Commercial Architects Serving South Wales and the South West
Commercial Architects for Businesses, Communities and Organisations
As commercial architects, we work with clients of all sizes to deliver buildings that create value, serve communities and stand the test of time. From social housing and council projects to private businesses and light industrial facilities, we bring the same rigour, creativity and practical thinking to every brief. We are a RIBA chartered practice with over 30 years of commercial architecture experience behind us.
Every commercial project starts with a specific problem to solve. Perhaps your business has outgrown its current space and needs an extension or remodel. You may be a housing association or council looking for trusted commercial architects to deliver homes at scale. Or you might be running a charity, a visitor attraction or a community facility that needs to work harder for the people it serves.
Whatever your brief, our team brings the experience, sector knowledge and straightforward approach to move your project forward with confidence. We combine the design quality and process discipline of a larger practice with the personal service and cost-effectiveness of a specialist studio.
Commercial Projects We Have Delivered
As commercial architects, we have delivered projects ranging from social housing to industrial remodelling across South Wales and the South West. Here is a selection of commercial projects we have completed.
Commercial Projects We Take On
From social housing to healthcare, our commercial architects bring sector knowledge to every project. Here is what we work on:
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Social Housing
new-build developments, regeneration schemes and masterplans for housing associations and councils, from constrained urban sites to large-scale neighbourhood projects.
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Offices
Remodelling and fit-out of existing commercial spaces for modern ways of working, alongside light industrial and manufacturing environments where design quality and functionality go hand in hand.
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Health
Extensions, remodels and new builds for GP surgeries, dental practices and primary care facilities, designed around clinical workflows, regulatory requirements and patient experience.
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Community
Refurbishments and new builds for charities, social enterprises, public organisations, schools, colleges, early years facilities and visitor attractions, where the building serves the people who use it every day.
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Conservation
Sensitive design for listed buildings, heritage assets and properties in conservation areas, balancing the requirements of planning and listed building consent with the needs of the organisations that occupy them.
Award-Winning Commercial Architects
Founded in 2013 after 20 years at large practices, Dennis Hellyar Architects brings the rigour of a bigger firm with the personal service clients value most. We are registered with the Architects Registration Board and hold Certified Passive House Designer accreditation, making us well-placed to advise on energy performance and sustainability across all project types.
From residential extensions in Pontcanna to a £27M social housing regeneration scheme for Cardiff City Council, our track record speaks for itself. Our Cwrt Parc development won the Best Social Housing Award at the Building Excellence Awards 2020.
Our Commercial Architecture Services
We offer a full range of architectural services for commercial clients, from early feasibility through to construction. Here is what we deliver:
Feasibility and Early Advice
Before committing to a project, it is worth understanding what is achievable within your budget, site and planning constraints. We assess your property or site and give you honest, clear guidance so you can make informed decisions at the earliest stage. This is particularly valuable for housing associations, councils and developers working within fixed budgets.
Planning Drawings and Applications
We prepare professional planning drawings and supporting documentation, and manage the submission process on your behalf. Our familiarity with planning authorities across Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Swansea, Bristol and the wider region means we understand what each authority expects and how to present proposals effectively.
Full Architectural Services
For clients who want complete support from brief to building, we offer a full architectural service. We manage the design process, coordinate with structural engineers and specialist consultants, prepare tender packages, and administer the building contract through construction. You have a single, trusted point of contact at every stage.
Remodelling and Refurbishment
Not every commercial project requires a new building. We have significant experience in remodelling and refurbishing existing commercial properties, transforming spaces that are dated, underperforming or no longer fit for purpose into buildings that genuinely work for the people who use them.
How Our Architects Work With You
Our commercial architects understand that commercial projects come with more stakeholders, tighter programmes and greater scrutiny than most residential work. We are used to that. Not every client needs all of these stages. We are equally happy to provide exactly the level of service your project requires.
Step 1: Initial conversation and brief
We take time to understand your organisation, your objectives and your constraints. For commercial clients this often means working through budget parameters, programme requirements and any planning or regulatory considerations at the outset.
