Construction Progress | Llandeilo | Cottage Renovation

Bringing History Back to Life: Llandeilo Cottage Renovation Nears Completion

Exciting things are happening right in the heart of Llandeilo, as the renovation of a charming terraced cottage nears its final stages. Nestled within the town centre’s Conservation Area, this project has been a rewarding challenge — one that strikes the delicate balance between preserving historic character and delivering modern comfort and sustainability.

As an Designer, it is always a joy to visit a site nearing completion — and this one did not disappoint. It’s clear that every beam, wall, and detail has been treated with great respect for the area’s heritage, thanks to the skilled hands of Pennycook Construction and an expert project team. From the masonry to the finishings, the work reflects a high standard of craftsmanship and care.

Renovation in a Conservation Area: A Collaborative Effort

Working in a Conservation Area — particularly when dealing with Listed Buildings — demands a thoughtful approach, detailed planning, and clear communication between all parties. Fortunately, this project brought together a talented and dedicated group of professionals:
🔹 MW CONSULT LTD – Structural Engineer
🔹 Williams Electrical (Cymru) Ltd – Electrical Engineering Solutions
🔹 Pennycook Construction – Main Contractor
🔹 QS Maverick's of Tenby Ltd – Quantity Surveying
🔹 Total Building Control – Building regulations compliance

Each team member played a crucial role in ensuring the renovation respects both the architectural integrity and the regulatory constraints of this historic setting.

A Town in Bloom: Llandeilo’s Summer Transformation

Llandeilo itself is buzzing this summer with renewed energy and community pride. Thanks to initiatives like #LlandeiloInBloom, led by Cyngor Tref Llandeilo Fawr Town Council, the town is bursting with colour, energy, and inspiration. It’s an ideal backdrop for show
casing how thoughtful development and heritage protection can go hand-in-hand.

The success of this cottage project highlights a vital truth: even in Conservation Areas — and even with the added complexities of heritage status — quality renovation is not only possible but essential. These projects preserve our shared history while creating homes and spaces fit for the future.

Lessons Learned & Looking Ahead

This renovation has reinforced some key takeaways for anyone working on properties within sensitive or protected environments:

Engage early with specialists: 

From planning consultants to heritage officers, collaboration is key.

Respect the existing structure: 

Let the building tell its story. Your role is to enhance it, not erase it.

Quality matters: 

Use skilled contractors and craftspeople who understand historic materials and methods.

Follow the right processes: 

As this project shows, compliance doesn’t mean compromise — it means responsibility.

To dive deeper into how we approach Listed Buildings and Conservation Area projects, including tips on permissions, materials, and design strategy, check out this blog post:
👉 Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas – What You Need to Know

Thanks again to everyone who has contributed to this fantastic project. It is a proud example of what can be achieved when we blend traditional values with modern practices — all while keeping our communities vibrant and thriving.
Stay tuned for final photos and completion updates soon!
— Charlotte

Project Surveys | Carmarthenshire | Conversions, Listed & Residential Renovations and New Build

Making the Most of Summer: Surveys, Stunning Scenery & Exciting Projects in Carmarthenshire

There is something special about working in Carmarthenshire, especially when the sun is shining. Lately, I have been out and about taking full advantage of this glorious weather while carrying out a series of project surveys — and I have to say, it is one of the real perks of the job!

From rolling countryside to charming rural villages, the landscapes here never fail to inspire. It is a constant reminder of how fortunate I am to live and work in such a beautiful part of the world.

Tools of the Trade: Simple Essentials and the Power of First Impressions

 

While some aspects of architectural practice have evolved with technology, there is a comfort — and a real effectiveness — in the simplicity of the tools I have relied on since my very first day as a trainee.

Clipboard, paper, a handful of different coloured pens, measuring tapes, a good camera — and now, a trusty laser measure. These might sound basic, but together they form a kit that has never let me down — bar the odd flat battery!

