The DBA is governed by a President and board of elected directors. Directors are nominated from the DBA's membership and elections take place at the DBA's Annual General Meeting. Directors serve a two-year term and then join the DBA's distinguished alumni. Presided over by the DBA's chairman the agenda is set by the chief executive and the board meet 6-10 times a year as necessity demands.

The DBA strategy is developed by the board of directors and DBA management team. Having been approved by the board, the management team are responsible for implementing the business plan. Members of the DBA management team are recruited for their skills and expertise in specialist areas.

They are supported by a network of Regional Heads of Development across the UK (members approached directly by the DBA management team) who make sure that the DBA's reach is effective throughout the UK.

Chairman Anthony Simonds- Gooding		President Nick Ramshaw Elmwood		Chief Executive Deborah Dawton
Director Helen Blake Absolute Design		Director John Corcoran Wire Design Ltd		Director Will Rowe Rufus Leonard
Director Jim Thompson 20/20		Director Laura Haynes Appetite		Director Rosalyn Scott Dalziel & Pow
Director Jonathan Ford Pearlfisher		Director Keith Forbes Good Creative
Special Advisor to the Board David Kester The Design Council		Special Advisor to the Board Julian Grice The Team		Special Advisor to the Board David Worthington Media Square