Dave Pearson Architects, now known as DPA Architects, was established in 1996 with the intention of specialising in built heritage. That emphasis continues today, with a team now comprising 14 architectural and support staff. The practice has completed a broad range of projects since it was formed, involving churches, museums, art galleries, preschools, rural buildings, educational facilities, residential developments and industrial sites.

DPA Architects has been extensively involved in the Christchurch rebuild since the 2010-2012 Canterbury earthquake sequence and has accumulated considerable knowledge regarding the seismic upgrading of heritage buildings constructed of unreinforced masonry.

The work of DPA Architects has been widely acknowledged through the receipt of a large number of architectural and heritage awards. These have included UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards and National and Local Awards from Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects.