About Us
The Design Partnership (Ely) Ltd is a multidisciplinary firm of designers, quantity surveyors, project managers, and architectural technicians based in Cambridgeshire. Since our founding in 2002, we have built a strong reputation for delivering innovative, cost-effective housing solutions. Specialising in the affordable housing sector across the Eastern region, we are committed to creating sustainable, high-quality developments.
Our Services
Our experienced quantity surveyors are able to offer clients professional advice and provide a full range of management services across all contractual and financial aspects of a project:
Pre-contract Budget Estimates and Cost Planning
Option Appraisals
Feasibility Studies
Procurement Advice
VAT Advice
Grant Application Co-ordination
Preparation of Tender Documents
Tender Procurement and Advice
Contract Negotiations
Partnering Negotiations
Contract and Legal Documentation Preparation
Valuations
Open Book Accounting
Cost Monitoring
Post Contract Administration
Contract Claims
Final Accounts
Our Team
Directors
Paul Dunthorne
Dip.Bldg.Cons (RICS)
Kim Brown
BSc (Hons) MRICS
Tony Welland
MaPS
Architectural
Technicians
Paul Dunthorne
Dip.Bldg.Cons (RICS)
Christopher Back
BA (Hons)
ACIAT
Beth Elmore
Level 4 HNC in Construction
ACIAT
Nick Mitchell
Level 4 HNC in Construction
Ellie Clarke
Level 4 HNC in Construction
Quantity
Surveyors
Kim Brown
BSc (Hons) MRICS
Ben Mitchell
BSc (Hons)
Carter Smith
Undertaking BSc (Hons)
Mark O'Brien
Undertaking BSc (Hons)
Project Managers
Tony Welland
MaPs
Daniel Rose
ACABE, MICWCI
Steve Hinson
BA (Hons)
Office
Administrators
Chelsea Balls
Level 3 Diploma in Business Admin
Sarah Matthews
Level 2 NVQ in Administration
Level 3 NVQ in Customer Service
Natalie Santos
Level 3 NCFE in Business Admin
Our Sectors
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Affordable Housing
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Change of Use
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Conservation Area
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Historic Building Alteration
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Hostels
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Listed Building Consent Applications
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Mixed-Use Development
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Move-on Accommodation
-
Offices
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Sheltered Accommodation
-
Sports Facilities
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Vicarages and Parsonage Houses
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Village Halls
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Wheelchair Accessible Housing
-
Workshops
Our Awards & Accreditations
Regulated
By RICS
Our quantity surveying team are regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors meaning that they follow professional, ethical, and technical standards set by RICS to ensure high-quality service, integrity, and accountability construction industry.
Constructionline
Bronze Member
We hold a bronze level Constructionline certificate meaning we are certified in following basic industry, legal, and financial standards.
It is an effective pre-qualification method to simplify the tendering process.
We renew our membership with Constructionline annually and undergo an annual audit of our practices.
EXOR
Approved
We are an EXOR approved practice. EXOR assesses our competencies in how we demonstrate our credibility, compliance, and quality assurance.
EXOR accreditation also measures our ability to meet strict health & safety, financial stability, and regulatory compliance requirements. Our EXOR membership is renewed and audited annually.
ISO 9001
& 14001
We are currently in the process of undertaking the accreditation audit in order to achieve ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
ISO 9001 is a recognised standard for quality management systems. It will certify that we follow structured processes and meet regulatory requirements.
ISO 14001 is a recognised standard for environmental management systems. It will certify our reduction in environmental impact and compliance with regulations.
Elmhurst Energy
Approved
We provide expert guidance on regulatory compliance and sustainable design, ensuring that buildings meet the latest energy performance requirements.
We help clients by creating cost-effective and environmentally responsible housing solutions.
View our SAP Assessors.
Registered With
Achilles
Our Achilles Silver Plus Accreditation certifies that we meet high standards in quality, compliance, and sustainability.
LABC
Awards
In 2018, we received an LABC award for our project of fifteen affordable dwellings at Fowlmere Road, Foxton. Click here to read more.
In 2019, we received an LABC Regional Finalist award for our housing project in Hartwell Way, Westwood, Peterborough.
Click here to read more.
In 2021, we received an LABC Regional Finalist award for our housing development at The Birdlings, Comberton, Cambridge. Click here to read more.
Mental Health
First Aiders
We have trained individuals to Level 3 mental health standards who are able provide initial support to people experiencing mental health issues or crisis situations while creating a supportive workplace environment for the team.
Our Commitments
We actively support charitable initiatives and community causes that align with our values.
The Lighthouse
Charity
The Lighthouse Charity is dedicated to the wellbeing of construction workers and their families.
Our contribution helps to fund essential services such as the 24/7 helpline, mental health training, and financial aid for workers facing hardship.
Supporting the Lighthouse Charity aligns with our commitment to promoting a safer and healthier construction community and also assists in providing our team with worthwhile CPD training in mental health based topics through their CPD programme.
Work
Experience
We offer work experience placements for local school children interested in the construction industry. These opportunities provide hands-on learning, allowing students to gain valuable insight into the field, develop practical skills, and experience real-world projects alongside our experienced team
Chatteris Town FC
Under-13s Whites
We have sponsored our local under-13s football club by providing training jackets to keep the players warm and comfortable during the cold season. We believe in investing in the next generation. We think they look great in their new jackets!
Save the Children
Christmas Jumper Day
Annually, we take part in Christmas Jumper Day to support Save the Children, an initiative that helps to make a difference to the lives of children in need. Our team come together dressed in festive jumpers to raise funds and awareness for this cause. This annual tradition is more than just a fun day; it reflects our commitment to social responsibility and our dedication to creating positive change. By participating we aim to spread joy, encourage generosity, and contribute to a brighter future for children around the world.
Midsummer Festival
Chatteris Town Council
Each year we support our local Midsummer Festival by sponsoring the Colour Fun Run! Seeing participants dash around the field, laughing and covered in vibrant powdered paint embodies the festival’s joyful spirit. The festival is one of our towns favourite annual events that supports the local community by bringing everyone together to raise money for a worthwhile cause.
Cancer
Research