 

The laser measure has certainly streamlined things (especially for those tricky, hard-to-reach corners), but I still think it is important not to rely on it entirely. A strong sense of spatial awareness and a feel for the building itself are just as important — perhaps more so.

 

There is something quite special about the process of carrying out a building survey. It is not just about measuring up; it is about understanding the structure, its quirks, its possibilities. I often find that as I move through the space — clipboard in hand — I am already sketching out ideas in my mind. It is a hands-on, intuitive process that allows room for design thinking to develop naturally.

In fact, those early conversations with a client — when they first start to share their thoughts and ambitions — often plant the seeds for the design. By the time I am walking through the property, I am already considering how those ideas might come to life and feeling the excitement by visualising the finished project.

It is this blend of simplicity, attentiveness, and imagination that makes surveying one of my favourite parts of the job — a quiet and grounding moment before the creativity of the design process takes full flight.

Back in the studio, it has been all systems go for the last couple of years and at the moment there is a diverse and exciting mix of projects currently on the go — everything from listed building renovations and barn conversions to home extensions and brand-new builds. Each one presents its own unique challenges and creative opportunities, making it a busy but hugely rewarding time at CM Architectural.

If you are thinking about your own project — whether it is a renovation, conversion, or a new build — now is the perfect time to start planning ahead to aim to start building next year.

 

We’d love to hear your ideas and help bring them to life.

Get in touch — let’s create something amazing together.

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Project Focus | Braiswick, Essex | Private Client New Build

 

From Sketch to Structure: A Thoughtfully Designed New Home

CMArchitectural is pleased to showcase the completion of a bespoke new-build home in Braiswick, Essex, designed for a private client seeking a residence that would sit sympathetically between their period family farmhouse and a nearby contemporary development.

This project began with a simple but meaningful gesture: a sketched floor plan drawn on graph paper by the client, full of potential. Working closely with the client, that vision was transformed into a fully realised home—one that balances modern comfort with contextual sensitivity, offering a seamless transition between the historic and the new.

🏡 Thoughtful Design, Inside and Out

The resulting home features a spacious interior layout tailored to the client’s lifestyle, with an emphasis on flow, light, and flexibility. The garden design was equally important—planned to complement both the new building and its surrounding landscape, creating a space that feels cohesive and considered from every angle.

Throughout the project, working as CMArchitectural for PJB Architects, Charlotte and Keith jointly coordinated with multiple consultants to ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance were maintained. From initial concept through to completion, this home stands as a testament to collaborative, client-focused design.

🤝 A Valued Collaboration

This project was completed in collaboration with PJB Architects, with whom CMArchitectural shared a long and rewarding working relationship. Though PJB Architects is no longer operating, their contribution to projects like this one remains deeply appreciated and very fondly remembered.

✨ Turning Vision into Reality

BRAISWICK is a great example of what is possible when thoughtful planning, meaningful collaboration, and client vision come together. It was a joy to bring this project to life.

📍 Location: Braiswick

📂 Type: Private Residential New Build

📎 Status: Completed

Project Focus | Cellar 62 at The Angel | Listed Building Consent

New Beginnings for a Historic Building: Cellar 62 Opens Its Doors (in the 'old' Angel Inn)

CMArchitectural is proud to share the successful transformation of a cherished Llandeilo landmark—Cellar 62 at The Angel Inn has officially opened and is already proving to be a popular destination. 🍷

This milestone follows the granting of listed building consent for sensitive and respectful works to the former Angel Inn, a historic property rich in local heritage. The building has now been thoughtfully reimagined and divided into two distinct spaces, setting the stage for new independent businesses to thrive in the heart of the town.

✨ Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future

The project was carried out with the support of Carmarthenshire County Council, reflecting a growing emphasis on the adaptive reuse of historic buildings—breathing new life into familiar places while safeguarding their architectural character. Inside Cellar 62, great care has been taken to maintain the original warmth and charm that once defined The Angel, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentic and inviting.

