As a practice, we believe the value of good architecture is measured by how successfully it serves people in everyday life. Rather than concentrating solely on appearance, we seek to produce spaces that function well for their users, whether that means homes that improve the way families live, commercial buildings that support organisations in their work, or housing that enables communities to live and thrive. Dennis Hellyar Architects is based in Barry, South Wales, and operates as a RIBA Chartered Practice, with registration with the Architects Registration Board and accreditation as Certified Passive House Designers. We bring together the rigour of a larger firm and the personal service that our clients value, working across Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, Swansea, Bristol and the wider South West.
Our residential architecture service assists homeowners with projects ranging from straightforward single-storey extensions to full renovations and one-off new builds. We give every commission the same careful attention and expertise, working collaboratively and recognising the value of a team with a broad base of skills and knowledge. For commercial commissions, we work with businesses, housing associations, councils and community organisations on projects of all sizes. Our experience includes award-winning social housing, industrial refurbishments, community facilities and the remodelling of public buildings. We appreciate the demands involved in coordinating projects with programme and budget requirements, as well as the expectations of multiple stakeholders, and we work to make the process straightforward for our clients.
Our residential architecture service assists homeowners with projects ranging from straightforward single-storey extensions to full renovations and one-off new builds. We give every commission the same careful attention and expertise, working collaboratively and recognising the value of a team with a broad base of skills and knowledge. For commercial commissions, we work with businesses, housing associations, councils and community organisations on projects of all sizes. Our experience includes award-winning social housing, industrial refurbishments, community facilities and the remodelling of public buildings. We appreciate the demands involved in coordinating projects with programme and budget requirements, as well as the expectations of multiple stakeholders, and we work to make the process straightforward for our clients.
Served areas
- Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Swansea, Bristol, South Wales, South West
Details
- Year established: 2013
- Employees: 4
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- Best Social Housing Award Building Excellence Awards 2020, Vale of Glamorgan Council
- Formerly, Sustainablity awards in Education and Health projects (BREEAM)
- Formerly, RICS Award Winner for Loudoun Square
- Certified Passive House Designers
- Sustainability at the core of our design thinking and material choices
- The design quality and process discipline of a larger practice
- The attention to detail, personal service and cost-effectiveness of a specialist boutique studio
- Creativity at all stages - Planning, Technical, Construction and Handover
- Guidance through Planning permission, design development and construction support
- Local Knowledge That Makes a Difference
- Collaborative Approach to Design
- Reputation for Responsive, clear communication and quick turnaround on queries and changes
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
- ARB Registered
- Certified Passive House Designer
Payment methods
- Cash
- Checks
- Bank transfers
Services
Architectural Services
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Our full architectural service takes clients from their initial concept through to construction, providing complete support throughout the process. We oversee the design, liaise with structural engineers and other consultants, and administer the building contract. By managing these elements, we provide a single trusted point of contact for the duration of the project.
We support residential projects from the first discussion to the completed building, whether the requirement is an extension, renovation or new home. Our approach involves assessing what is possible, developing suitable designs and preparing the necessary planning information. As an experienced RIBA Chartered Practice, we provide professional, practical guidance throughout the stages required for each project.
Our commercial architecture service supports clients from initial feasibility through to construction, with the level of involvement adapted to each project. We advise on achievable options, prepare planning submissions, develop detailed designs and administer building contracts where required. As a RIBA Chartered Practice, we bring extensive experience across social housing, offices, healthcare, community and industrial projects.
Master Planning
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We provide feasibility studies and masterplanning that address placemaking and the creation of neighbourhoods and communities. Sustainability sits at the heart of our project approach. In developing sites, we seek to ensure inherent sustainability, easy access to local amenities, an emphasis on active travel, and the strategic management of waste are all properly considered.
Conservation and Listed Building Consents
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Certified Passivhaus Designers
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Certified Passivhaus Design forms part of our approach to creating low-energy buildings that are attractive, practical and economical to operate. We integrate key Passivhaus considerations at an early stage, including orientation, solar gain, insulation, airtightness, thermal bridging, high-performance windows and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. Our specialist modelling tools allow building performance to be assessed throughout design.
People
Dennis Hellyar
Principal Architect
Dennis brings over 30 years of post-qualification architectural experience to the practice working largely across a broad range of sectors throughout the UK, including education, commercial, residential, healthcare and mixed-
Use regeneration projects.
He is experienced with regard to Client liaison, concept development, brief development and driving projects from inception and feasibility stage, through to detailed design stage and eventually to completion.
He designed the first BREEAM Excellent Further Education facility in the UK and the first BREEAM Excellent Healthcare Centre in Wales.
