Our Architecture Studio
Dennis Hellyar Architects is an award-winning RIBA chartered architecture studio based in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan.
We are a small, experienced team working on residential and commercial projects across South Wales and the South West. We have been here since 2013, and the places we work in are not just a service area to us. They are where we live, where we practise and where we have spent over a decade building relationships, delivering projects and learning what makes good architecture in this part of the world.
How Our Architecture Studio Came to Be
Dennis Hellyar founded the studio in 2013, following twenty years working at large architecture practices across the UK. Those two decades gave him something that takes time to accumulate: a thorough grounding in how architecture actually works at scale. The rigour of large-practice processes. The discipline of managing complex projects with multiple consultants and stakeholders. The experience of seeing buildings through from initial brief to completed construction, and understanding what that requires at every stage.
What he recognised after twenty years was that the size and structure of large practices often gets in the way of what clients actually need. Layers of management between the client and the people doing the work. Senior architects who win projects and then hand them to juniors. Designs that are impressive on paper but disconnected from the realities of budget, planning and buildability.
The architecture studio he founded in Barry was built around a different idea. That clients deserve the direct attention of experienced architects throughout their project, not just at the beginning. That good design and practical thinking are not in conflict. That working in a place means knowing it well enough to give genuinely useful advice, not just competent generic advice. And that being a smaller architecture company is not a limitation: it is the point.
Ethos
We see architecture as a means to an end, putting client satisfaction, building performance and the wellbeing of its occupants at the heart of our service. Working closely with our clients, we interpret and respond to briefs to design the best solution with care for the character of the locality and the surrounding environment. As certified Passivhaus designers, we are committed to low energy and sustainable design.
Value
Working with an architect can help you deliver the building you need, while improving the efficiency and speed of the planning and construction process. We have the experience of larger architectural practices, and can offer you the added benefit of a smaller team bringing efficiency and cost-effectiveness to your project. Working with you from design through to delivery, we also provide powerful visualisations through 3D and CGI modelling.
People
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Dennis Hellyar
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
Dennis brings over 25 years of architectural experience working across a broad range of UK sectors including education, commercial, residential, healthcare and mixed-use regeneration. He works closely with every project, guiding it from initial concept to completion.
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Jesús Ramos Muñoz
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.
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Martin Coles
PART 2 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.
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Callum Richards
ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST
Callum joined us as a new graduate with a first-class degree in Architecture. He is currently working towards chartered status. Callum has working experience in design principles, building systems, construction detailing, design technology and project management.
Our Awards
Best Social Housing Award for Cwrt Parc, Barry
Building Excellence Awards 2020, Vale of Glamorgan Council
Our Credentials
RIBA Chartered Practice
Awarded to firms that meet consistently high standards of professional conduct, quality management and client service, renewed annually. It is your assurance that we meet a recognised professional benchmark.
ARB Registered
All our architects are registered with the Architects Registration Board, the legally required standard for anyone using the title "architect" in the UK, backed by recognised qualifications and ongoing training.
Certified Passive House Designer
Accreditation in the internationally recognised Passive House standard, meaning we can design to the highest levels of energy performance and thermal comfort for clients who want it.