate the town. Southport Market opened in 1857. The current building is the second version of the design and retains its classic Victoria form.



The Office of the Future


We are no strangers to evolving workspaces, having designed and created flexible working environments for commercial clients over the last 5 years – throughout the UK.



Commercial Project Spotlight: Southport Market


This year we’ve been working alongside Sefton Council to transform the historical Southport Market in the popular North West seaside town. We’re pleased to say that progress is coming along nicely, with new extraction and ventilation delivered and ready for installation over the 11 exciting new food units within the main hall.



DV8 Mark 15 Years in Business in 2021


This year we are proud to be marking 15 years in business, celebrating our anniversary earlier in the year. It also marked the beginning of a cultural reawakening, as we began to emerge from a year of lockdowns and restrictions throughout a global pandemic.



The Past Few Months at DV8


As we all know it's been a difficult time over the past few months, but we’re back into the full swing of designing and project managing here at DV8!

We’ve had various site completions since being back including the second refurbishment for Swissport at Luton Aspire Lounge; which opened its doors last week. and we're very proud to say it has received excellent reviews! We aimed to push the design further whilst still relating to the original brand identity we created at Edinburgh. Head over to our Instagram to see more photos of the completed site!



Winners of Bar & Leisure Interiors: Project of the year!


We are unbelievably proud to announce that we are the Mixology North 2019 winners of Project of the Year: Bar & Leisure Interiors with the Liverpool Gin Distillery!What an amazing night for our team with our first win under our belt. It was a great way to begin the festive season and it felt extra …



We’re finalists!


Our concept and completed design for The Liverpool Gin Distillery has been shortlisted for Restaurant & Bar Design at this years Northern Design Awards. We all absolutely loved working on this project and it makes us so happy that our hard work has been recognised! DV8 Designs have also been shortlisted for Commercial Interior Design …



Release The Quacken!


It’s that time of year again… Our entry for Birchwood Park ‘s annual Duck Dash is ready to go – We would like to introduce you all to ‘Release The Quacken’. Occupiers are challenged to get creative with a yellow plastic duck to compete for best dressed, but all entries also have to make it …



DV8 Designs take on ‘It’s a Knockout’…Round two!


It’s a knockout returned to Birchwood Park this week just as the summer finally arrived and Team DV8 were ready for battle. Teaming up with site owners Patrizia, we took on slippery inflatable slides, wet sponge catapults, banana fancy dress and more! While we may not have won (this time) we all had a fantastic …



Opening Soon… The Jolly Sailor


It’s not long to go until the grand opening of our latest pub renovation, The Jolly Sailor. Built in 1895, the landmark pub has undergone a full interior refurbishment and external adaptions to the side and rear elevations including a new Orangery extension with two new feature roof lights. The Jolly Sailor will be our …



DV8 Designs take on The Great Manchester Run!


In May our MD Lee Birchall along with two of our designers Lizzi and Dominic took on The Great Manchester Run. They each ran 10K through Manchester city centre in to raise money for our chosen charity – Hospitality Action – a charity for the hospitality industry, supporting current or past employees who have fallen …



The Black Bull, Howarth


We have recently completed The Black Bull in Howarth, a quaint little village pub steeped in history. Working with EI Group and WHB Construction, we refurbished the existing site, introducing new colours, fabrics, furniture and lighting to create an eclectic and homely feel. We focused the bric a brac around the Brontë family. The Brontë sisters …



Liverpool Gin Distillery Time Lapse


From construction to the finished product; Seven Creative Movies have created this exclusive short film that showcases our design at The Liverpool Gin Distillery. Beginning with a site progress time lapse, we can see how the grade II listed building was adapted to suit the new scheme as the space starts to take shape. This …



DV8 Designs Turns 13!


It’s our birthday!   DV8 Designs turns 13 on Saturday the 16th of March, so we will be raising a glass today to our 13 years of growth and success and many more to come …Cheers! Thankyou to TJM Projects for the birthday treats!



