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If you've already worked with us, you'll understand why we use ARI to host our projects. 99% of the success of any architectural project is effective...
Extending your home can be an exciting project, offering the opportunity to create more space, enhance functionality, and add value to your property. ...
This year we are thrilled to celebrate a milestone that has been at the forefront of our commitment to innovation—10 years of offering Virtual R...
Darkin Architects have always embraced innovative practice, most recently within the dynamic realm of Building Information Modelling (BIM). As we emba...
The Carmarthenshire Rural Enterprise Fund (CREF) can provide financial assistance to businesses and sole traders for the development of new and existi...
For the second year in a row our very own Nathaniel Raynes has been busy raising funds to support Movember. Movember is the leading charity changing ...
Neath Port Talbot Council will be launching their official call for sites between the 6th November and closing it on 18th December. The level of...
Clay bricks have been in use for many years. In Britain, bricks were first used by the Roman Empire in the 1st century. Nowadays, bricks are prevalent...
Building regulations are the cornerstone of construction in the United Kingdom. They exist to ensure that buildings are safe, energy-efficient, and ...
Are you a developer in Swansea looking to build new houses? Do you want to maximize your return on investment while delivering top-quality homes to yo...
We recently held our annual conference at Swansea Bay Golf Club - a remarkable event that brought together our whole team for the day. This gathering ...
Introduction In recent years, the architectural landscape has shifted towards a more socially conscious approach, where designers and architects are ...
Business owner David Darkin, recently visited Bryngwyn School to share his passion for 3D design and provide valuable insights into potential career p...
In today's bustling urban environments, our connection with nature often takes a backseat. However, a growing movement in architecture called Biophili...
Introduction Darkin Architects recently had the privilege of providing work experience to Lucia Batters, a rising star in the field of architecture. ...
We're proud to supporting Faith in Families as our chosen charity this year. Faith in Families is making a real difference to children and families fa...
We extend our warmest congratulations to Amy Frohwein, who was recently awarded the prestigious Darkin Architects Award for Architecture. Presented at...
Last Friday night business owner, David Darkin was presented with the prestigious Traditions + Innovation Award by BNI South Wales. The ceremony, held...
Gas boilers are set to be phased out as part of the UK Government's commitment to net zero by 2050. All new build homes built in 2025 and onwards will...
Carmarthenshire village to become home of Wales' tallest skyscraper Llansaint, a small village in rural Carmarthenshire, is set to become the site of...
Wales has a rich architectural heritage, and there are many buildings worth visiting that could inspire an architect. Here are a few suggestions: Car...
In this article, we discuss the latest trends and preferences among homebuyers: 1. Open Floor Plans Many modern homebuyers prefer open floor plans t...
When building an extension on your home, it is important to consider the following: Planning permission and building regulations Check with local au...
Carmarthenshire County Council have secured an additional repayable finance scheme via the Welsh Government Town Centre Loans Fund, with the aim of br...
It's difficult to predict the exact future of construction, but there are several trends that are likely to continue to shape the industry. One trend ...
Last month, business owner David Darkin was re-elected president if the Llanelli Chamber of Trade and Commerce. Having help the position since 2...
We have won the Prestige Awards Wales Architectural Firm of the Year 2022/23! Held on 10th Nov at The Parkway Hotel & Spa in Torfaen, here is And...
When you are looking to start a new home project, it’s vital to find the best energy supplier. Choosing a supplier that meets your needs and off...
If you’re in the process of moving house, it’s a useful time to consider some of the practical aspects of your new home. You have t...
Well done to Brandon Roberts from our Llanelli design team who was presented with an award today. In an online presentation between the RSAW and UWT...
Following the news of the pending Energy Cap rise in October, we thought we'd share some tips to help homeowners with their energy bills. 1. Check Ou...
This month we're pleased to announce two new members of the Darkin Architects team who both join our Llanelli Studio. Brandon Roberts Last month, ...
We're proud to be sponsoring two of the children's teams at Dafen Welfare AFC this season. It's really important to support grassroots sports, helping...
Last week it was our pleasure to welcome Tegwen Wilkinson to Darkin Architects for a week of work experience in an Architect's practice. Tegwen join...
Last week, Darkin Architects were proud to sponsor an award at the UWTSD Architecture end of year show. The evening was a fantastic showcase of the...
Building from scratch is one of the purest expressions of construction; Crafting something from nothing can be a truly fulfilling experience. However,...
Every year, the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW) works with Universities and Architects across Wales through it's mentoring programme. The ...
The scaffolding has gone up and works are now underway to renovate Llanelli's historic clock tower. The centrepiece of the renovations will be the new...
