How much does an architect cost in Cardiff?

Architecture fees in South Wales typically range from 7-10% of construction costs for full architectural services. At Dennis Hellyar Architects, we offer transparent pricing and can provide fixed-fee quotes for smaller projects like extensions. Project values range from £50k for domestic residential to £20M for commercial developments. On larger commercial projects our fees can be as low as 2.5%. Contact us for a detailed, no-obligation quote.

Do I need an architect for a house extension in Wales?

While not always legally required, hiring an RIBA Chartered architect for extensions ensures professional design, proper planning permission handling, Building Regulations compliance, and maximizes your property's potential and value. We manage the entire process from feasibility through to completion, with expertise in sustainable and eco-friendly design.

What areas do Dennis Hellyar Architects cover?

Based in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, we provide architectural services across South Wales and the South West, including Cardiff, Penarth, Porthcawl, Swansea, Carmarthen, Bristol, and Bath. We focus on the M4 corridor from South Wales to the South West and take on projects throughout the UK and beyond.

What is RIBA Chartered Practice status?

Dennis Hellyar Architects is an RIBA Chartered Practice, meaning we meet the Royal Institute of British Architects' highest professional standards. This ensures quality, professionalism, and adherence to best practices in architectural services, giving you confidence in our expertise and accountability.

Do you specialize in sustainable and eco-friendly architecture?

Yes, sustainability is at the heart of our practice. We have Passivhaus certified designers on our team and extensive experience with BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes. We designed the first BREEAM Excellent FE facility in the UK and the first BREEAM Excellent Healthcare Centre in Wales. We're passionate about energy-efficient, eco-friendly design.

What is the architectural process timeline?

A typical residential project includes: Feasibility (2-4 weeks), Design Development (6-8 weeks), Planning Application (8-13 weeks for approval), Building Regulations (6-8 weeks), and Construction (varies by project). We guide you through each stage, utilizing BIM and Virtual Reality modelling to help you visualize your project throughout the process.

Do you offer Virtual Reality walkthroughs?

Yes, we utilize state-of-the-art BIM (Building Information Modelling) and Virtual Reality technology to help clients experience and understand their spaces before construction begins. This allows you to visualize the atmosphere, volumes, and spatial relationships, making design decisions with confidence.

What types of projects do you work on?

We work on residential projects (one-off houses, extensions, renovations, new builds), commercial developments (offices, retail, light industrial), educational buildings (schools, colleges), community projects (social housing, community centers), and healthcare facilities. Our team has over 25 years of experience across diverse sectors with project values from £100k to £20M.

Amelia Trust Farm, Vale of Glamorgan - New Cafe

CommercialVale of Glamorgan

23 Jun

Written By Emily Lewis

This modern cafe refurbishment at Amelia Trust Farm in the Vale of Glamorgan creates a bright, spacious and welcoming addition to the existing visitor facilities.

Designed by our experienced team of Architects in Vale of Glamorgan, the new cafe provides an inviting space for visitors, families, staff and the wider community to enjoy.

The refurbishment has been carefully designed to improve the quality, comfort and usability of the existing facilities. Generous natural light, a more open layout and a calm contemporary interior help to create a relaxed and accessible environment, enhancing the visitor experience at the farm.

A successful modern cafe refurbishment must balance practical operation with warmth, character and long-term flexibility. At Amelia Trust Farm, the new cafe supports everyday use while creating a more attractive and comfortable destination for people visiting the site.

For charities, community organisations, visitor attractions and businesses looking for an Architect Vale of Glamorgan service, this project demonstrates how thoughtful architectural design can transform existing buildings, improve visitor facilities and create welcoming, functional spaces across the Vale of Glamorgan, Cardiff and South Wales

Client: Amelia Trust
Location: Vale of Glamorgan
Status: Completed (2025)
Contract value: £350,000
The interior of the new cafe at Amelia Trust Farm has been designed to feel bright, comfortable and welcoming throughout the year. The heat pump heated and cooled space provides a pleasant environment for visitors in both warmer and cooler months, supporting the cafe as a practical all-season facility. Natural light helps to create an open and uplifting atmosphere, while the spacious layout allows families, groups and individual visitors to sit comfortably. Simple contemporary finishes, accessible circulation and a calm interior character help the cafe feel modern, relaxed and easy to use, enhancing the overall visitor experience at the farm

Amelia Trust Farm - New visitor cafe, Vale of Glamorgan

naturally litspacious and well litheat pump controlled heating & coolingcafe refurbishmentadult changing areaimproved accessibility

Emily Lewis

Emily Lewis, founder of TwoFold and one of the UK’s leading Squarespace designers and digital marketers.

Having spent years working for a marketing agency and as an in-house Marketer, Emily started her own website design company with marketing at the forefront. Emily is an award-winning web designer and Squarespace Platinum Circle Member.

https://twofold-studios.com/

Amelia Trust Farm, Vale of Glamorgan - New Cafe

Details

Explore

Cardiff Community Housing Association - Longcross Street, Cardiff

Eryl Surgery - Llantwit Major & Coastal Vale Medical Practice

Speak to Our Architects Today