Dennis Hellyar Architects is a RIBA Chartered Practice based in Barry, South Wales, registered with the Architects Registration Board and accredited as Certified Passive House Designers. We combine the discipline and rigour associated with a larger architectural practice with the personal service that our clients value. Our work extends across Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, Swansea, Bristol and the wider South West, supporting homeowners, businesses, housing associations and community organisations. We provide practical, considered architecture informed by a strong understanding of the places in which we work, with an emphasis on creating buildings and spaces that improve everyday life.
For residential clients, we design homes that respond to how people live, from modest single-storey extensions through to comprehensive renovations and individual new-build homes. Every project receives the same level of expertise, care and personal attention, with a collaborative process that draws upon a broad range of skills and knowledge. For commercial clients, including businesses, housing associations, councils and community organisations, we undertake projects of varying scales, encompassing award-winning social housing, industrial refurbishments, community facilities and public building remodelling. We understand the importance of delivering projects to programme, within budget and in a way that meets the expectations of multiple stakeholders, while keeping the architectural process straightforward and manageable.
For residential clients, we design homes that respond to how people live, from modest single-storey extensions through to comprehensive renovations and individual new-build homes. Every project receives the same level of expertise, care and personal attention, with a collaborative process that draws upon a broad range of skills and knowledge. For commercial clients, including businesses, housing associations, councils and community organisations, we undertake projects of varying scales, encompassing award-winning social housing, industrial refurbishments, community facilities and public building remodelling. We understand the importance of delivering projects to programme, within budget and in a way that meets the expectations of multiple stakeholders, while keeping the architectural process straightforward and manageable.
Served areas
- Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Swansea, Bristol, South Wales, South West
Details
- Year established: 2013
- Employees: 4
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- Versed in the Universal Language of Place Making
- Award-winning Residential and Commercial Architects
- Quality Assurance - The design quality and process discipline of a larger practice
- The attention to detail, personal service and cost-effectiveness of a specialist boutique studio
- Broad knowledge across all sectors
- Specific knowledge of Residential and Commercial Projects
- Local Knowledge That Makes a Difference
- A Collaborative Approach
- Certified Passive House Designer
- Depth of knowledge in the areas we work in
- Guidance through Planning permission, design development and construction support
- Responsive, clear communication
- Quick turnaround on queries and changes
- Creativity at all stages - Planning, Technical, Construction and Handover
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
- ARB Registered
- Certified Passive House Designer
Payment methods
- Cash
- Checks
- Bank transfers
Services
Architectural Services
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Clients seeking complete support can rely on our full architectural service from concept through to construction. We take responsibility for managing the design process, coordinating structural engineers and other consultants, and administering the building contract. Throughout the project, this provides a consistent and trusted point of contact, simplifying the overall process for our clients.
We provide residential architecture services for homeowners planning extensions, renovations or new homes. Our RIBA Chartered Practice brings over 20 years of experience to every project, combining practical design thinking with local knowledge. From initial feasibility advice and planning applications through to construction, we offer clear guidance and support tailored to each clients requirements.
We work alongside businesses, housing associations, councils, charities and other organisations to deliver commercial projects that respond to their particular requirements. Our experience includes new builds, extensions, remodelling, refurbishment, conservation and regeneration. By combining the discipline of a larger practice with the personal service of a specialist studio, we provide practical and cost-effective architectural support.
Master Planning
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Our approach to feasibility studies and masterplanning incorporates careful consideration of placemaking, neighbourhoods and communities. Sustainable principles are at the core of our projects, informing how sites are considered and developed. We focus on inherent sustainability, accessible local amenities, active travel, and strategic waste management as essential aspects of the overall approach.
Conservation and Listed Building Consents
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Certified Passivhaus Designers
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We provide Certified Passivhaus Design for clients seeking highly energy-efficient, comfortable and sustainable buildings. Passivhaus principles are incorporated from the earliest design stages, covering orientation, solar gain, insulation, airtightness, thermal bridging, high-performance windows and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. Specialist design and energy modelling tools help us assess and refine performance throughout the process.