Today, we're giving an extra special mention to Andronikos who joined the Darkin Architects team five years ago. During that time, Andronikos has prog...
It’s amazing to have a house extension as it can change the spacing of your entire house, further increasing its overall value. But, there are s...
Darkin Architects have secured a number of projects working with private developers, housing associations, public sector bodies and private clients an...
Do you have land in Neath Port Talbot that you're considering developing? We may be able to help. Neath Port Talbot Council are currently seeking can...
Today, business owner, David Darkin shared our philosophy 'Drawing on Experience' with over 50 businesses from across South Wales. Taki...
Today, business owner David Darkin was the guest speaker at University of Wales Trinity St David School of Architecture in Swansea. David was invited ...
From the Team at Darkin Architects, we wish you health, happiness and a wonderful festive break for you and your families. ...
Every Christmas, the Llanelli Chamber of Trade and Commerce holds a Christmas window competition to recognise the efforts our local businesses go to f...
Due to the continued growth of the business, we're really pleased to welcome two new members to our team, Kinda Abbasi and Nathaniel Raynes. Kinda ha...
Darkin Architects have been partnered with LABC since the inception of the Partnership Scheme for their continued expertise in construction. The artic...
Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing wo...
Concrete is a fundamental ingredient in modern construction and it is important to understand how the material can be used in the winter months. ...
Expect the Unexpected Even though a great deal of thought, planning and experience goes in to each project, we still regularly come across unexpect...
This week - a top project management tip that we work to when helping clients plan their construction projects, The Scope Triangle! It may be known...
We're hiring a Property and Estates Worker to help us manage and maintain our buildings. The position will be filled via the UK Government's Kicksta...
Architect David Darkin introduces the concept of Tariff Engineering and how it affects the built environment....
How to get it right: Notches & holes in solid timber joists When installing pipework or cabling, floor or ceiling joists may need to be n...
Business owner David Darkin was today recognised for his outstanding contribution to the business community in the South West Wales area. As a member ...
Darkin Architects are celebrating their 25th Anniversary and as a bit of fun, the team have shared what they were doing in the 90's! To be in with th...
Many local councils will have restrictions on the height of walls and fences and you should check with your local Planning team before you start any w...
We're really excited to reach our 25th year of trading! In June 1996, Byron Darkin took early retirement from Llanelli Borough Council, but within fo...
You may have seen or heard of SIPS panels before, possibly on a television series that follow a couple that have bought a plot of land with a ...
It's time to wish our Neath Studio a happy 1st Birthday! Despite lockdown and the pandemic, last year we expanded our service offering by opening a d...
We'd like to give a warm welcome to Ben Glazebrook who joins Darkin Architects from The Welsh School of Architecture at Cardiff University as an ...
Smoke alarms have been a standard feature in new homes since they were first introduced into Approved Document B in 1992. Whilst they are now installe...
Y bore 'ma roedd prif pensaer a perchennog Darkin Architects, David Darkin wedi ei cael cyfweliad ar sioe Aled Hughes as BBC Radio Cymru. Roedd y sgw...
Darkin Architects have continued to grow our team with the appointment of Senior Technician Mike Cahill. Mike brings over 30 years of experience to th...
This week, Darkin Architects' owner, David Darkin was the guest on The Ultimate Landlord Podcast with John Penquet. In the podcast, David and Joh...
What does the future of the construction industry look like? As the UK continues to deliver its vaccine programme, the end of the pandemic era seems ...
Architect David Darkin describes the process that happens after we've submitted a planning application. ...
We'd like to give a warm welcome to Danielle Churchill who joins Darkin Architects from UWTSD as an Architectural Assistant. Danielle will join our de...
Education has always been a passion at Darkin Architects. As well as promoting lifelong learning and continuous professional development within the te...
Last week, business owner and architect David Darkin was a featured speaker at Prime Cymru's Be Your Own Boss Event. Prime Cymru hosted a series of...
At the beginning of the year, I like to take a look at the upcoming twelve months and make some predictions on what I see for the year ahead. Given th...
It seems like a lifetime ago, but at the start of the year I wrote an article making some predictions about the year ahead. Given the year that we've ...
Bold plans were announced today for Llanelli Town Centre with a regeneration scheme known as 'Y Linc'. The Welsh Government backed scheme, designed b...
Clearly not just a twee decorative feature, chimneys need careful consideration whether on new build or refurbishment. Planning & Heritage conside...
Following on from engagements at Universities in Cardiff and Swansea, our Principal Architect, David Darkin was invited to speak at Coventry Universit...
