Architecture That Works for People Everyday
At Dennis Hellyar Architects, we are committed to architecture that provides genuine, practical benefits rather than simply producing buildings that photograph well. Our purpose is to create spaces that function effectively for the people who use them every day: homes that enhance family life, commercial premises that enable organisations to operate more effectively, and housing that supports communities in living and thriving. Based in Barry, South Wales, we are a RIBA Chartered Practice, registered with the Architects Registration Board and accredited as Certified Passive House Designers. We offer the thoroughness of a larger architectural firm alongside the individual attention and personal service our clients appreciate.
Our residential work covers South Wales and the South West, where we assist homeowners with single-storey extensions, complete renovations and one-off new homes. We approach each commission collaboratively and recognise the importance of bringing together a team with a wide range of relevant skills and knowledge. For businesses, housing associations, councils and community organisations, our commercial services encompass projects of different sizes, including award-winning social housing, industrial refurbishment, community facilities and remodelling of public buildings. Having worked across Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, Swansea, Bristol and the wider South West, we understand the need to manage programmes, budgets and the requirements of multiple stakeholders effectively, while ensuring the process remains straightforward for our clients.
Served areas
- Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Swansea, Bristol, South Wales, South West
Business 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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From developing the initial concept to progressing through construction, we offer clients complete architectural support. The design process is managed by us, while coordination with structural engineers and other consultants is undertaken as required. We also administer the building contract, giving clients the benefit of one trusted point of contact throughout the service.
For homeowners seeking to improve, renovate or create a home, we provide architectural support at the level their project requires. Our services range from early feasibility assessments and planning advice to complete architectural delivery through construction. Drawing on over two decades of experience, we combine straightforward communication, practical solutions and knowledge of local planning requirements.
We provide commercial architecture services for businesses, communities and organisations of all sizes. Our work covers social housing, council projects, private businesses, healthcare, community facilities and light industrial buildings. With over 30 years of commercial architecture experience, we combine rigorous design, practical thinking and sector knowledge to develop effective solutions tailored to each project brief.
Master Planning
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Our feasibility studies and masterplanning work considers how effective placemaking can support the creation of successful neighbourhoods and communities. Sustainability is fundamental to the way we approach our projects. Sites should be inherently sustainable, with convenient access to local amenities, strong emphasis on active travel, and strategic management of waste forming key considerations.
Conservation and Listed Building Consents
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We provide architectural services on Listed Buildings and in Conservation areas
Certified Passivhaus Designers
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We use Certified Passivhaus Design principles to develop highly energy-efficient, comfortable and sustainable buildings. From the initial design stages, our approach considers orientation, solar gain, insulation, airtightness, thermal bridging, high-performance windows and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. Specialist Passivhaus design and energy modelling tools enable us to evaluate and refine performance as the design progresses.
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
Callum joined us six years ago, as a new graduate with a first-class degree in Architectural Technology. He is currently working towards chartered status. Callum has working experience in design principles, building systems, construction detailing, design technology and project management.
Martin Coles
Architectural Assistant
With over 25 years of architectural experience, Martin has worked on a broad range of projects from individual homes to large-scale mixed-use developments, education, commercial, residential and leisure. Martin specialises in the design and delivery of residential schemes.
Reviews (9)
Diana Johnson
Jul 18, 2026
Alwyn Lloyd
May 22, 2026
Jack Crook
May 22, 2026
Steve Martin
May 18, 2026
Nathan Jones
May 16, 2026
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
Elizabeth Treasure
Apr 23, 2026
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!
G. Batte
Nov 04, 2025
Dennis was very helpful, his attention to detail was impressive and experience showed in his knowledge for the work that needed compliant designs for.
The architectural drawings supplied, showed so much detail in many ways.
I would highly recommend Dennis Hellyar Architects for all architectural designs required.
The architectural drawings supplied, showed so much detail in many ways.
I would highly recommend Dennis Hellyar Architects for all architectural designs required.
Ashley Rees
Jun 26, 2025
Dennis Hellyar Architects have delivered multiple successful projects for our Association. Their team is creative, detail oriented, and easy to work with. Every project has been completed to a high standard, on time, and with clear communication throughout. A trusted and valued partner were always happy to recommend.