Business Details
Architectural Design Guildford
Weyside Architects is a design-led practice specialising in residential, education, and heritage projects. Our directors bring decades of combined experience, with Heather Shepherd qualified since 2001, James Donlon since 2005, and Heather Sheridan since 2008. We prioritise conservation principles, working sensitively with historic buildings and challenging sites while maintaining RIBA accreditation. Our approach combines technical expertise with client collaboration, ensuring projects meet functional needs and aesthetic aspirations. We have successfully delivered schemes in Conservation Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and listed buildings, balancing modern interventions with contextual harmony.Our team excels in navigating complex planning processes and coordinating multidisciplinary consultants to achieve successful outcomes. With backgrounds at Marcus Beale Architects and Parliaments Heritage team, we blend institutional knowledge with innovative design solutions. We focus on creating humane spaces that respond to user needs across residential, academic, and public sectors. Our commitment to sustainability and conservation is evident in projects ranging from private homes to large-scale heritage renewals. Clients benefit from our transparent communication, technical precision, and dedication to delivering buildings that endure both functionally and aesthetically.
Services
Residential Architecture
Education Projects
Conservation Work
Planning Applications
Building Extensions
Details
- Year established: 2025
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years' experience in conservation architecture
- Our team includes RIBA-accredited conservation specialists
- We deliver projects from concept to completion with full client collaboration
- We specialise in challenging planning applications for listed buildings
- Our directors have worked on national heritage projects including Parliament
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- Conservation Architect (RIBA CA)
Services
Residential Architecture
We create bespoke residential solutions that balance modern living requirements with architectural heritage. Our expertise includes extensions, new builds, and conservation projects across Surrey and surrounding areas. We specialise in navigating complex planning constraints while delivering functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to client lifestyles.
Education Projects
Our education architecture focuses on creating inspiring learning environments through school masterplans and facility upgrades. We combine practical spatial planning with innovative design to enhance educational experiences while maintaining compliance with statutory requirements and accessibility standards.
Conservation Work
We specialise in preserving historic buildings through sensitive restoration and adaptive reuse strategies. Our RIBA-accredited conservation architects work with planners and heritage bodies to secure permissions for listed buildings and structures in protected areas.
Planning Applications
We guide clients through the planning process for challenging sites including Conservation Areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our team prepares detailed submissions and negotiates with local authorities to achieve successful outcomes for residential and commercial developments.
Building Extensions
We design and deliver functional extensions that enhance property value and usability. Our approach considers both immediate needs and long-term adaptability, creating seamless transitions between existing structures and new interventions while maintaining contextual harmony.
People
Heather Shepherd
Director
RIBA chartered architect with 20+ years' experience in residential and education projects. Specialises in historic building conservation and complex planning applications. Holds a Cambridge architecture degree and conservation diploma.
James Donlon
Director
RIBA chartered architect specialising in sustainable residential and institutional projects. Former associate at Marcus Beale Architects with expertise in London regeneration schemes. Holds architectural degrees from Sheffield and UCL.
Heather Sheridan
Director
RIBA Conservation Architect with experience in listed buildings and public heritage projects. Formerly worked on Houses of Parliament restoration. Specialises in collaborative design approaches for sensitive architectural interventions.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in residential architecture, education projects, and conservation work. Our expertise includes new builds, extensions, listed building renovations, and school masterplans across Surrey and the South East.
Can you help with planning applications for listed buildings?
Yes, our RIBA-accredited conservation architects have extensive experience securing planning permissions for listed buildings and properties in Conservation Areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
How do you approach conservation projects?
We combine historic building analysis with modern design principles to create sympathetic interventions. Our approach maintains architectural integrity while addressing contemporary usage requirements through detailed research and planning.
What areas do you cover?
While based in Guildford, we work across Surrey and the South East. Our experience includes projects in urban, rural, and protected landscapes including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
How involved are directors in projects?
All directors maintain hands-on involvement throughout the design and construction process. Their combined experience ensures continuity from concept development to final project delivery and client satisfaction.