A special acknowledgment goes to Paul and Tracey, whose craftsmanship and detailing in the early years of The Angel were fully honoured in this latest chapter. Their original work served as inspiration and foundation, with the design team ensuring a seamless blend between the historic and the new.

🥂 A Welcoming Return

Since opening, Cellar 62 has quickly become a local favourite, offering a vibrant yet nostalgic setting reminiscent of the ‘old’ Angel. The result is more than just a new business—it's a community space reborn, where history and hospitality meet.

This project stands as a testament to what careful design and deep local understanding can achieve: regeneration without erasure—where the future is shaped in harmony with the past.

📍 Location: Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire

📂 Type: Listed Building Application

📎 Status: Completed & Open to the Public

Project Focus | Cwmllynfell | Development Outline Planning

 Outline Planning Permission Granted ✔

CMArchitectural is pleased to announce that outline planning permission has been granted by Neath Port Talbot Council for the development of five detached homes in Cwmllynfell.

This approval marks a significant milestone in what has been a carefully managed and collaborative planning process. The site, a parcel of underused land left behind from a previous development, is now set to be revitalized with a new, thoughtfully planned residential scheme, complementing those nearby.

🌳 A Design Rooted in Place

The proposed layout of the homes was shaped with great care to integrate seamlessly into the existing landscape. Mature trees on the site were retained and respected throughout the design process, and comprehensive ecological studies were undertaken to ensure environmental considerations remained central to the development.

To support the future of the site and surrounding community, contribution agreements have also been put in place—helping to reinforce local infrastructure and community benefit.

🏡 Revitalising Land, Respecting Community

This development has been designed in principle to enhance and contribute to the existing community in Cwmllynfell. By turning previously overlooked land into a place for new beginnings, the project represents responsible, context-sensitive growth that honours both the natural environment and the needs of the people who live nearby.

CMArchitectural looks forward to s
eeing this site progress in the coming stages, and to continuing their work in creating spaces that are meaningful, sustainable, and well-connected to their surroundings.

📍 Location: Cwmllynfell, Neath Port Talbot

📂 Type: Residential Development (5 Detached Homes)

📎 Status: Outline Planning Approved

Project Focus | Seven Sisters | Residential Extension

Planning Permission Granted: A Garden-Focused Home Extension near Neath Port Talbot

I am very pleased to share that CMArchitectural have recently secured planning permission from Neath Port Talbot Council for a thoughtful and transformative two-storey extension in Seven Sisters for a young couple. The design process has been as much about the connection to their garden and nature as it has been about creating the much needed extra space.

The original home, though set on an extensive plot and wonderfully close to woodland, offered great potential but lacked a true connection to the setting—something incredibly important to the couple, both of whom are passionate gardeners. This extension changes that.

The design adds a comfortable and functional living space on the ground floor that will open directly to the garden, creating a seamless link between indoors and out. Above, a new bedroom provides the extra room they need as they grow into their home.

While the site benefits from space and seclusion, the design was approached with the same care and attention we would for any location. Material choices and ecological sensitivity were a key part of the process—ensuring the extension sits gently in its environment while enhancing the overall character of the home.

It is always rewarding to help turn a vision into reality—especially when it strengthens the relationship between people and the landscape around them. 

I am thrilled to move this project forward and can't wait to see this new space come to life. 

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for updates.

Celebrating International Women's Day, Llandeilo Literature Festival & the Incredible Women Behind It All

Rethinking Architecture

Celebrating International Women's Day, Llandeilo Literature Festival & the Incredible Women Behind It All

Today, I am sharing something a little different! As the Mayor of Llandeilo, and someone who both works and lives here, I can truly say that this town holds a special place in my heart. Each year, I like to sponsor a local event, and with so many incredible festivals and initiatives to choose from, the decision is never easy. But this year, I have chosen to support Llandeilo Literature Festival—a weekend dedicated to celebrating the written and spoken word, running from April 25th to 27th, 2025.

