A Foundation Built on Experience
Design Plan Associates (DPA) was founded over 26 years ago by architects Janaka Wijesundara and Jeeva Wijesundara, following their extensive professional experience with two of Sri Lanka’s leading private-sector architectural and consultancy consortiums in Colombo.
The establishment of the practice also followed Janaka Wijesundara’s five-year overseas academic engagement for doctoral studies and his professional experience with an architectural consultancy firm in Hamburg, Germany. These early experiences provided a strong foundation that combined design excellence, international exposure, and a deep understanding of the built environment.
Humble Beginnings
Upon returning to Sri Lanka in 1999, the partners established Design Plan Associates as a modest architectural consultancy practice. The firm initially focused on residential and refurbishment projects, primarily outside Colombo.
During its formative years, DPA operated with a compact in-house team, delivering projects through the direct professional involvement and commitment of its founders. This hands-on approach helped establish the firm’s reputation for design quality, reliability, and client-focused service.
Expanding Beyond Architecture
As the practice evolved, both partners continued to engage in professional assignments across the private and public sectors. These opportunities exposed them to large-scale architectural, urban design, planning, and policy-oriented projects.
Their expertise gradually expanded beyond conventional architecture into:
- Urban Design
- Heritage Conservation
- Master Planning
- Urban Management
- Development Planning
- Public Policy & Governance
This multidisciplinary exposure became a defining strength of DPA, enabling the firm to approach projects with a broader strategic perspective while remaining grounded in design excellence.
International Experience & Global Perspectives
Both partners subsequently gained valuable North American professional experience, further strengthening the firm’s capabilities and international outlook.
Janaka Wijesundara served with the City of Toronto and later the Town of Clarington, Canada, as a Senior Urban Designer, contributing to a wide range of urban design, planning, and community development initiatives. Jeeva Wijesundara joined a private architectural consultancy practice in Canada as an Assistant Architect, expanding her expertise in professional practice, technical design, and project delivery.
These international experiences enriched DPA’s understanding of contemporary planning systems, sustainable development, urban governance, and design management.
Growth & Diversification
Following their return to Sri Lanka, the scope of Design Plan Associates expanded significantly. What began as a small architectural practice evolved into a multidisciplinary consultancy undertaking projects across a wide range of sectors. Today, the firm’s portfolio includes:
- Residential Architecture
- Institutional Buildings
- Commercial Developments
- Hospitality & Leisure
- Recreational Facilities
- Urban Design Projects
- Master Planning & Development Frameworks
- Heritage Conservation & Adaptive Reuse
DPA continues to maintain its commitment to thoughtful residential architecture while delivering projects of national and regional significance.
Recognition & Professional Impact
Over the years, Design Plan Associates has contributed to numerous landmark projects and major private-sector developments throughout Sri Lanka. The practice has also provided advisory and consultancy services to several public-sector organizations and government agencies.
The firm’s work has been recognised through multiple awards and commendations from the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects and various international award selection bodies, reflecting its commitment to design quality, innovation, and professional excellence.
Today Designing Places, Shaping Communities
Today, Design Plan Associates stands as one of Sri Lanka’s respected multidisciplinary consultancy firms, working at the intersection of architecture, heritage conservation, urban design, planning, and place-making.
Drawing upon decades of professional experience, international exposure, and a deep understanding of local contexts, DPA continues to create meaningful environments that respond to people, culture, history, and place.
