A Derby design director has been shortlisted for two major leadership awards recognising more than two decades of outstanding contribution, leadership and mentorship for the long-established interiors business.
Aaron Buchan, Design Director at DSP (Interiors) Ltd, has been named a finalist in both the Company Leader (up to 50 employees) category and Mentor of the Year in the Business Desk Leadership Awards 2026.
Aaron has spent more than 22 years at DSP, having joined the business straight from university. Now Design Director, he oversees all aspects of design, estimating and technical delivery, while playing a central role in client relationships and project success.
Leadership during a period of profound change
In 2024, DSP suffered the devastating loss of its Managing Director, Andy Priestley. With the impact felt deeply across the team, Aaron became a central figure in ensuring the business remained stable and focused, taking on layers of operational responsibility well beyond his original remit while maintaining the high standards.
He worked closely with Louisa Priestley, who became Managing Director and Olivia Priestley, who became Marketing Director, ensuring continuity and stability for DSP during the transition period.
Alongside leading DSP through this transition, Aaron has improved design proposals, enhanced the customer experience and introduced new ways of working, including the use of AI to boost efficiency and creativity.
Award-winning projects
Marketing Director Olivia Priestley said: “Aaron has been the creative backbone of DSP for more than two decades. His leadership over the past year has been nothing short of extraordinary.
“He has supported our team through an incredibly difficult time, upheld the highest professional standards and mentored us with genuine care. He is an exceptional leader, colleague and person.”
Early in his career at DSP, he returned to university part-time while working, earning a first-class honours degree and receiving the Dean’s Prize for Student of the Year – a sign of the drive and ambition colleagues say has defined his contribution ever since.
Since then, Aaron has helped shape DSP’s growth into an award-winning, design-led fit-out specialist, winning UK Interior Fit-Out Project of the Year (Under £1m) on two occasions, for KTM Motorsports HQ and Robinsons Structures Ltd, with further shortlisting’s for SureScreen Diagnostics and AMS Hayley HQ.
Aaron’s Mentor of the Year shortlisting recognises the support he has provided to colleagues during a period of rapid change.
A mentor who leads with patience, clarity and care
Known for his patience and ability to explain the “why” behind decisions, he has helped develop others through hands-on guidance across design principles, procurement, technical delivery and regulations – building confidence as well as capability.
Olivia added: “His leadership extends far beyond technical guidance. Since my dad’s passing, Aaron has taken on a more visible client-facing role, attending site visits, handling client meetings, managing contractor arrangements – all while providing comprehensive support to mum and I.
“On a personal level, Aaron has been the most transformative mentor I could have asked for. While Mum was already an integral part of the business, this world was new to me.
“With genuine enthusiasm – and a lot of patience – Aaron taught me how the business operates. He often goes above and beyond to ensure I fully understand each aspect, sketching diagrams, sending articles and writing guides.
The shortlisting’s recognise not only Aaron’s longstanding service and award-winning track record, but also his resilience and leadership in helping DSP continue to thrive through its most challenging chapter.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony in March.
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