This week saw the first ever online AGM of the Llanelli Chamber of Trade and Commerce. As the longest continuously operating Chamber of Trade and Comm...
We are still undertaking site visits and would like to take this opportunity to share with our customers, suppliers and contractors the processes whic...
We're often asked "Do you do plans?" and I say "No". The idea of plans or blueprints etc are very much synonymous with the image of the architect. Th...
"Radon is a radioactive gas, we can't see, smell or taste it: you need special equipment to detect it. It comes from the rocks and soil found everywhe...
We're really pleased to welcome Justine Davies to our team. Justine will be heading up business development for the practice, helping to grow our new ...
We're really proud of our company owner David Darkin for his recent nomination for a national business award. David attended an awards gala last Satur...
In light of new Welsh Government amendments to Town and Country Planning Regulations we like to keep the public up to date on the potential costings f...
In today's video, practice owner and architect, David Darkin gives some practical advice on nuisance neighbours. ...
We've been receiving oodles of enquiries for home offices pods in gardens or extensions for home working. So what's the best route? Each option h...
We're in! After successfully winning the contracts for many projects in Neath, we decided to open an office in the Town Centre to help us deliver thes...
If you're as old as me, you'll remember fiddling with the screensaver on your PC; Spending ages trying to find a cool set of patterns or writing jokey...
The world may have fundamentally changed as we know it, but the globe continues to turn and people still look to the future. Having secured a number o...
2018-2019 was a very busy time for Darkin Architects and for business owner David Darkin. This time was captured in a series of images by photographer...
What is Skeuomorphic design, what are some examples and how does it work in building design? ...
Darkin Architects are doing our bit to battle Covid-19, repurposing our 3D printer to print PPE Visors for NHS workers. We've joined Frontline 3D Pri...
Covid-19 Response We've been receiving high numbers of calls from Clients and Contractors and have therefore produced this response to answer the mos...
Darkin Architects wish to reassure our existing and prospective customers who may be concerned about service interruption due to the current outbreak ...
Last month we welcomed Beca Davies for work experience at Darkin Architects. Beca had the opportunity to experience the role of an Architect for a wee...
Darkin Architects Gain Planning Permission for Single Storey Side Extension to an early farmhouse in Carmarthenshire. Today we received the fan...
Sorry - this is definitely an article for the nerds, as I vent frustrations on the drainage regulations introduced in Wales on 7th January 2019. The S...
As one year closes and another begins, we thought we'd take a look ahead at what we may be able to expect in 2020. Here are our top predictions for ar...
We wish all of our customers and suppliers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We will be closed from 20.12.2019 and will re-open in the New...
"Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of all people with a disability. People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well ...
Planning and Building Control are very different. Case and point, you have the option to go private with your building control. Many of our clients as...
Today I attended Carmarthenshire County Council's (CCC) LDP Stakeholder Workshop at The Beacon in Dafen. The workshop was attended by Architects, Plan...
We're excited to welcome onboard our newest team member, Sam Clark. Sam is an Architectural Engineer and brings with him a fresh perspective on con...
This year we are delighted to be supporting Macmillan Cancer Support by holding a coffee morning at our offices on September 27th. Come join us...
Our mission is to improve the experience of construction, not just for our clients, but all those involved. Architecture is an experience, yet a comm...
Due to continued Company expansion, we are now looking for a Quantity Surveyor to join our team in Llanelli. We fully support our team’s career ...
This week our ISO 9001:2015 Certificate arrived! The certificate is the culmination of a lot of hard work and significant investment in time from the...
Every year at Darkin Architects we like to welcome school pupils from across South Wales for work experience at Darkin Architects; Places are limited,...
All British bats are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. It's an offence to deliberately capture, injure or kill them or to delib...
First opened for play in 1992, the clubhouse followed at the turn of the century. Starting with humble beginnings, the original clubhouse building was...
Yesterday I was privileged to join the working group of the new Approved Document Part L on behalf of the RIBA. The group was convened of experts from...
Why go to the expense and stress of moving when you could extend your current home? According to figures from the BBC, the credit crunch has resulted ...
How can your Architect ensure that you're getting the best value from your builder? Many people will say that it's the detailed information, ...
Darkin Architects are proud to be sponsors to the Marvels Netball Team in Llanelli. Below are some photographs of the team in their fantastic new kit....
We're in! As you may have seen a few weeks ago, we've moved offices in Llanelli from John Street to Queen Victoria Road. We've still got a lot of work...
The Team David Llewelyn Darkin (Owner & Architect) My father was a Borough Architect, following in his footsteps I went to university to study...