Dennis was nominated by Portsmouth School of Architecture for the RIBA Bronze Medal and led the winning entry for the RIBA ideas competition to regenerate Hereford Buttermarket, March 2011.
Use regeneration projects.
He is experienced with regard to Client liaison, concept development, brief development and driving projects from inception and feasibility stage, through to detailed design stage and eventually to completion.
He designed the first BREEAM Excellent Further Education facility in the UK and the first BREEAM Excellent Healthcare Centre in Wales.
Dennis was nominated by Portsmouth School of Architecture for the RIBA Bronze Medal and led the winning entry for the RIBA ideas competition to regenerate Hereford Buttermarket, March 2011.
Jesus Ramos Munoz
Senior Architect
A licensed architect in the UK and Spain, Chuso has extended our 3D modelling capabilities by drawing on the latest in design technology. He has expertise in design principles paired with experience managing information systems across residential and commercial projects
Chuso is also a Certified Passivhaus Designer
Chuso is also a Certified Passivhaus Designer
Callum Richards
Architectural Technician
Martin Coles
Architectural Assistant
Reviews (9)
Diana Johnson
Jul 18, 2026
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Ken Briggs
Jun 29, 2026
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I invited David Hellyar to my come to my home to discuss an appointment for an extension to the property. David is very professional and has significant knowledge in his field, I knew almost immediately that this would be a good fit. From my initial brief and hand sketches, his practice developed drawings, with one or two iterations at my request, and provided a package for a planning application. David made the application on my behalf along with the necessary building control requirements. I also, as an addition, asked David to source and co-ordinate with a Structural Engineer so as to provide the structural calculations for Building Control approval. I chose this route in preference to an appointed builder carrying out calculations. Planning was approved without any issues. The package provided by David was clear and concise and allowed the builder to construct without any problems. I can therefore recommend David as a thoroughly reliable and trustworthy Architect.
Alan Salisbury
May 19, 2026
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We are delighted to be able to leave a 5 star review with regard to the design work Dennis Hellyar and his team recently completed for us. Dennis with his knowledge and expertise was able to creatively provide us with a variety of options to re-configure and maximise space within our planned extension. We could never have imagined the possibilities without his input. In particular he listened intently and was sensitive to our preliminary and emerging ideas. His advice was clear and always with our interests in mind.
We thoroughly recommend him without reservation.
Alan and Jane Salisbury
We thoroughly recommend him without reservation.
Alan and Jane Salisbury
Steve Martin
May 18, 2026
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Nathan Jones
May 16, 2026
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Weve had a brilliant experience working with Dennis and the team at Dennis Hellyar Architects. The visuals they created were incredibly impressive and really brought our ideas to life. Dennis has been supportive, approachable and generous with his advice throughout the process, and its clear he genuinely cares about achieving the best outcome for his clients.
A special mention as well to Jesus and Callum both were fantastic to deal with, professional, friendly and clearly very talented. Their input made the whole experience even smoother.
Were very grateful for all the work so far and would happily recommend the whole team to anyone looking for a reliable, creative and clientfocused architectural practice. Lynne & Nathan
A special mention as well to Jesus and Callum both were fantastic to deal with, professional, friendly and clearly very talented. Their input made the whole experience even smoother.
Were very grateful for all the work so far and would happily recommend the whole team to anyone looking for a reliable, creative and clientfocused architectural practice. Lynne & Nathan
Mrs. C.
May 16, 2026
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Elizabeth Treasure
Apr 23, 2026
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Dennis Hellyar Architects have provided me with outstanding service through a house renovation and extension. They worked through several iterations of the design and then obtained planning permission, the contract and have been very supportive during the post contract phase. The work is almost finished and I am delighted with the result. I have never done anything like this before and I could not have done it without them. Thank you!
Camila Penazzo
Apr 20, 2026
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We had a great experience with this Dennis and Jesus for our measured survey. They were highly responsive, punctual, and very efficient with the turnaround. Beyond the core service, they were also incredibly helpful in suggesting other professionals to support us through the wider process. Would definitely recommend.
Robert Chapman
Feb 18, 2026
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Excellent service by the design team on our current project in Bridgend.
Our client changed their minds on the extension we are building from a warehouse into manufacturing facility. Following our DTM meetings DHA revised the drawings in no time not for it to affect our build programme and excellent communication throughout.
Hopefully we'll work together again in the future and I would highly recommend them.
Our client changed their minds on the extension we are building from a warehouse into manufacturing facility. Following our DTM meetings DHA revised the drawings in no time not for it to affect our build programme and excellent communication throughout.
Hopefully we'll work together again in the future and I would highly recommend them.