Co-founder of architecture firm joins BBC’s DIY SOS cast

The co-founder of architecture firm Worcester Lloyd has joined the cast of the BBC’s DIY SOS.

RIBA chartered architect Marissa Worcester and co-founder of the Friar Gate-based practice has been selected to assist the television show’s team on an ongoing basis.

As part of the new partnership, the team at Worcester Lloyd will also 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.

Marissa, who owns Worcester Lloyd with her business partner Dean Lloyd, impressed DIY SOS designers Gordon Whistance and Gabrielle Blackman during a video call. Within weeks, she was on-site in Glasgow.

She said: “We are certainly used to working to tight deadlines and this project was no different.

“We really enjoyed making on the spot decisions, centred 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 said: “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 2 September as the DIY SOS team prepares for the Children in Need Big Build 2025.

She said: “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 has a 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.

Its recent projects include designs for a new sports and community hall in Hilton.

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.”