Business Details
Expert Architectural Design Services in Guildford
Weyside Architects is a design-led practice dedicated to creating spaces that harmonise with our clients' needs and the built environment. Our approach prioritises conservation principles, ensuring new interventions respect existing structures and contexts. With extensive experience in listed buildings, conservation areas, and sensitive landscapes, we deliver high-quality residential, educational, and institutional projects. Our team of RIBA-chartered architects combines technical expertise with creative vision, collaborating closely with planners, consultants, and builders to achieve successful outcomes. We specialise in navigating complex planning processes and have a proven track record in projects ranging from private residences to large-scale heritage schemes.Our commitment to client collaboration ensures every project reflects individual priorities while maintaining architectural integrity. By integrating sustainability and conservation, we create enduring spaces that adapt to future needs. Our directors bring decades of combined experience, including work on prestigious projects like the Houses of Parliament restoration. We maintain strong relationships across the construction industry to ensure seamless project delivery from concept to completion. This philosophy of thoughtful design and meticulous execution has established us as trusted architects in Guildford and beyond.
Services
Concept & Planning
Detail Design
Construction Management
Residential Projects
Education Projects
Details
- Year established: 2025
Highlights and features
- We specialise in historic building conservation and modern adaptations
- Our RIBA-chartered architects have decades of combined industry experience
- Proven success with challenging planning applications in conservation areas
- Client-focused approach prioritising individual needs and project longevity
- Extensive expertise in both residential and institutional architecture
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
Services
Concept & Planning
We develop tailored architectural concepts through collaborative client briefs, creating planning applications for challenging sites. Our expertise includes Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With proven success in securing permissions, we ensure designs meet both regulatory requirements and client aspirations while considering long-term functionality.
Detail Design
Post-planning, we produce comprehensive construction documentation including technical details and specifications. Our service coordinates multidisciplinary consultants, manages tender processes, and prepares submissions for Building Control. This phase ensures every element from structural systems to finishes aligns with the approved design vision and practical construction requirements.
Construction Management
We administer building contracts, conduct site inspections, and manage project variations during construction. Our on-site presence ensures quality control, contractual compliance, and client representation. By maintaining contractor relationships and verifying completed work, we guarantee projects meet design specifications while addressing practical challenges that arise during execution.
People
Heather Shepherd
Director
RIBA-chartered architect with 20+ years' experience in residential and heritage projects. Specialises in conservation work and complex planning applications. Holds a Diploma in Conservation of the Historic Environment. Formerly at Marcus Beale Architects for 15 years.
James Donlon
Director
RIBA-chartered architect specialising in sustainable residential and institutional projects. Experienced in London regeneration schemes. Holds MArch in Architectural Studies from University College London. Former Associate at Marcus Beale Architects and Production Manager at St James Group.
Heather Sheridan
Director
RIBA Conservation Architect with expertise in listed buildings. Former Heritage and Collections team member at Parliament. Specialises in balancing heritage requirements with modern functionality. Holds BA and DipArch qualifications. Joined Weyside Architects in 2022 after working on Houses of Parliament restoration.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialise in?
We combine modern design principles with conservation expertise, working across contemporary new builds and sensitive historic building adaptations.
Can you help with listed building projects?
Yes, our directors hold RIBA Conservation accreditation and have extensive experience securing planning permissions for Grade II listed properties and heritage sites.
Do you work outside Surrey?
While based in Guildford, we undertake projects across the South East including Dorset, with recent work on residential and educational developments in rural locations.
What project sizes do you handle?
We work on schemes of all scales from small residential extensions to large institutional projects, including eight-dwelling developments and school masterplans.
