Our Ethos
We are a practice with a deep passion for design, and being small, we pride ourselves on offering a personal, high quality service to all our clients.
We approach the brief of each new project in a creative way to help you get the best results in terms of efficient use of new and existing space, quality design, joyful spaces to inhabit and value for money.
Above all, we are dedicated to designing treasures for everyday use and firmly believe that good design will always add value.
Our Team
Will Lycett
BSc Dip Arch RIBA
Partner
Will is a Chartered Architect with a degree from Bath University and post graduate diploma from Plymouth University. He spent three and a half years in East Africa, with two years as Country Director for an American non profit organisation, designing hospitals and schools. Will has very broad experience and expertise, taking the lead on Community and Church projects. Will has three grown up children, loves the outdoors and is a very keen cyclist.
Martin Hammond
BA(hons) Dip Arch RIBA
Partner
Martin joined DUA Architecture in 2007 after graduating from the University of Westminster with a first class honours degree in Architecture. He subsequently obtained his RIBA Part II Professional Diploma in Architecture and RIBA Part III at London Metropolitan University becoming an RIBA chartered Architect. In 2012, Martin became a partner in DUA. Martin is a keen cyclist, loves coffee, F1 and taking his daughters for a paddle up and down the river.
Ben Rothnie
BA(Hons) MArch RIBA
Architect
An RIBA chartered Architect, Ben first joined DUA Architecture in June 2009 as a year out student. He undertook his first degree at Plymouth University, his Masters degree at the University of Kent in Canterbury, and his RIBA Part III at the University of Bath. Outside of work Ben is a keen cyclist and photographer, and enjoys exploring the New Forest on two wheels or with a camera in hand. Ben also built this website!
Our Studio
In 2014 we relocated our studio to Brearley House on the high street in Highcliffe, redesigning the layout and refitting it ourselves over a number of evenings and weekends. Being very proud of our work (shown freshly completed below), you're very welcome to pay us a visit to discuss your project. We're typically open every weekday between 9:00am and 5:00pm and serve great coffee.
Our History
Our practice has roots in 1988 when David Underhill set up in practice serving the local area, after starting his career in London.
Having previously worked together, Will Lycett joined David as a business partner in 2000. Prior to this, Will worked in East Africa, designing and overseeing construction of community buildings including schools and hospitals for a non-profit organisation.
In 2002 they formed DUA Architecture LLP, continuing to work on a broad spectrum of projects for private residential, community and commercial clients.
Martin Hammond joined the practice in 2007, having graduated with a first class degree in architecture. Gaining experience on a wide range of projects, Martin became a partner in 2012.
Following David’s retirement from the practice in 2019, Will and Martin continue to lead the practice, with a passion for delivering high quality design, irrespective of budget, to the local area.