Congratulations to business owner David Darkin and completing his term of office as Mayor of Llanelli. "It's been a fantastic experience. I'm very pr...
Congratulations to Architect Tom Phillips on scoring the decisive goal for Welsh Division Three side Ynysygerwn to take them through to the final of t...
We're pleased to say that our Llanelli Studio has moved to a new home at Queen Victoria Road. Thanks to successfully becoming the architect for many n...
"Things which are different in order simply to be different are seldom better; but that which is made to be better is almost always different." - Diet...
"Bricks and Mortar" is the ubiquitous phrase often used to describe property, but how much longer will we use "bricks and mortar" or masonry construct...
Working to tight deadlines, Darkin Architects were appointed by Willing & able earlier this year to mobilise the redevelopment of the former NHS F...
Following my articles summarising the RIBA Plan of Works, this article continues from Stage 6: Handover & Close Out. I am now concluding...
Since we launched our 3D printing service last month, we've received a lot of interest from across Wales, but the one that piqued our interest was fro...
The architect is commonly the lead consultant on any construction project, responsible for coordinating the design and construction information in ord...
After working in the construction industry for a long time, I thought I'd share my top tips for the best ways to waste money when embarking on a const...
Congratulations to Managing Director, David Darkin on completing the Llanelli Half Marathon last Sunday. After training for 3 months, David completed ...
We're proud to announce that our 3D printing service is now up and running! Architecture should always be about an experience; It's inherently ...
Following my articles summarising the RIBA Plan of Works, this article continues from Stage 5: Construction. I will be writing a series of a...
Darkin Architects are proud to announce that we've acquired a 3D printer. Soon, we'll be able to offer our clients 3D printed models of their project ...
Building your own home is the ultimate DIY project, but it's a lot more than that, it can be the height of aspirational living, the fulfilment of a ch...
Converting your attic or garage can be a great way to add some additional space to your home without building a full-blown extension; It can be cheape...
It's likely to have taken a long time to get here, but at last you're ready for the actual construction works to start and all your planning and prepa...
Is your home feeling a little bit cramped? Perhaps you've run out of storage, or the kids need a bigger bedroom. You may be looking to move to a bigge...
South Wales based Darkin Architects have been entered into a UK-Wide competition by roof light giant Velux. Josh Heaton from Agency Spring, ...
I hate flat roofs. Don't get me wrong, they can be amazing in the right circumstances, but that's not what I'm talking about today. I hate flat roofs ...
Assuming you've got your plans in place and secured your planning permission, building regulations and other consents, what should you check before th...
Following my articles summarising the RIBA Plan of Works, this article continues from Stage 4: Technical Design. I will be writing a series ...
Part Q: Security has been part of the English Building Regulations since October 2015 and from November 2018 the Welsh Version will take effect. Pa...
A simple question with a complicated answer! Unfortunately, I will need to start with a caveat - This article is not a definitive answer, but a rough ...
Roofs are more than just weather protection, they can do wonders for extra space creation, storage or lighting when used properly. Today, we count dow...
It's not uncommon for us to take on a project started by someone else. Frequently, the client will talk about their previous 'Architect' only for us t...
Following my articles summarising the RIBA Plan of Works, this article continues from Stage 3: Planning. I will be writing a series of artic...
Over recent years, there's been much speculation online and in the media of the rise of the machines replacing our human workforce. So will this mean ...
If you are doubling up floor joists, creating trimmers or trimming joists around stairs and chimneys they all need connecting properly so that they ca...
There are so many unloved rural buildings across Wales that there's ample opportunity for a Barn Conversion. Today, we're listing our top 5 tips for a...
Following my articles summarising the RIBA Plan of Works, this article continues from Stage 2: Sketch Scheme. I will be writing a series of ...
Britain has an aging population and whilst dementia isn't the preserve of the elderly, it is more commonly found in older people. As designers, what c...
Our Managing Director, David, is running the Llanelli Half Marathon in aid of local causes, namely CYCA, Shopmobility and Friends of Llanelli Train St...
Following my articles summarising the RIBA Plan of Works, this article continues from Stage 1: Surveys. I will be writing a series of articl...
Today, I'm continuing my articles summarising the RIBA Plan of Works, this article following on from Stage 0: Strategic Definition I will be writ...
Last week, architects from across Wales travelled to the Mid-Wales Arts Centre for their annual general meeting. The Mid-Wales Arts Centre in Caersws...
As we continue to move forward with our implementation and development of BIM (Building Information Modelling) in practice, we're seeking to forge lin...