Step 2: Feasibility and early advice
We assess the site or existing building, review planning policy and present you with realistic options before any significant design investment is made. This is particularly important for public sector and third-sector clients working within fixed budgets.
Step 3: Design development
Working closely with you and any relevant stakeholders, we develop the design to meet your brief. We use 3D models and visualisations to communicate proposals clearly, making it easier for decision-makers and funders to understand what is being proposed.
Step 4: Planning drawings and submission
We prepare professional planning drawings and manage the submission process, drawing on our knowledge of local planning authorities across South Wales. We also coordinate any specialist reports or consultations required to support the application.
Step 5: Technical design and procurement
Once planning is secured, we produce the detailed technical information needed for building regulations, tender and construction. We coordinate with structural engineers and other consultants throughout.
Step 6: Construction administration
We administer the building contract during construction, carrying out site inspections, managing instructions and certifying payments. Our involvement during construction protects your interests and helps ensure the finished building matches what was designed.
Whether you need support at one stage or across the full process, we can adapt our service to your needs.
Ready to get started? An initial conversation with our architects costs nothing and will give you a much clearer picture of what your project could achieve.
Areas We Cover
Commercial architects serving Cardiff, Swansea, Bristol and the wider South Wales region. Our local knowledge of planning authorities, contractors and site conditions across the region is a genuine asset to every project.
Cardiff
Cardiff is our most active commercial market. We have delivered projects across the city, from Cardiff Bay to the city centre and wider residential and commercial neighbourhoods. We have a strong understanding of Cardiff Council's planning policies and the specific requirements that apply to commercial development, conservation areas and regeneration zones.
Vale of Glamorgan
With our studio in Barry, we know the Vale of Glamorgan exceptionally well. We have delivered commercial and community projects across Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge, and we understand the planning landscape for commercial development in both town centres and rural locations within the Vale.
Swansea and West Wales
We work with commercial clients across Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and the surrounding area. Our Freudenberg project in Baglan demonstrates our experience in delivering large-scale commercial and industrial work in this part of South Wales.
Bristol and the South West
Our work extends into Bristol, Newport, Monmouthshire and the wider South West. We are familiar with planning requirements on both sides of the Severn and can advise clients with projects across the border.
Why Clients Choose Dennis Hellyar Architects
Here’s what sets us apart:
Over 20 years of commercial architecture experience across South Wales and the South West
Strong track record in social housing, public sector and private commercial project
Deep understanding of local planning authorities, including Cardiff Council, Vale of Glamorgan Council and City and County of Swansea
Practical, buildable design solutions that meet your budget and programme
Certified Passive House Designer accreditation for energy-efficient commercial design
RIBA Chartered Practice and ARB registered for your confidence and assurance
Boutique studio service: the expertise of a larger practice at a competitive cost
Common Questions About Commercial Architecture
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A commercial architect manages the design and delivery of buildings used for business, community or public purposes. That includes understanding your brief, assessing what is possible within planning and budget constraints, producing technical drawings, managing planning applications and overseeing construction. We work across the full range of commercial project types, from small refurbishments to large-scale housing developments.
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For most commercial development, you will need professionally prepared planning drawings and supporting documents to submit a valid application. Working with a RIBA chartered practice also gives you access to design expertise and planning knowledge that significantly improves the quality of your submission and your chances of approval.
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Commercial fees are typically agreed as a percentage of the construction cost or as a fixed fee depending on the scope of services required. We are transparent about fees from the outset and will give you a clear breakdown before you commit. For public sector and third-sector clients, we are experienced in working within defined budgets and grant funding frameworks.
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Timescales vary significantly depending on the scale and complexity of the project, the planning authority involved and whether the project requires detailed technical design before construction. We will give you a realistic programme at the start of the project and keep you informed throughout. Smaller refurbishments can move quickly; larger new-build or regeneration projects typically run over several years.
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Yes. We have a strong track record of working with housing associations, councils and other public sector organisations across South Wales. Our projects with Hafod Housing Association and Cardiff City Council demonstrate our ability to deliver complex, large-scale housing schemes to a high standard.
If your question is not here, please visit our dedicated commercial FAQs page for more information.