Since tomorrow also marks International Women’s Day, it feels like the perfect time to highlight the incredible team of women who work tirelessly—not only alongside me, in work and on the council but behind the scenes as well—to bring some of Llandeilo’s most beloved festivals to life. Their dedication, creativity, and hard work make Llandeilo and events like the Lit Fest truly special.

👷🚧🥳Celebrating the Women in Architecture & Construction in Llandeilo🥳🚧👷

For International Women’s Day, I want to firstly take a moment to appreciate the incredible women in architecture and construction that I have the privilege of working with and for in Llandeilo. These women are shaping our town—designing, building, restoring, and preserving the spaces that make our community unique.

From designers bringing visions to life, to engineers ensuring strong foundations, to the skilled tradeswomen and planners making projects happen—your dedication, expertise, and hard work do not go unnoticed. We are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and building a future where talent and passion define success.

Thank you for all that you do to make Llandeilo a more beautiful, functional, and a truly inspiring place to live and work. Tomorrow, we celebrate us!!

Why I’m Sponsoring Llandeilo Lit Fest This Year

I like to sponsor something that I connect to, and this year, I have chosen Llandeilo Literature Festival—and for so many great reasons!

First and foremost, the festival is powered by an incredible team of women (and men to be fair) working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this celebration of words and creativity to life. It is a reflection of the diverse, vibrant town we live in, with a wonderful schedule of events highlighting the power of storytelling, poetry, and discussion.

One of the things that makes Llandeilo Lit Fest so unique though, is how it is woven into the fabric of the town itself. Events take place in a range of local and historic buildings, creating a real sense of place and community—an approach that was rightly recognised last year with an award from the Civic Society for its creative use of venues.

Reading, writing, and creativity are just as important for young people as sports, and after the huge success of our council’s pump track in Parc Le Conquet, it feels right to champion the arts as well. The festival’s Kids Fest is a fantastic way to inspire the next generation through books and imagination.

What’s Happening at Llandeilo Literature Festival?

This year’s festival is set to be a fantastic celebration, featuring:
📖 Celebrated Welsh Writers
🎭 Poetry, Storytelling and Music
📝 Workshops
📚 Kids Fest
🏳️‍🌈 Pride at the Lit Fest

To launch Kids Fest on World Book Day, members of the Lit Fest team visited local schools, including Ysgol Gymraeg Teilo Sant, Llandeilo Primary School, Ysgol Gynradd Ffairfach, Ysgol Cwrt Henri, and Ysgol Gynradd Talyllychau. They introduced a poetry and illustration project for the children, inspired by …And I Hear Dragons, the poetry anthology edited by Hanan Issa, National Poet of Wales.

The children were absolutely captivated when Kate and Charlotte arrived dressed as Mary Poppins and Gangster Granny, with Charlotte hiding her Mayoress chain 'loot' in her swag bag, setting the tone for a festival full of fun, imagination and creativity!

I am beyond excited to support this event and to see our town come alive with stories, poetry, and the power of words. If you are in Llandeilo, be sure to mark your calendars and join in for a magical weekend!

April 25th to 27th, 2025

Tickets are now available; click on the image below to link you to the programme:

CMArchitectural Joins the LABC Partner Authority Scheme!

 

CMArchitectural Joins the LABC Partner Authority Scheme!

We are excited to share some fantastic news - CMArchitectural is now officially part of the LABC Partner Authority Scheme (PAS)! This milestone means we can offer a more streamlined, consistent approach to Building Regulations across all our projects.

What Does This Mean for Our Clients?

Being part of the PAS simplifies the approval process, reduces paperwork, and ensures fewer queries, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective service. With a single point of contact for plan appraisal, we can provide consistency and clarity, making the entire process smoother for our clients.

The LABC Partner Authority Scheme Explained

The PAS is designed for companies working across multiple locations and dealing with various local authorities. It allows businesses like ours to develop a one-on-one working relationship with a preferred local authority for advice and plan appraisal. However, site inspections will still be conducted by the local authority where each project takes place.