Publication of Circular 008/2018 – Planning requirement in respect of the use of private sewerage in new development, incorporating septic tanks...
As we continue to move forward with our implementation and development of BIM (Building Information Modelling) in practice, we're seeking to forge lin...
Following on from my article summarising the RIBA Plan of Works, I will be writing a series of articles going into more detail on each stage to help p...
Darkin Architects are proud to continue to sponsor our very own Tom Phillips of Ynysygerwn AFC. Tom is club captain and lead the team superbly...
I refer, (obviously) to candidate sites for local development plans. Local Development Plans are prepared so that each Local Authority can set out th...
"Unless you're moving forwards, you're moving backwards." The old adage applied to business, is certainly the case for Building Regulations and there...
There's a famous adage in the world of architecture that architects never retire, they drop dead with a pencil in their hand. This was almost literall...
Architects and other industry professionals need a common language to describe the stages of a construction project which is where the Royal Institu...
As the digital revolution rolls on, the way in which we communicate continues to evolve, including the way we use email in the workplace and to comm...
Following on from our recent article 'renovate not relocate', we look at the top 7 home renovation trends. This list is based on a 2018 report which l...
The Welsh Assembly Government is currently out to consultation on changes to Planning Policy in Wales (PPW). Amongst the many proposals, one of the mo...
Darkin Architects win Extension of the Year An extension to a home in Bridgend, designed by Darkin Architects has been awarded 'Best Extension' in th...
Darkin Architects have been awarded the Chwarae Teg Exemplar Employer Award©. It is awarded to businesses to recognise areas of g...
Virtual Reality in Architectural Practice Today, our Managing Director, David Darkin was invited to speak to students of the School of Architecture a...
The fire Extinguisher: 200 Years and Counting It's 200 years since Captain George William Manby invented the "Extincteur" in 1818. It was the first e...
Happy New Year! Darkin Architects Presents "5 things to know about 2018" for Darkin Architects and the Built Environment. 1. 10 Years at the Helm I...
Congratulations to our Managing Director, David Darkin on his election as the new President of the Llanelli Chamber of Trade and Commerce. Davi...
Yesterday and today, Menter Bro Dinefwr, in partnership with Darkin Architects, consulted the public on proposals to renovate the Shire Hall in Llande...
We're proud to announce that for the 7th time, we will be Sponsoring the Llanelli Star Awards. This year, we will be sponsoring the category of Teacho...
It's been 10 years since Darkin Architects made the switch from the Drawing Board to digital drafting via AutoCAD. So much has changed since 2007, bac...
Darkin Architect have been recognised for our commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace. ...
Tomorrow night, Darkin Architects once again look forward to rewarding a positive contribution to the community at the Llanelli Star Awards. The even ...
Burry Port is set to welcome an additional lighthouse. But all is not quite as it seems. The new lighthouse will be added to Moreb Roundabout and wi...
Architect Gives Chance To View Home Virtually By: Llanelli Star Printed: March 23, 2016 Unless you're an architect or a builder, chances are thar...
Darkin Architects were invited to attend a forum on Welsh Business in Westminster. Hosted in the Houses of Parliament, the forum was an opportunity fo...
Today Darkin Architects, together with the Friends of Llanelli Train Station and Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Nia Griffith, con...
In the clip below, see Managing Director, David Darkin, being interviewed for Channel S4C's Evening News, talking about the architecture of a Llanelli...
Axing of Llanelli CCTV Would Make It Easier For Criminals To Operate, It Is Claimed By: Llanelli Star Posted: March 25, 2015 A MOVE not t...
Swansea City Council have announced that they are going to start charging for pre-planning application enquiries. This follows the trend seen in Engla...
Architect In Meeting By: Llanelli Star Posted: October 24, 2014 A Llanelli architect joined a discussion on the economic recovery with seni...
Llanelli Architect And Businessman Says, "Town Centre Is Improving" By: Chad Welch Posted: October 24, 2014 A LLANELLI architect and busine...
July 2014 saw the introduction of the New Planning Policy Wales 2014 (PPW14). This will make life easier for anyone building a new home and we'll...
Darkin Architects are proud to announce that we have gained planning consent for Kirsty and Catherine Fields to extend their home. This extension will...
2011 sees Darkin Architects' 15th year of trade - A Happy New Year indeed The business was initially set up after Byron Darkin, the company's found...
Darkin Architects will be presenting the "Young Person of the Year" award at this year's award ceremony to be held at Parc Y Scarlets on 23rd October....
Following the success of last year's mentoring scheme, David Darkin travels to Cardiff University once more. Darkin Architects are working with RSAW a...
