Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Architects for Thoughtful Design
HLM Architects, established in 1964, is a distinguished architectural practice with a legacy of creating socially impactful spaces. Our multidisciplinary team specialises in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and sustainability across sectors including education, healthcare, and residential. With a philosophy of 'Thoughtful Design,' we prioritise human-centric solutions that balance creativity, technical excellence, and environmental responsibility. Accredited to ISO 9001, 14001, and 18001 standards, we combine digital innovation with modern methods of construction to deliver award-winning projects.Recognised as one of the UK's Best Companies to work for, our approach integrates social value, wellbeing, and sustainability into every design phase. Our Thoughtful Design Toolkit ensures stakeholder needs are met through evidence-based decision-making, while our commitment to net-zero targets aligns with RIBA 2030 Sustainable Outcomes. With studios in Sheffield, Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow, London, and Dublin, we serve clients nationally and internationally, fostering partnerships that drive regenerative, inclusive development.
Services
Architecture
Interior Architecture
Landscape Architecture
Masterplanning
Environmental Sustainability
MMC/DfMA Solutions
Digital Innovation
Social Value Consultancy
Passivhaus Design
BREEAM Assessments
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- ISO-certified for quality, environmental, and health & safety standards
- Winner of over 100 national and international design awards
- Pioneers in digital tools like the Thoughtful Design Toolkit
- Recognised as a three-star Best Company Employer by staff votes
- Leaders in sustainable design aligned with RIBA 2030 targets
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- ISO 18001
- BIM Level 2 Certified
- Cyber Essential Plus
What people say
Award-winning design
Sustainability focus
Social value commitment
Digital innovation
Client-centric approach
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services combine creative innovation with technical rigour, delivering spaces that prioritise human wellbeing and environmental sustainability. We specialise in education, healthcare, and residential projects, using digital tools to ensure precision and efficiency. With a focus on social value, our designs enhance communities while meeting strict budgetary and regulatory requirements.
Environmental Sustainability
We embed sustainability into every project phase, offering BREEAM assessments, net-zero carbon strategies, and circular economy solutions. Our RIBA 2030-aligned approach reduces environmental impact while improving building performance and occupant health through passive design and renewable technologies.
Digital Innovation
Our Thoughtful Design Toolkit uses digital platforms to capture stakeholder needs, assess environmental performance, and measure post-occupancy success. This evidence-based approach ensures designs meet functional, sustainability, and social value goals through parametric modelling and virtual prototyping.
MMC/DfMA
We lead in modern methods of construction, applying Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) principles to create efficient, high-quality buildings. Our offsite solutions reduce waste and carbon emissions while accelerating delivery for sectors including education, defence, and healthcare.
Social Value Consultancy
We quantify and enhance social value through stakeholder engagement, wellbeing assessments, and inclusive design. Our tools measure impacts on communities, ensuring projects deliver equitable benefits in health, education, and economic opportunity.
People
Philip Watson
Chair, Head of Design
With over 30 years' experience, Philip leads HLM's design vision, championing the Thoughtful Design philosophy. He drives innovation in healthcare and education architecture while mentoring emerging talent across studios.
Karen Mosley
Social Impact and Inclusion Director
Karen oversees HLM's social value strategy, fostering community engagement and diversity initiatives. Her work ensures equitable access to opportunities through architectural outreach and inclusive design practices.
Juliana Renn
Head of Sustainability
Juliana leads sustainable design across projects, aligning with RIBA 2030 targets. She develops strategies for net-zero carbon, circular economy principles, and environmental certifications like BREEAM.
Anne Daw
Head of MMC Delivery
Anne specialises in modern methods of construction, directing offsite solutions that improve efficiency and sustainability. Her expertise spans modular design for education and defence sectors.
Marcus Earnshaw
Technology Director
Marcus drives digital transformation at HLM, overseeing BIM implementation and R&D in digital tools. His work enhances collaboration and precision across architectural and construction workflows.
Questions
What sectors does HLM Architects specialise in?
We specialise in education, healthcare, residential, hospitality, defence, and workplace architecture, delivering tailored solutions across all key sectors.
How does HLM incorporate sustainability into projects?
Our designs align with RIBA 2030 Sustainable Outcomes, integrating net-zero carbon strategies, sustainable materials, and biodiversity enhancements.
What accreditations does HLM hold?
We are ISO 9001 (quality), 14001 (environment), and 18001 (health & safety) certified, with BIM Level 2 and Cyber Essential Plus accreditations.
Can HLM deliver offsite construction projects?
Yes, we champion modern methods of construction (MMC) and DfMA, with 20+ years' experience in modular solutions for schools, prisons, and housing.
How does HLM measure design success?
Through our Thoughtful Design Toolkit, which evaluates projects against social value, wellbeing, and environmental performance metrics.
