Business Details
13 Years
experience
Award-Winning RIBA Chartered Architects in Dorset
DMW Architects is an established, award-winning RIBA Chartered practice based in Dorset, operating across the South of England. Founded in 2013 by Sean Daly, Ryan Martin, and Derek Williams, our team brings extensive experience from prestigious firms including Richard Rogers and John Pardey Architects. We specialise in delivering sensitive, sustainable buildings across private, public, and commercial sectors, offering a complete architectural service from inception to completion. Our approach balances creative thinking with practical construction considerations, ensuring tailored solutions for each project's unique context. With expertise in historic buildings, conservation areas, and low-energy design, we prioritise functionality, environmental responsibility, and aesthetic quality.Our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely with clients to maximise site potential while adhering to RIBA Plan of Work 2020 standards. We integrate digital and analogue processes to visualise and deliver buildings that meet client needs, budgets, and environmental goals. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through lightweight construction methodologies and natural material selection. Over a decade of practice has solidified our reputation for thoughtful, pragmatic architecture that enhances both urban and rural landscapes.
Services
Architectural Design
Urban Planning
Conservation Projects
Sustainable Building
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer RIBA Chartered architectural expertise with a decade of proven experience.
- Our team delivers sensitive, sustainable buildings informed by deep contextual understanding.
- We provide complete architectural services from concept to completion across multiple sectors.
- Our multidisciplinary approach combines digital innovation with traditional design principles.
- We maintain technical excellence through continuous BIM and sustainable construction specialisation.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service creates tailored solutions that balance creativity with practical construction considerations. We specialise in residential, commercial, and public sector projects, ensuring each design responds to its unique context and client requirements. Our RIBA Chartered team combines digital innovation with traditional design principles to deliver functional, sustainable buildings that enhance their surroundings.
Urban Planning
We provide comprehensive urban planning services for multi-unit residential and mixed-use developments. Our expertise includes navigating complex planning processes in conservation areas and historic contexts. The team works from concept to completion, ensuring projects meet regulatory requirements while maximising site potential through sustainable, community-focused design solutions.
Conservation Projects
Specialising in sensitive contexts, our conservation projects preserve historic buildings and protected landscapes. We combine technical expertise with deep contextual understanding to restore and adapt heritage assets while integrating modern functionality. Our approach maintains architectural integrity while meeting contemporary sustainability standards through careful material selection and construction methodologies.
Sustainable Building
Our sustainable building service focuses on low-energy, low-impact designs that harness natural resources. We employ lightweight construction methods and sustainable materials to create energy-efficient buildings. The practice integrates passive solar principles, natural ventilation, and renewable technologies early in the design process to ensure environmental responsibility without compromising aesthetic quality or functionality.
Project Management
We offer full project management services aligned with RIBA Plan of Work 2020 standards. Our team oversees projects from feasibility studies through to contract administration, ensuring timely delivery within budget. Using BIM and digital visualisation tools, we coordinate all aspects of construction while maintaining close client collaboration and adherence to technical and regulatory requirements.
People
Sean Daly
Director
Specialising in public and civic projects, Sean brings expertise from Richard Rogers and Western Design Architects. He focuses on master planning and funerary architecture, combining technical knowledge with creative vision to shape DMW's strategic direction.
Ryan Martin
Director
With experience in landscape design and construction, Ryan leads leisure and heritage projects. His attention to detail and understanding of building techniques informs DMW's hands-on approach to architectural solutions across multiple sectors.
Derek Williams
Director
Derek oversees urban planning and residential developments, drawing on his background at John Pardey Architects. As a founding director, he manages studio operations and maintains DMW's commitment to design excellence and technical precision.
Mark Senior
Technical Director
Leading the technical team, Mark ensures design concepts translate into successful buildings. His expertise in construction detailing and BIM implementation supports DMW's delivery of complex projects with rigorous technical standards and sustainable practices.
Megan Mercer
Part 1 Architectural Assistant
Graduating from The Welsh School of Architecture, Megan contributes to community-focused projects. Her experience in France and Japan informs DMW's approach to social sustainability and international design perspectives.
Questions
What architectural services do DMW Architects offer?
We provide full architectural services including design, urban planning, conservation projects, sustainable building solutions, and project management across residential, commercial, and public sectors.
Do DMW Architects work outside Dorset?
While based in Dorset, we operate across the South of England, delivering projects in urban and rural contexts including historic buildings and conservation areas.
How does DMW approach sustainable design?
We prioritise low-energy buildings using passive solar principles, natural ventilation, and sustainable materials. Our designs integrate renewable technologies early in the planning process to ensure environmental responsibility.
Can DMW handle complex planning applications?
Yes, we specialise in challenging planning contexts including conservation areas, with proven success in securing approvals for sensitive developments and listed building projects.
What construction methodologies does DMW use?
We employ lightweight, off-site construction methods alongside traditional techniques, supported by BIM technology and digital visualisation tools for precise project delivery.
How experienced is the DMW team?
Our directors have over a decade of practice experience combined with prior roles at prestigious firms like Richard Rogers and John Pardey Architects, supported by technical specialists and emerging talent.
