Derby Design Talent to Join DIY SOS Dream Team
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 22 August 2025
UPDATED: 27 August 2025
One of Derby’s top design talents has swapped their studio for the small screen, joining the cast of BBC’s DIY SOS to help transform lives in one of the show’s most ambitious builds yet.
RIBA Chartered Architect, Marissa Worcester, and co-founder of Friar Gate based practice, Worcester Lloyd has been selected to assist the team on the popular TV show on an ongoing basis.
As part of this new partnership, the team at Worcester Lloyd will also up-tools to work on this year’s Children in Need Big Build, which is due to air later this year,
Her invitation to join the team came via a recommendation from Tina Clough, Managing Director of Poppy PR, who previously represented DIY SOS contributor Ian Hodgkinson.
Having worked with Ian for many years on his public relations, Tina put forward Worcester Lloyd as the ideal partner moving forwards.
Marissa, who owns Worcester Lloyd with her business partner Dean Lloyd, impressed DIY SOS designers Gordon Whistance and Gabrielle Blackman during a video call, and was quickly snapped up for Worcester Lloyd's rare combination of architect and structural design expertise.
Within weeks, Marissa was on-site in Glasgow, adapting fast to the show’s famously high-pressure format.
Marissa Worcester said:
“We are certainly used to working to tight deadlines and this project was no different. We really enjoyed making on the spot decisions, centered around the materials donated by so many generous businesses offering a helping hand.
"The Worcester Lloyd team worked really hard to ensure that all designs were compliant, and that the overall design strategy was retained."
Dean Lloyd added:
“Having both disciplines in-house really set us apart. Gabrielle told us how rare it is to find a practice that can manage both design and structural aspects. This gave the team at DIY SOS real confidence in our ability to deliver under pressure.”
Marissa will return to site on 2nd September as the DIY SOS team prepares for its most ambitious challenge of the year: the Children in Need Big Build 2025, a star-studded special that will once again bring communities together to change lives through design.
Marissa added:
"The Children in Need Big Build will be another feather in our cap here at Worcester Lloyd. Each build is a truly humbling experience, especially when you see the lives that you are helping. I can see why Ian and so many others love every minute of their time on site.
"We are unable to share too many details of the build at this stage, but encourage you all to tune in. To have so many contributors from Derby involved is great for our city."
Worcester Lloyd is believed to be one of the only practices in the Midlands and Hertfordshire that combines architects with structural engineering services. Although Dean and Marissa joined forces in May 2024, the duo have over 23 year's worth of combined industry experience. The team also recently opened an office on Wilbury Way, in Hitchin.
The seven-strong team has a growing portfolio spanning residential homes, commercial developments and community buildings, but is also setting its sights on attracting more large-scale bespoke residential and disabled adaptation projects.
Their recent projects include designs for a new sports and community hall in Hilton, South Derbyshire.
Marissa said:
“We’ve always believed that good design can change lives. To play a part in something as meaningful as DIY SOS is a privilege.”
For more information, visit www.worcesterlloyd.com