The Spitfire Pub & Kitchen, Ainsdale


DV8 Designs have recently completed The Spitfire Pub & Kitchen, Ainsdale. We were appointed by EI Group to refurbish an existing site in Ainsdale into a family friendly pub which has been re-branded as The Spitfire Pub & Kitchen in a nod to the significance of the aircraft’s World War II past at nearby RAF …



Premier Hospitality Magazine


Check out the latest edition of Premier Hospitality Magazine to see our feature on our fourth completed Castle Street project – Liverpool Gin Distillery. We discuss the structural challenges of redesigning an existing and listed building and also our love for the city of Liverpool! Read the full article in the link below…  http://online.fliphtml5.com/xahs/cqfr/index.html …    …



The Cunard Building, Liverpool


DV8 Designs were commissioned in early 2018 to redesign the reception and lobby area for the prestigious Grade II* listed Cunard Building, one of Liverpool’s Three Graces which create the well-loved waterfront skyline. Working alongside Liverpool Council and appointed conservation officers, our brief was to design a new reception counter and soft seating area that …



Warrington Town Football Club match sponsorship!


DV8 Designs are proud to have sponsored Warrington Town Football Club’s match against Grantham Town on Saturday the 26th of January. Our MD Lee Birchall is a proud supporter of Warrington Town FC and so spirits are high this week as The Yellows won the match!  



DV8 Christmas 2018


We started our celebrations in the DV8 offices with Christmas music and our annual Secret Santa exchange.  This year to celebrate we decided to stray away from the traditional sit-down meal and try something a little different! We stayed in the famous Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool and explored the Baltic Triangle, stopping in …



Mixology North 2018


It’s that time of year again! The DV8 ladies put on their best dresses and attended Mixology North for a night of networking and safari-themed fun. We would like to thank Connection, Havwoods, Ted Todd, Office Innovations, Tarkett and Desso for kindly inviting our staff.



Zaranda, West Didsbury


DV8 Designs have recently completed the refurbishment and rebrand of West Didsbury’s latest edition – Zaranda. It is a plush cocktail and music bar with accents of art deco throughout the design. The name Zaranda has African origins and our client was keen to keep a ethnic feel running through the space which we have …



Inspiring the next generation at School Careers Day


Our director Lee Birchall got involved in careers day at his son’s primary school to give the children an insight into what a career in interior design and architecture could look like. Equipped with physical sample boards, plans and visuals – Lee worked with the children and tried to inspire some budding designers and architects …



Havwoods Manchester showroom opening night


Havwoods opened a new showroom in Manchester in September and we were lucky enough to be invited to the launch event. The opening night was a great way to meet other designers and discuss new products as the newly fit-out space gives customers an interactive way to view the diverse range of products that Havwoods …



One Small Step charity walk!


In July the DV8 team and friends completed the annual ‘One Small Step’ 12.5 mile walk organised by Almond Family Pubs to raise money for Prader Willi Syndrome. We managed to raise £375 towards the grand total, which was a massive £11,500! We had the perfect weather for the event and all had an amazing …



Delamere Forest Commando Trail


Three members of the DV8 team took part in the Delamere Commando Trail on Sunday 16th July. The trail covered a mighty 10K distance and is set in the outstanding Delamere Forest Park. The course ran through multi-terrain and varying underfoot conditions. Participants also had to overcome obstacles such as walls to climb over, tunnels to slide …



Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon


On Sunday 28th May, three members of our team completed the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon! Since 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series has made running fun by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams, and creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators. It was a fantastic start to the week for them …



THE HESKETH IS COMPLETE!


We are proud to announce that The Hesketh in Cheadle Hulme is complete and reopened for business! Working alongside The Almond Pub Group, this 1860’s local community pub was in need for a ‘sparkle’ to update its traditionally charming interior. Formally known as ‘The Hesketh Tavern’, this pub and carvery is a functional, family friendly favourite …



Leasowe Castle Hotel appointment


We are proud to announce that we have been appointed to redesign elements within Leasowe Castle Hotel in Moreton. Leasowe Castle is a unique grade II listed, historic hotel overlooking the stunning Wirral coastline and our brief is to refurbish 7 bedrooms, 2 trade areas and the reception area. Bringing the hotel into the 21st Century …



St Rocco’s Hospice Dragon Boat Race


On Sunday 30th July, four members of the DV8 team traded in site jackets for life jackets for the St Rocco’s Hospice Dragon Boat Race at Warrington Boat Club to help raise funds for St Rocco’s Hospice. The event was a great team building opportunity competing against other local teams on the River Mersey. The …



GRAFTERS AWARDS – NORTH WEST


Back in March, we were nominated for not just one, but three categories in The Grafters Awards – North West! Grafters is the only organisation solely dedicated to networking and celebrating the North West Construction Industry. We were nominated for ‘Best Hospitality Interior and Design’, ‘Best Commercial Interior Designer’, and ‘Best Commercial Design’. The winners …

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