Key Benefits of the Scheme

By joining PAS, CMArchitectural and our clients gain numerous advantages:

Faster, More Efficient Approvals: The scheme helps streamline the building process, saving both time and money.

Expert Support Throughout the Design Process: A dedicated building control surveyor from our chosen local authority will work closely with our design team to provide expert advice across all projects nationwide.

Early Issue Resolution: By collaborating from the start, we can address any potential issues early in the design phase, reducing the need for costly changes later in construction.

Consistent Plan Appraisal: A single point of contact ensures a uniform approach to interpreting Building Regulations, leading to a more predictable and seamless experience.

Local Knowledge, National Support: While we benefit from a consistent process, site-specific conditions and necessary consultations are still handled by the relevant local authority to ensure compliance with regional requirements.

Looking Ahead

Joining the PAS is a significant step for CMArchitectural, enhancing the quality and efficiency of our services. Our clients can now enjoy a more coordinated approach to building control, improved pre-application services, and seamless liaison with essential services like Fire, Police, and Environmental Health.

We look forward to leveraging this partnership to deliver even better results for our clients. If you have any questions about how to start planning your project, feel free to contact us!

Project Focus | Carmarthen Castle | Maintenance and Renovation

Carmarthen Castle | Gate House

Exploring Carmarthen Castle: A Journey Through Time and Craftsmanship

When I penned my blog last June, thinking all was going well and I'd be writing monthly, little did I realise how extraordinary the coming months would be. The latter half of 2024 was a whirlwind - juggling professional commitments and my duties as Mayor of Llandeilo. But amidst the busy schedule, I was given the opportunity to contribute to something truly special: the conservation of Carmarthen Castle.

Historical architecture has always captivated me, but I had never been so deeply involved in preserving such a significant structure. Standing in front of the gatehouse, I questioned: "Where would you even start to begin to draw up a castle?" Surprisingly, the answer was simpler than expected - approach it as you would any other project, and the pieces will fall into place.

A Collaborative Conservation Effort

The restoration project at Carmarthen Castle is being expertly led by Nathan Goss, director of 'Nathan Goss Conservation.' His expertise in historical conservation has been instrumental in compiling reports and recommendations for both Scheduled Ancient Monument and Listed Building submissions. My role? To create the detailed drawings - plans, elevations, and intricate details -  needed to visually support his reports, showcasing both the current structure and the proposed preservation work for this landmark in the centre of Carmarthen.

Carmarthen Castle | Gate House

Why Castles Captivate Us

Castles are fascinating structures that are more than stone and mortar; they are living histories, silent witnesses to centuries of human resilience and architectural brilliance. Surveying a structure like Carmarthen Castle requires meticulous planning, a keen eye for detail, and a deep appreciation for historical context. Whether you are a historian, architect, or simply an enthusiast, there is a fascinating process behind every successful architectural survey. And here is the secret - it did not require anything beyond the standard survey techniques I use for all my projects!

Carmarthen Castle | Gate House (Inner)

Preparing for the Castle Survey

Before setting foot on site, thorough preparation was key. 

Here is how I approached it:

• Historical Context: I delved into the castle's rich history, including its origins, architectural evolution, and historical significance. Understanding the past shapes the way we approach preservation.

• Existing Documentation: Gathering old surveys, maps, and plans is invaluable. In Carmarthen's case, local historians were essential allies, pointing me toward a wealth of prior studies and resources.

• Essential Tools: The kit included measuring tools (tape measures, laser distance meters), sketching materials, cameras, and even a (Nathan's) drone for aerial views - all crucial for capturing the castle's full essence.

Bringing the Castle to Life: The Drawings

My part in the project involved translating the castle's grandeur into a set of architectural drawings unfolding the walls as I went. Each line drawn was not just a technical necessity but a step toward playing a small part in preserving a piece of history. From detailed elevations showcasing weathered stonework to accompanying plans highlighting areas requiring careful intervention, the drawings became both a technical guide and a tribute to Carmarthen Castle’s enduring legacy.

