Business Details
13 Years
experience
Award-Winning RIBA Chartered Architects in Dorset
Established in 2013, DMW Architects is an award-winning RIBA Chartered practice based in Dorset, delivering architectural services across the South of England. Founded by Sean Daly, Ryan Martin, and Derek Williams, our team combines extensive experience from prestigious firms like Richard Rogers and John Pardey Architects. We specialise in creating sensitive, sustainable buildings tailored to private, public, and commercial sectors, balancing creative design with practical construction and cost considerations. Our expertise spans project inception to completion, with a focus on historic contexts, conservation areas, and low-impact architecture.We prioritise collaboration with clients and stakeholders, ensuring each project reflects its unique environment and meets functional, aesthetic, and sustainability goals. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates digital and traditional techniques, supported by a team of skilled architects, technologists, and assistants. Recognised for excellence, we have secured planning approvals for complex developments and won industry awards, including the Structural Timber Award. As a practice, we adhere to RIBAs Plan of Work 2020, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget while maintaining environmental responsibility.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Building
Conservation Projects
Urban Planning
Technical Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We are RIBA Chartered architects with a decade of experience delivering award-winning projects.
- Our team includes experts in conservation, urban planning, and sustainable design.
- We specialise in sensitive contexts, including historic buildings and conservation areas.
- We integrate digital and traditional design methods for precise, innovative solutions.
- Our projects adhere to RIBAs Plan of Work 2020 for timely, budget-conscious delivery.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
Services
Architectural Design
We provide comprehensive architectural design services, from concept to completion, tailored to client needs and site contexts. Our approach integrates creativity, functionality, and sustainability, ensuring buildings harmonise with their environment. Expertise spans residential, commercial, and public sectors.
Sustainable Building
Our sustainable building solutions prioritise low-energy design, natural materials, and passive solar principles. We specialise in off-site construction methodologies and renewable technologies, creating durable, environmentally responsible structures that meet modern efficiency standards.
Conservation Projects
We deliver sensitive conservation projects for historic buildings and protected landscapes. Our work balances preservation with modern functionality, adhering to strict guidelines while enhancing usability and longevity for future generations.
Urban Planning
Our urban planning services focus on residential and mixed-use developments, including masterplanning and public realm design. We create cohesive, accessible spaces that address community needs and regulatory requirements within urban contexts.
Technical Consultancy
We offer technical expertise in construction detailing, BIM coordination, and compliance with building regulations. Our team ensures seamless translation of designs into practical, code-compliant solutions for efficient project delivery.
People
Derek Williams
Director
Derek leads urban planning and residential projects, drawing on experience from John Pardey Architects. He co-founded DMW in 2013 and oversees studio operations, driving growth and project delivery.
Ryan Martin
Director
Ryan specialises in leisure, heritage, and residential projects. With a background in landscape design and construction, he brings technical precision and creative vision to DMWs diverse portfolio.
Sean Daly
Director
Sean focuses on public and civic projects, including masterplanning and funerary architecture. He previously worked at Richard Rogers and Western Design, contributing expertise in large-scale schemes.
Mark Senior
Technical Director
Mark leads the technical team, translating concepts into detailed designs. His expertise in construction and compliance ensures high-quality, buildable solutions for DMWs projects.
Megan Mercer
Architectural Assistant
Megan graduated from the Welsh School of Architecture, focusing on social sustainability and community engagement. She contributes to projects across France and Japan with a passion for inclusive design.
Questions
What architectural services do DMW Architects offer?
We provide full architectural services, including design, planning, technical consultancy, and project management for residential, commercial, and public sectors.
Do DMW Architects specialise in sustainable design?
Yes, we prioritise low-energy, low-impact buildings using natural materials and renewable technologies, adhering to sustainability principles across all projects.
Which areas do DMW Architects operate in?
We work across the South of England, with a focus on Dorset and surrounding regions, handling local and national projects.
Can DMW Architects handle conservation and heritage projects?
Yes, we have significant experience in sensitive contexts, including historic buildings and conservation areas, balancing preservation with modern needs.
Reviews (7)
Julian Kinder
Jul 03, 2021
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I approached DMW Architects to provide some initial advice on a loft conversion and wider works to our home. I found Sean and his planning consultant James extremely friendly and professional not to mention helpful in promptly setting up an online call (during lockdown) to explore further our requirements and how they could help, and then following-up with emails to explain further our options. Likeable from the off, my wife and I felt Sean was fully interested and engaged in our project; listened to what we wanted; and then displayed the flair that can be seen from the gallery of images of projects
Laura Bartram
Nov 15, 2020
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I am so glad we found DMWA right at the start of our big home renovation project (even before we bought the house, Sean did us a sketch to show the potential and he brought a planning consultant on board - he went the extra mile and that made such a difference in why we chose to work with him). Sean inspires complete confidence and is calm, professional and full of fantastic ideas and advice. He and his team helped us in so many ways, not only providing the plans and technical work, but also guiding us through the tricky bits of the project and putting us in touch with the most wonderful team of
Tamsin Herbert
Nov 06, 2020
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We worked with Sean from DMW on planning and design for our family house and externals. From day 1 we clicked, and he made the process really enjoyable. He brought a vision that we couldnt have imagined ourselves, and then we continued to work collaboratively with him and the fabulous builders he recommended (Howarth) to make the absolute most of the space, and to make it work perfectly for us as a family. Due to some minor alterations to plans with our garden, despite moving into the house 2 years ago we have remained in contact with Sean and he has continued to advise us and help push through
Simon Portwood
Dec 23, 2019
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DMWA were recommended to me as an innovative & energetic firm of architects. They certainly lived up to their billing and delivered a new build design that successfully negotiated the minefield of the planning process! I found the whole team to be professional and very personable and very supportive as they patiently led me through the labyrinth of the planning process. They were very reasonably priced too. I heartily recommend them to any prospective client
Edd Gorvin
May 17, 2018
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I have worked with DMWA and the directors for several years over several projects. Their designs, around our discussed requirements, are always innovative and fitting to the brief. Beyond initial design, the guys have been keen to see progression of their projects and offer assistance where required.
Jonathan Stretch
May 07, 2018
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Douch Family Funeral Directors have been using Sean Daly and his team from DMWA for several projects and to date they have captivated our requirements above and beyond our expectations. If you are looking for an architects practice that thinks outside the box, from design to build then this is the Company for you. (If required, they will even choose your furniture and fittings for you!).
Nick Douch
Jan 06, 2018
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Our company has been working with mostly Sean & Mark for just over 18 months and we have been very impressed with what they have created for us so far. They are very creative with their ideas, professional, but above all, provide great value. They don't just provide drawings & designs. They will advise you on planning, building regulations, even recommending the right builder for your project. I have also used them for my own property and would have no hesitation in recommending them to friends and family.
