A modern two-story home with a sleek and minimalist design, set against a twilight sky. The upper floor is clad in dark metal panels, while the lower floor features light natural stone walls with expansive glass windows and doors. The central section has large, floor-to-ceiling windows that reflect the soft pink and purple hues of the sunset. The landscaped front yard includes neatly arranged plants and shrubs, bordered by paved walkways with small, glowing garden lights. The overall setting is serene, with a blend of modern architecture and subtle natural surroundings.

A modern two-story house with a contemporary design, featuring a combination of stonework and sleek black panels. The lower floor has large, reflective glass windows, while the upper floor includes a balcony with a glass railing. The house has a flat roof, and a tall stone chimney is visible on the left. In front, there is a raised stone patio with dark wicker furniture and a white umbrella. Below the patio, a green lawn with a small lounge chair and wooden planter completes the scene. The sky is bright blue with a few scattered white clouds, enhancing the fresh and modern aesthetic.

We believe in creating buildings which are kind on the planet and inspiring for our clients. Our experience in both residential and commercial architecture together with urban design means we can provide innovative solutions for most sizes of project, from renovation of your property, extension, new build through to masterplanning.

Our residential collection

Are you looking for an architect who can help turn your vision for your dream home into a reality?

Our architectural design services combined with a thorough knowledge of the planning process has provided considerable success in creating custom solutions on difficult-to-unlock sites throughout the UK

How we work

A 3D architectural cutaway rendering of a modern two-story house. The structure is depicted in a transparent wireframe style, revealing interior layouts and architectural details. Red beams and structural elements stand out against the otherwise translucent design, highlighting key support features. The upper floor includes large open spaces and glass panels, with a flat roof supported by exposed beams. The lower level features open floor plans and visible staircases. The design emphasizes a modern aesthetic with clean lines and functional spaces. The surrounding landscape is subtly outlined, suggesting a sloped or uneven terrain.

A black-and-white photo of the office building for Downs Merrifield Architects. The building is modern in design, with clean lines and a mix of materials, including a smooth white facade and vertical black paneling. The upper level features a large window, through which three people are visible, smiling and standing inside the office. The window reflects surrounding trees and the sky, adding depth to the image. To the left, another section of the building has a corner window with a vase visible inside. On the right, the frame captures flowering trees and foliage, creating a natural and welcoming context. The architectural style reflects the firm's modern and innovative approach.

Who are we and how can we help?

We work in an iterative way to create a bespoke solution with you based on your needs. We use a combination of hand sketches, three dimensional computer design and virtual reality so you can visualise the project at every stage. Although our practice is based in Cardiff, we design houses and other projects all over Wales with experience of properties in England, Scotland and Europe

Practice & People

Although we architects and not specialist Interior Designers, we believe that the two should go hand in hand. Throughout the design of the building we are also considering the spaces as a whole , creating drama, ensuring the lighting and sun enhance the rooms. To demonstrate this to our clients we use Virtual Reality from early stages to capture the atmosphere and volumes, allowing our clients to experience and understand the spaces.

Our interiors

A modern two-story home built into a sloped hillside, featuring a mix of white render and natural stone cladding. The upper floor has large glass windows and sliding doors that open onto a balcony with a glass railing, offering expansive views. A flat roof enhances the contemporary design. The lower floor includes a garage with a white door and a side window framed in stone. A neatly landscaped garden surrounds the property, with green lawns, paved pathways, and steps leading to the entrance. The driveway is paved and bordered by low brick walls. The background includes a grassy hillside and neighboring houses, set under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Sustainability

We prioritize sustainability by using a ‘fabric first’ approach to design green, low-energy buildings with lasting environmental benefits. From the first meeting, we guide clients on affordable, low-carbon solutions and, where appropriate, incorporate zero-carbon technologies. With experience in deep retrofits, Passive Haus buildings, and modern construction methods, we ensure projects are both sustainable and practical.

Want to know more?

Whether your property is listed, needs a retrofit, extension or is a new build - we have the experience and completed projects we can show you.

We have worked within Sites of Special Scientific interest and Outstanding Natural beauty, on Listed Grade II buildings including many within conservation areas, achieving a good success rate with planning applications.

Conservation work

A modern roof design featuring a combination of sleek metal panels and large glass skylights, blending contemporary and traditional elements. The roof extends from a stone building with a visible chimney on the right, built with textured stonework. In the background, tall leafless trees create a serene winter or early spring landscape, with a lawn and scattered flowering shrubs below. The composition highlights the harmonious integration of modern architecture with natural surroundings under a clear blue sky.

A modern office space set within a historic building, featuring ornate cast iron arches and columns. The space includes open-plan desks with ergonomic chairs and a central bar area with a herringbone wood pattern and white tiled backsplash. The flooring is a mix of warm wood and decorative tiles, creating a blend of classic and contemporary design. Large windows and skylights allow natural light to flood the interior, enhancing the airy atmosphere. A unique bicycle-themed DJ desk adds a creative and distinctive touch to the workspace, reflecting a dynamic and innovative environment.

Collaborating with enlightened clients, delivering intelligent, ethical buildings.

We have worked with all client types, from individuals with modest budgets from £150,000 through to more ambitious luxury new houses; with developers; charities; public and private sector companies. With all our clients we strive to achieve the best outcome not only for them but the wider community and locality

Our commercial collection

Community

Downs Merrifield integrates social value by fostering inclusive spaces that promote community well-being. Through collaboration with charities and community groups we enhance accessibility and safety, enriching lives and creating sustainable environments that positively impact the wider society. Our design work and technical expertise helps generate value and access to funding.

We have worked with community groups such as:-

Llandaff 50+ Group – The Pound where we worked from inception to completion creating a community centre for older people

Dreams and Wishes Garden – A charity for children with life limiting illness, to create a design for a garden of celebration near the hospital for both parents and children

The Gate entrance and PVs – improving the entrance and obtaining planning to put photo voltaic panels on the listed roof. Work is on-going for this charity

Nelson Trust – A charity providing support to women for help with addiction and rehabilitation – creating a new centre in Swansea

Bulwark Community Centre – Improving the Disable facilities with a changing places room, new toilets, improved entrance, parking and acoustics for the shared activity space

Other projects have included Cathays Sports and Social Club, Llandough Childrens assessment centre and Cardiff High School