Carmarthen Castle | Architectural Drawings

A Lasting Experience

Contributing to the Carmarthen Castle project has been more than just professional work - it has been a memorable journey into the heart of historical conservation. Standing beneath the gatehouse arches, I have gained a newfound respect for the craftsmanship of the past and the importance of preserving it for the future.

If you ever find yourself near Carmarthen, I highly recommend visiting this majestic site. Let its towering walls and ancient stones tell you their stories, just as they did for me. Visit Carmarthen.

2025 | Happy New Year | Happy New Project

Did you know ...?

In 2011 RIBA predicted that in 2025 "the client-savvy architect must be able to see beyond ‘building a building’ and offer a service that embraces the client’s broader aims – becoming a problem solver as well as a designer." ArchDaily

And that is exactly what I enjoy doing ... every project is a process, some more complex than others but all just as important, so as another New Year gets underway is it time to start planning your new project?

Is it time to re-organise your home and create some extra space after a Christmas bursting at the seams, time to plan the conversion of that empty building that has been stood unused for too long or is now the time to explore building something new?

Survey - Design - Planning and Building Regulations Permission - Build

Where do you begin?

Many clients have come to me with ideas they have been thinking over for a while, a new build , extension or conversion are not often the sort of projects you start as a spur of the moment thought but never say never! Every client will have either specific thoughts on style, pictures of individual elements, rough sketches or even plans drawn up themselves that need drafting to scale, rationalising and presenting in readiness for gaining the permission or quote needed.

Some have a plot of land in mind and a goal of working up to building there, others have ownership of a site with previous plans that they wish to be updated or changed to suit. Whereas other clients contact me simply with a desire to complete maintenance to their properties but require permissions to do so; especially if the building is listed, in a conservation area or has another restriction within the boundary.

Start the conversation

It is important to me that whether a client has a fixed idea of what they want or only a vague one they are able to contact me and begin the process in exactly the same way with no upfront costs. A free consultation is always offered with a site visit and an initial meeting. It gives me the chance to view the site and discuss design ideas, identifying any factors that may have an impact. For the client, they will get to know who they will be working with as a good client-professional relationship is essential to me.

Discussing the way forward is the next step. Sometimes that is a straightforward path to submitting a planning application but quite often there are many other routes to take as there is much more to the architectural process than you may think! I have covered a variety of topics in earlier blog posts including; Outline Planning | Full Planning | Householder Planning and Permitted Development | Listed Building | Retrospective.

Charlotte

If you are inspired to begin

Contact me at cmarchitectural15@gmail.com or on 07584992755

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/cmarchitectural15/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CMArchitectural15

2024 | Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year | Reflective

 

To end the year I thought I would reflect on what I have covered so far. 

Back in January I decided to start this blog and I am glad I did as it seems that the posts showing project updates and answering the more common questions are both enjoyed and useful. Thank you for joining me and for the sharing the enjoyable variety of projects that have come my way. 

My second post aimed to address a couple of questions I get asked more often than any other; As an owner of a Listed Building what restrictions are there; Can I just carry on with maintenance? What does being in a Conservation Area mean; Is it the same as a Listed Building? This remains the most popular post of the year and I will do a follow up early next year discussing the specifics of Llandeilo's Conservation Area.
listed-buildings-conservation-areas

Outline Planning, Full Planning and Householder Planning were the topics of the next post shedding a little light on the differences, followed by Permitted Development, Listed Building and Retrospective in March.
outline-planning-full-planning
part-2-outline-planning-full-planning

A couple of behind the scene posts appeared in March and June giving a glimpse into process and what I do as an Architect's Technician.
the-importance-of-well-designed-floor
what-does-freelance-architects

Finally, I have really enjoyed creating some 'Project Focus' posts and there are plenty more of those to come in the new year.
project-focus-llansawel-cottage
project-focus-hoe-farm-new-cartlodge

All that is left is to say a 'Merry Christmas' and sign off until 2025.