Business Details
34 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in Cardiff
Established in 1992, Loyn + Co Architects + Co Architects has built a reputation for delivering award-winning architectural solutions rooted in a deep understanding of site context, history, and human needs. Our practice, founded by Chris Loyn + Co Architects + Co Architects, began with a vision to promote excellence in design while prioritising people, place, and environmental responsibility. Over three decades, we have evolved into a collaborative studio known for innovative residential projects, public buildings, and sustainable conversions, including accolades such as RIBA Awards and Civic Trust commendations. Our design philosophy centres on honesty in material selection, construction methods, and client collaboration, ensuring every project enhances its surroundings.We specialise in site-specific architecture, often securing planning permissions where others have failed, through meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to improving quality of life. Our team fosters a culture of shared knowledge, iterative design processes, and public responsibility, treating every architectural challenge as an opportunity to create meaningful, lasting impact. With a focus on both built form and the spaces between, we strive to design environments that resonate with end users and communities alike.
Services
Residential Architecture
Public Buildings
Sustainable Design
Historic Conversions
Urban Planning
Community Spaces
Zero Carbon Homes
Cultural Projects
Educational Facilities
Commercial Architecture
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years' experience in site-specific architectural design
- Our collaborative approach involves clients throughout the design process
- We specialise in securing planning permissions for challenging sites
- Our projects have won multiple RIBA and Civic Trust Awards
- We maintain environmental responsibility across all stages of design
Services
Residential Architecture
Specialising in contemporary residential projects, we create homes that respond to their unique environments. Our approach combines site-specific design with modern living requirements, ensuring spaces that enhance daily life while achieving planning success. Projects range from single-dwelling replacements to zero-carbon housing developments.
Historic Conversions
Transforming redundant structures into functional spaces while preserving historical integrity. Our expertise includes Grade II listed buildings and industrial conversions, balancing modern needs with heritage conservation. Recent projects demonstrate successful integration of contemporary design within protected contexts.
Public Architecture
Designing civic and cultural spaces that serve communities through inclusive architecture. From arts centres to environmental discovery hubs, our public projects prioritise accessibility and long-term public benefit. We maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders to ensure meaningful outcomes.
Sustainable Design
Integrating environmental responsibility across all projects through material selection and energy-efficient strategies. Our zero-carbon housing developments demonstrate commitment to future-proof design. Sustainability principles guide every decision from initial concept to construction methodology.
Planning Consultancy
Leveraging extensive planning success to advise on challenging sites and heritage contexts. We develop strategic proposals that address local authority requirements while maintaining design integrity. Our track record includes approvals for projects previously deemed unviable.
People
Chris Loyn
Founder
Established the practice in 1987, championing contemporary Welsh architecture. His design philosophy combines site-specific sensitivity with modernist principles, earning multiple national awards. With over 35 years' experience, he continues to lead the studio's creative direction.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialise in?
We focus on contemporary design that responds to site context rather than following specific styles. Our work prioritises functional modernity while respecting historical and environmental contexts.
Can you help with planning permission for difficult sites?
Yes, we have extensive experience securing approvals for challenging locations, including conservation areas and previously rejected proposals, through evidence-based design strategies.
Do you work outside Wales?
While based in Cardiff, we undertake projects across the UK. Our expertise in site-specific design makes us suitable for commissions requiring sensitive contextual responses nationwide.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We maintain collaborative relationships through regular consultations, iterative design reviews, and transparent communication to ensure client vision aligns with practical implementation.
What sustainability measures do you incorporate?
Our approach includes passive design strategies, local material sourcing, energy-efficient systems and zero-carbon standards where appropriate, tailored to each project's specific requirements.
How do you handle historic building projects?
We balance preservation with modern functionality through careful analysis of existing structures, using reversible interventions where possible to maintain historical integrity.
