Business Details
13 Years
experience
Expert Residential & Commercial Architecture Services in Barry
We provide architectural services with a clear focus on making buildings work better for those who depend upon them. Dennis Hellyar Architects operates from Barry, South Wales, as a RIBA Chartered Practice, is registered with the Architects Registration Board and holds accreditation as Certified Passive House Designers. Our approach combines the professional rigour expected of a substantial architecture firm with the personal level of service that remains central to our relationships with clients. Across Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, Swansea, Bristol and the wider South West, we work with homeowners, businesses, housing associations and community organisations to deliver well-designed, practical architecture rooted in genuine knowledge of its surroundings.Residential projects form an important part of our practice, and we support homeowners throughout South Wales and the South West with a wide range of requirements. Whether the brief involves a modest single-storey extension, a full renovation or a one-off new build, we apply consistent care, expertise and personal attention. Our collaborative method recognises that successful architecture depends upon a team bringing together diverse skills and knowledge, and we aim to make the experience accessible to those unfamiliar with working with an architect. Alongside residential work, we deliver commercial projects for businesses, housing associations, councils and community organisations. Our portfolio includes award-winning social housing, industrial refurbishments, community facilities and public building remodelling, with a strong understanding of programme, budget and the needs of multiple stakeholders.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Sustainable Design
3D Modelling
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of architectural experience across diverse sectors.
- Our team includes Passivhaus-certified designers for energy-efficient buildings.
- We offer collaborative, client-focused processes with transparent communication.
- We utilise advanced 3D modelling for precise design visualisation.
- We won the Best Social Housing Award for Cwrt Parc, Barry in 2020.
Associations and certifications
- Passivhaus Institute
What people say
Depth of knowledge
Beautiful design
Calm practical advice
Award-winning social housing
Seamless integration
Services
Certified Passivhaus Designers
Through our Certified Passivhaus Design service, we support new homes, residential developments, extensions and other low-energy buildings. Passivhaus principles guide the design from an early stage, addressing solar gain, orientation, insulation, airtightness, thermal bridging, high-performance windows and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. We use specialist energy modelling to assess performance and refine the design accordingly.
Conservation and Listed Building Consents
We provide architectural services on Listed Buildings and in Conservation areas
Master Planning
We undertake feasibility studies and masterplanning with a focus on placemaking and the creation of neighbourhoods and communities. Sustainable principles remain central to our projects from the outset. We ensure sites are inherently sustainable, provide easy access to local amenities, encourage active travel, and incorporate strategic approaches to waste management.
Commercial Architecture
We deliver commercial architectural services for projects ranging from social housing and healthcare facilities to offices, community buildings, visitor attractions and light industrial environments. Our team draws on extensive sector knowledge and a strong understanding of planning requirements across South Wales and the South West. From early advice to full architectural support, we provide considered, buildable design solutions for commercial clients.
Residential Architecture
Our residential architects help homeowners transform ideas into well-considered homes through extensions, renovations and new builds. We begin by understanding your property, aspirations and practical needs, then develop designs that respond to planning constraints and your budget. With more than 20 years experience, we provide professional support from early advice through planning and construction.
Architectural Services
We provide a complete architectural service, supporting clients from the initial concept through to construction. Our team manages the design process, coordinates with structural engineers and other consultants, and administers the building contract. This approach provides clients with one trusted point of contact throughout, ensuring comprehensive support at every stage.
People
Dennis Hellyar
Principal Architect
With over 25 years of experience, Dennis leads projects across education, healthcare, and residential sectors. He founded the studio in 2013, combining expertise from large practices with a personal touch.
Jess Ramos Muoz
Architect
A licensed architect in the UK and Spain, Jess enhances our 3D modelling capabilities. He specialises in design principles and information systems for residential and commercial projects.
Martin Coles
Part 2 Architectural Assistant
Martin brings 25 years of experience in residential and mixed-use developments. He focuses on design and delivery of residential schemes, ensuring technical precision and client satisfaction.
Callum Richards
Architectural Technologist
Callum, a recent graduate with a first-class degree, works on design technology and project management. He is pursuing chartered status while contributing to construction detailing and systems expertise.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide residential and commercial architecture, sustainable design, 3D visualisation, and end-to-end project management.
Which areas do you serve?
We operate across South Wales, the South West, and the UK, including Barry, Cardiff, Bristol, and Swansea.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
We use Passivhaus principles, low-energy materials, and eco-friendly practices to ensure sustainable, future-ready buildings.
What is your design process?
We begin with feasibility studies, followed by planning, 3D modelling, regulatory approvals, and construction oversight.
Do you handle both small and large projects?
Yes, we cater to projects of all scales, from single homes to commercial developments and masterplans.
Can you assist with planning applications?
Yes, we manage planning submissions, building regulations, and contractor coordination to ensure compliance.
Reviews (9)
Diana Johnson
Jul 18, 2026
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From the initial consultation through to planning approval, Dennis Hellyar Architects were professional, responsive and incredibly knowledgeable. They made what could have been a stressful process feel straightforward.
Ken Briggs
Jun 29, 2026
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I invited David Hellyar to my come to my home to discuss an appointment for an extension to the property. David is very professional and has significant knowledge in his field, I knew almost immediately that this would be a good fit. From my initial brief and hand sketches, his practice developed drawings, with one or two iterations at my request, and provided a package for a planning application. David made the application on my behalf along with the necessary building control requirements.
I also, as an addition, asked David to source and co-ordinate with a Structural Engineer so as to provide the structural calculations for Building Control approval. I chose this route in preference to an appointed builder carrying out calculations. Planning was approved without any issues. The package provided by David was clear and concise and allowed the builder to construct without any problems. I can therefore recommend David as a thoroughly reliable and trustworthy Architect.
I also, as an addition, asked David to source and co-ordinate with a Structural Engineer so as to provide the structural calculations for Building Control approval. I chose this route in preference to an appointed builder carrying out calculations. Planning was approved without any issues. The package provided by David was clear and concise and allowed the builder to construct without any problems. I can therefore recommend David as a thoroughly reliable and trustworthy Architect.
Nick Gale
Jun 26, 2026
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Dennis and his team are fantastic at what they do. From the initial home visit to the final drawings, they communicated well, offered suggestions towards the design that we may have not considered & genuinely cared about the project. Diolch everyone
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!
Alwyn Lloyd
May 22, 2026
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Great advice and designs from Dennis and his team. Our kitchen and dining room renovation are just what we wanted. Many thanks
Steve Martin
May 18, 2026
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Dennis, Martin and the team were approachable, prompt and generated a range of ideas for remodelling our kitchen that we hadn't thought of and which will produce a much better result than we'd envisaged. Thank you guys.
Lucas Elsner
Mar 06, 2026
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I met Dennis in the context of a research project on home extensions involving HCU Hamburg and Cardiff University. We approached him because of his extensive professional experience, particularly in developing residential projects in South Wales. Dennis kindly took the time to contribute to our research, generously sharing his valuable expertise and insights into the residential projects he has worked on. He also provided us with his broader perspective on the development of the home extension and refurbishment industry.
G. Batte
Nov 04, 2025
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Dennis was very helpful, his attention to detail was impressive and experience showed in his knowledge for the work that needed compliant designs for. The architectural drawings supplied, showed so much detail in many ways. I would highly recommend Dennis Hellyar Architects for all architectural designs required.
Ashley Rees
Jun 26, 2025
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Dennis Hellyar Architects have delivered multiple successful projects for our Association. Their team is creative, detail oriented, and easy to work with. Every project has been completed to a high standard, on time, and with clear communication throughout. A trusted and valued partner were always happy to recommend.