
Formed in London in 1985, David Chipperfield Architects (DCA) are widely recognised for their award-winning, innovative work across the globe. Since appointing Alex Gilbert as CFO in 2021, the firm has completed a major digital finance transformation. By replacing Sage and Deltek with an integrated solution of AccountsIQ and Rapport3, DCA streamlined operations and achieved faster, more reliable reporting. This case study explores their journey and the measurable benefits of integration.
Before 2021, David Chipperfield Architects relied on Sage for finance and Deltek for project management. This fragmented setup caused inefficiencies and data duplication. Reporting was slow, errors were common, and finance lacked real-time visibility across global projects. As the firm expanded internationally, challenges around multi-currency operations and consolidated financial insights became increasingly urgent.

Under CFO Alex Gilbert’s leadership, DCA implemented AccountsIQ’s Cloud Financial Management Software alongside Rapport3 for project costing and reporting. The two systems were fully integrated from scratch, in a phased rollout: synchronising codes, then automating sales and purchase invoicing as well as purchase orders. The seamless integration eliminated data duplication, streamlined expense handling, and provided complete visibility at both project and company levels. Both systems’ multi-currency capabilities ensured accuracy and transparency for DCA’s international projects.


The integrated AccountsIQ/Rapport3 solution transformed financial operations at DCA. Month-end close became smoother and faster, with finance saving 1–2 days per month through reduced manual duplication. Reporting accuracy improved significantly, enabling timely and data-driven decision-making. Project teams now have access to live dashboards via Power BI, built from Rapport3 data and shared by finance. With full visibility and streamlined processes, the finance function has strengthened forecasting, improved cashflow management, and empowered DCA to continue delivering award-winning projects worldwide.