People
Dennis Hellyar
Principal Architect
Dennis brings over 30 years of post-qualification architectural experience to the practice working largely across a broad range of sectors throughout the UK, including education, commercial, residential, healthcare and mixed-
Use regeneration projects.
He is experienced with regard to Client liaison, concept development, brief development and driving projects from inception and feasibility stage, through to detailed design stage and eventually to completion.
He designed the first BREEAM Excellent Further Education facility in the UK and the first BREEAM Excellent Healthcare Centre in Wales.
Dennis was nominated by Portsmouth School of Architecture for the RIBA Bronze Medal and led the winning entry for the RIBA ideas competition to regenerate Hereford Buttermarket, March 2011.
Use regeneration projects.
He is experienced with regard to Client liaison, concept development, brief development and driving projects from inception and feasibility stage, through to detailed design stage and eventually to completion.
He designed the first BREEAM Excellent Further Education facility in the UK and the first BREEAM Excellent Healthcare Centre in Wales.
Dennis was nominated by Portsmouth School of Architecture for the RIBA Bronze Medal and led the winning entry for the RIBA ideas competition to regenerate Hereford Buttermarket, March 2011.
Jesus Ramos Munoz
Senior 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
Chuso is also a Certified Passivhaus Designer
Chuso is also a Certified Passivhaus Designer
Callum Richards
Architectural Technician
Martin Coles
Architectural Assistant
Reviews (9)
Jen Pugh
Jun 29, 2026
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A big thank you to Dennis and his team for the help and advice they gave for my new balcony. Although a relatively small job for them, they provided support and advice; coming up with ideas and suggestions throughout. Their drawings and specifications were excellent and I could easily picture the final result. They kept me informed of progress at all times. Im very pleased with the outcome.
Nick Gale
Jun 26, 2026
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Don Carroll
Jun 18, 2026
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I wholeheartedly recommend Dennis and the team. They were with us for every step of our design journey. Dennis helped us define what we wanted and gently explained what we could achieve given the constraints imposed by our site, budget and planning requirements. Throughout the process the team made sure we understood where things were at so the only surprises were the ones we sprung on them. Love their work!
Jack Crook
May 22, 2026
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Alan Salisbury
May 19, 2026
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We are delighted to be able to leave a 5 star review with regard to the design work Dennis Hellyar and his team recently completed for us. Dennis with his knowledge and expertise was able to creatively provide us with a variety of options to re-configure and maximise space within our planned extension. We could never have imagined the possibilities without his input. In particular he listened intently and was sensitive to our preliminary and emerging ideas. His advice was clear and always with our interests in mind.
We thoroughly recommend him without reservation.
Alan and Jane Salisbury
We thoroughly recommend him without reservation.
Alan and Jane Salisbury
Gerry Wiggins
May 13, 2026
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Camila Penazzo
Apr 20, 2026
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We had a great experience with this Dennis and Jesus for our measured survey. They were highly responsive, punctual, and very efficient with the turnaround. Beyond the core service, they were also incredibly helpful in suggesting other professionals to support us through the wider process. Would definitely recommend.
Robert Chapman
Feb 18, 2026
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Excellent service by the design team on our current project in Bridgend.
Our client changed their minds on the extension we are building from a warehouse into manufacturing facility. Following our DTM meetings DHA revised the drawings in no time not for it to affect our build programme and excellent communication throughout.
Hopefully we'll work together again in the future and I would highly recommend them.
Our client changed their minds on the extension we are building from a warehouse into manufacturing facility. Following our DTM meetings DHA revised the drawings in no time not for it to affect our build programme and excellent communication throughout.
Hopefully we'll work together again in the future and I would highly recommend them.
Mark Wray
Jul 04, 2025
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Dennis and his team have completed several projects for us, all delivered with exceptional service and attention to detail. Their professionalism, creativity, and ability to bring our ideas to life have consistently exceeded our expectations. From initial concept through to final execution, Dennis has been a pleasure to work withreliable, responsive, and always committed to delivering high-quality results