About DMW Architects

DMW Architects are an established, award-winning, RIBA Chartered practice based in Dorset, working across the South of England.

The practice was established by Sean Daly, Ryan Martin and Derek Williams in 2013 having previously worked for notable practices including Richard Rogers, John Pardey Architects and Western Design Architects.

We are a multi-disciplinary practice delivering a wide range of project types at all scales, within the private, public and the commercial sectors.

The practice has considerable experience, knowledge, and expertise in delivering sensitive, sustainable buildings, offering a complete architectural service from project inception, through to final completion. With each project we rigorously test ideas, seeking a balance between creative thinking and the practicalities of construction and cost.

We undertake a wide range of project types and scales, and work collaboratively with clients from private, public and the commercial sectors. A significant proportion of our projects deal with sensitive contexts including historic buildings, protected landscapes and conservation areas.

Our approach to design is rooted in experience, an understanding of place and context, and a commitment to creating buildings that are sustainable, functional, and beautiful.

Three founding directors of DMW Architects

Derek Williams BA (Hons) Arch RIBA ARB

Director

Derek heads up the urban planning and multi-unit residential projects at DMW, working from concept to completion on these large-scale projects. Previous to setting up DMW, Derek worked at the prestigious John Pardey Architects, the multi RIBA Award winning design studio.

As a founding Director, Derek has helped to successfully shape DMW since its inception and still has hands-on management of the studio, continuing to support its sustained growth.

Ryan Martin BA (Hons) Arch RIBA ARB

Director

Ryan has a broad involvement across multiple areas within the practice, including leisure and hospitality, one-off houses, and conservation and heritage projects. With a keen eye for detail, hand drawing and a deep understanding of construction, he brings a unique blend of expertise to every design.

Following a background in landscape design and scaffolding, Ryan developed a passion for buildings while working on construction sites, before entering formal architectural education at Manchester and The Bartlett. Ryan previously worked at Western Design Architects before founding DMW Architects with his co-directors in 2013.

Sean Daly BA (Hons) Arch RIBA ARB

Director

Sean specialises on the larger public and civic projects within the studio, with a particular talent for master planning and funerary architecture, although he does get involved with all schemes.

Previously Sean had worked for the iconic Richard Rogers in London, and Western Design, before he became a founding member of DMW Architects, bringing his wealth of experience to the practice that has positively shaped the company.

Mark Senior BSc (Hons) MCIAT

Technical Director

Mark heads up the technical team at DMW, with his overarching technical knowledge in all aspects of architectural design helping to successfully deliver buildings. His experience and knowledge of construction and detailing culminates in the successful translation of concept designs into memorable projects.

Megan Mercer BA (Hons) Arch

Part 1 Architectural Assistant

Megan graduated from The Welsh School of Architecture in 2022, where she developed a keen interest in social sustainability, focusing on community engagement at the forefront of design. She has experience working for an architectural practice in Marseille participating in projects across France and Japan.

Adam Radwanski BA (Hons) March

Part II Architectural Designer

Adam specialises in digital and physical 3D modelling at DMW, using computer generated imagery and vertical reality to assist with the design and planning for all projects, especially the large and complex sites. The use of digital design in architecture helps all agencies involved interrogate the design, to improve the design solutions and assist with the drawing outputs.

Mark Christopher HNC ACIAT

Architectural Technologist

Mark is in charge of the Building Information Modelling (BIM) for DMW, and oversees the integration of designs into construction drawings. His expertise and training in this specialist software are used to calculate requirements such as SAP, Part O, Passive House, CRA helping to shape more sustainable design solutions.

Lotta Woodland BA (Hons) Arch

Architectural Designer

Lotta is an architectural designer with a focus on interior architecture, where her passion and knowledge of materials, visualisations and keen eye for visual presentation, including hand drawing, really shines.

 

Noah Harper AutoCAD, BTEC

Architectural Assistant

Noah is involved across multiple projects across the studio; he is a trainee architect who has demonstrated a keen willingness to be a key part of the design process, to assist at each stage to get the job done.

Approach

DMW Architects have developed a reputation for creating sensitive and thoughtful buildings informed by our experience and a deep-rooted understanding of place and context.

We use a tailored approach to each project, one that seeks to gain an understanding of the aspirations of our clients, whilst managing to balance creativity with the practicalities of construction, cost, and impact to the environment.

Our emphasis is on creating buildings that are not constrained by a predetermined style, but rather, informed by the unique needs and context of each project. By considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, materials, and construction techniques, we are able can deliver buildings that are truly tailored to their site and surroundings.

Our designs are ambitious yet pragmatic and we strive to deliver sustainable and unpretentious buildings. We prioritise functionality and create architecture that is light, bright, efficient and above all, beautiful.

Architect at work on computer

Process

DMW Architects are a RIBA Chartered Practice and offer the full range of architectural services including consultancy, feasibility, planning, detailed design and full project management and contract administration.

We work across numerous sectors ranging from, one-off residential homes, funerary sector, care sector, housing and education and from small-scale developments to larger, mixed-use schemes. By deliberately not specialising in just one set area of design, we are able to offer a more thoughtful design solution. We bring together ideas, materials and inspiration from all sectors, combining our knowledge to offer the best solution for each scheme.

Using a broad range of analogue and digital processes we are able to plan, visualise and deliver buildings for our clients to help ensure every project is specifically tailored for its client, brief budget and site.

Over the last decade we have collaborated with clients including commercial and private developers, charities, local authorities, associations and schools and private clients. We enjoy working closely with our clients and our network of collaborators, to design thoughtful and successful schemes that maximise the potential of each site, making each commission personal and unique.

We conduct all aspects of our work in line with the RIBA Plan of Work 2020, which provides a flexible and collaborative framework to deliver buildings on time and budget.

DMWA Office Collaboration

Sustainability

DMW Architects place particular emphasis on designing simple, low-energy, low-impact buildings which harness daylight and natural ventilation and adopt passive solar principles. Over the years we have become a specialist in designing sustainable buildings, adopting lightweight, low-impact, off-site construction methodologies.

As a practice we have a responsibility to understand how our design and decisions will impact the environment. The key foundation to any new building design requires an in-depth understanding of each site in relation to its environmental context, from which we develop an appropriate, and pragmatic response.

The practice places a particular emphasis on working with natural, sustainability resourced materials considered for their quality and long-term durability. Integration of low consumption renewable technologies are carefully thought about at an early stage, focusing closely upon the comfort of the occupant and ease of use.

Our work

  • Go to Homes

    Homes

    Homes architecture
  • Go to Conservation & Heritage

    Conservation & Heritage

    Conservation Heritage architecture
  • Go to Community

    Community

    Community architecture
  • Go to Housing

    Housing

    housing architecture
  • Go to Leisure & Hospitality

    Leisure & Hospitality

    Leisure Hospitality architecture