Capital gain for Warwick group

Warwick industrial design consultancy DCA is to open an office in London, headed up by Tom Barker from the Arup Partnership.

Barker set up and expanded a new-product design unit at Arup’s Advanced Technology Group. His arrival at DCA and the London venture signal a significant broadening of DCA’s activities.

Barker’s time at Arup was punctuated by the development of building-related products, several of which are now patented and in production. DCA is hoping for a repeat, with new products developed for manufacture.

The London office will specialise in building and architectural products, architecture and exhibition design.

DCA in Warwick, headed by Mick Groves, will continue to pursue industrial design for clients such as BT, London Underground and Eurotunnel.

Barker says he is keen to maintain his design philosophy built around multidisciplinary teams. “There are many architects, engineers and suppliers with brilliant initial ideas that cannot subsequently be developed within the traditional skills quartet of architect, engineer, quantity surveyor and contractor,” he says.

“DCA will act as an enabling force by providing the resources and expertise to navigate such special projects through the difficulties of product development.”

DCA anticipates working in tandem with external architects, engineers and manufacturers through the new London office.

A DCA spokeswoman says a location for the London office has yet to be finalised. Decisions about staffing for the new office will be taken soon, she adds.