Our leadership team
With experience across workspace, retail, and hospitality, our collaborative leadership team have been creating exceptional interiors together for decades.
Darren Hill
CEO
Darren Hill
CEO
Over 40 years ago, I started my career as a joinery apprentice on the bench. Since then, I’ve held positions such as CEO and Managing Director for some of the UK’s leading contractors and transformed interiors for household names.
Bio
I founded DBSJ with my colleagues to provide customers with a truly integrated fit-out solution, develop the next generation of industry leaders and create new employment opportunities in Kent. I am passionate about understanding our customers’ business goals and providing a proactive, transparent and collaborative service that always has their best interests at heart. My experience comprises luxury and high street retail, hospitality and workspace across the UK and Europe and includes roll-out programmes for all of the UK’s leading high street banks and supermarkets. As an experienced business leader in the fit-out industry, I’m proud to have led the integration of Cathedral Contracts into ISG to form Europe’s largest retail and hospitality-focused business, recognised through awards from Retail Week and The National Association of Shopfitters. I have also been honoured to have received industry accolades such as the Most Innovative Businessman award from M&A International and supplier excellence awards from RBS.
Laurence Hill
Operations Director
Laurence Hill
Operations Director
My journey in fit-out began with a bench joiner apprenticeship at 16. Climbing the ranks from the workshop to senior leadership, I've honed an eye for detail and gained a comprehensive understanding of the industry. This blend of hands-on skills and managerial experience shapes my approach to every project.
Bio
Drawing from over 15 years of industry experience, I oversee and manage our fit-out projects here at DBSJ. From the initial stages of pre-construction to customer relations, operational efficiency, design, and tender processes, I ensure every aspect is seamlessly managed. Driven by a commitment to excellence and a focus on delivering results that exceed expectations, I approach each project with dedication and professionalism, ensuring our customers receive top-quality service every step of the way. The key to a successful high-quality fit-out is thorough planning in the project’s initial stages. Clear communication with customers about their expectations ensures satisfaction upon project completion. I am passionate about delivering projects to the highest standards, ensuring timely, safe, and well-organised execution.
Joe Pearson
Account Director
Joe Pearson
Account Director
As a founding director of DBSJ, I am passionate about creating value for our customers and providing a truly integrated fit-out solution. I am commercially responsible for our projects and customer relationships and believe communication and partnerships are the key to success.
Bio
Like many of my colleagues, I started my career as an apprentice for a leading fit-out contractor. Having studied as a trainee estimator, I took the opportunity to develop into a project quantity surveyor, gaining a rounded experience and client-side perspective. Today, I use my quantity surveying and estimating skills to create exceptional interiors for our customers by understanding their vision and ensuring they get the best value within their budget. I price new opportunities, commercially manage live projects, negotiate contract terms and review procurement strategies. Partnerships are vital in my role, with our supply chain and customers. I have nurtured relationships within the industry over the last 15 years and trust our supply chain partners to provide high-quality finishes and speed to market. Together, we’ve transformed interiors across the retail, workspace and hospitality sectors for household names such as Specsavers, IWG, Tim Hortons, Bupa and many more.
Mark Wadsworth
Commercial Lead
Mark Wadsworth
Commercial Lead
With a passion for construction from childhood and 23 years of industry experience, I am focused on providing fit-out solutions that exceed expectations. Ensuring projects are both on budget and aligned with the brief is paramount – all while adhering to our customer's design preferences.
Bio
From a young age, I was drawn to construction, spending time on sites with my father and always building something. My career naturally followed, leading me through demolition, groundworks, new builds, and refurbishments before I found my niche in fit-out projects. At DBSJ, we combine the expertise of a large contractor with the agility to meet our customers’ unique needs. Our in-house, end-to-end design and construction process ensures a seamless project lifecycle. As the Commercial Lead, I oversee project budgets, cost estimation, and cost control. I manage contracts, negotiate terms, and ensure compliance with all contractual obligations. I’m passionate about delivering exceptional value for our customers and leveraging financial acumen to maximise their budgets.
Rebecca Pearson
Head of Creative Services
Rebecca Pearson
Head of Creative Services
With over 12 years of experience in the interior fit-out market, I am passionate about ensuring our business and marketing plans are aligned with our customers’ needs. I’m proud to showcase the exceptional interiors we are creating for our customers.
Bio
As the Head of Creative Services, I am the driving force behind our customer and employer brand, listening to our customers and internal team to shape our marketing and communication strategies. We are passionate about helping our customers achieve their business goals, so my role is to listen and ensure our business plans are aligned with their needs and our marketing plans drive brand awareness, customer acquisition, retention and revenue growth. My key responsibilities include brand development, marketing and communications. To be recognised in 2024’s The Sunday Times Top 100 list and shortlisted for two categories at the Construction News Specialists Awards is an honour that drives us to continue to create exceptional interiors, together.
Tara Bate
Financial Controller
Tara Bate
Financial Controller
I’ve been with DBSJ since 2011 and it’s been quite the journey! I help drive financial stability and growth, ensuring precise accounts, payroll, and invoicing while supporting directors with financial reporting.
Bio
With a robust background in manufacturing, I bring a wealth of experience to my role as Financial Controller at DBSJ. Having been with the company since its inception, I possess an intimate knowledge of our journey and milestones. As a member of the senior leadership team, I play a key role with my colleagues in ensuring DBSJ’s financial stability and success. My responsibilities encompass the management of our accounts, ensuring meticulous payroll processing, and overseeing the invoicing procedures. Additionally, I provide critical financial reporting support to our directors, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning. My commitment to DBSJ goes beyond numbers; I am dedicated to fostering a culture of transparency and efficiency within our financial operations. My deep-rooted connection to the company’s past and unwavering focus on its future drive my passion for contributing to DBSJ’s ongoing success and growth
