More than just a workspace
A creative space where we educate, mentor and up-skill through innovative technology.
A community space through flexible desk rentals, meeting rooms for creatives.
An open access maker facility where we help to prepare the next generation of creative professionals for the future economy.
Our Team
David Kirkland FRSA RIBA
Founder and Architect
David is principal architect at the award winning Kirkland Fraser Moor Architects and specialises in education, regenerative design, and innovation. Prior to D-Lab, David worked alongside Sir Nicholas Grimshaw where he developed a passion for creative innovation, D-Lab is a continuation of this agenda.
Linda Kirkland
Operations & Community Engagement Director
Linda leads our operations, partnerships, and business development. With extensive experience in the charity sector, Linda thrives on building relationships with institutions & businesses. A real people person in every sense. If there is an event happening at D-lab, Linda will normally have had some involvement in making it happen.
Basia Swierc
Head of Architecture Programme/Curriculum Delivery. March, ARB/RIBA Part 3 Architect
With 10-year experience in the industry, Basia is passionate about empowering younger generations towards designing regenerative and inclusive architecture. Her past and present collaborations include RIBA, Scale Rule and Open City (Architecture in Schools).
Bora Ali Akturk
Technical Support
Currently undertaking a year out working with D-lab, before entering higher education to study Architecture. He is learning all aspects of the design process from software design to advance model making – with some great models to show for it. Currently runs our popular Virtual Reality club.
Valeria Armendáriz
Architectural Mentor & curriculum delivery
AA Diploma March ARB/RIBA Part 2 Architect
Valeria grew up in Mexico and studied in London at the Architectural Association. She is passionate about designing towards an adaptive architecture that can change our relationship to the land we buiild on and with each other.
Dacorum Business Heroes of the Year 2019
Dacorum Skills Hero Award 2019
BDCC Business of the Year 2018
Mentor Team
D-Lab is supported by a nationwide network of mentors who can help you develop your ideas, business, or creative talent.
Peter Holdcroft - Product Design
Colin Hunter - Design Thinking
David Kirkland - Architecture
Kenneth Fraser - Architecture
Hugo Hardy - Architecture
Nicola Few - Architecture
Ian Gunter - Interior Design
Sunil Pawar - Graphic Design
Martin Evening - Photography
Ed Fish - Creative Technology
Mike Macdonald - Photography
Glen Travis - Film Making
Ben Sladden - Business Startup
Martin Warner - Business Startup
Dudley Moor-Radford - Business Startup
John McKenna - Writing to Win Business
Mark Kitson - Marketing
Mike James - Performance Coaching
Anwen Hooson - PR + Writing
Matt Charman - Screen Writing + Film Production