Business Details
26 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Services in Truro
Established in 2000, CAD Architects has grown to become one of Cornwall's largest and most respected architectural practices. Our team of experienced professionals combines creative design with practical commercial awareness to deliver tailored solutions for clients across residential, commercial, and heritage sectors. With a proven track record of securing planning approvals and winning industry awards, we specialise in translating client visions into functional spaces that respect Cornwalls unique environment. Our RIBA Chartered Practice status reflects our commitment to excellence, while our in-house expertise in planning, heritage consultancy, and engineering ensures comprehensive project support.Having completed over three decades of projects ranging from coastal homes to civic developments, we maintain strong relationships with local authorities and contractors to achieve optimal outcomes. Our collaborative approach prioritises client input at every stage, supported by cutting-edge technology and sustainable design principles. Recognised for award-winning work in sustainable housing and conservation, we extend our expertise across the UK while retaining deep local knowledge of Cornish building regulations and architectural heritage. This combination of regional insight and national capability positions us as trusted partners for projects of all scales and complexities.
Services
Architectural Design
Planning Consultancy
Heritage Conservation
Civil Engineering
Structural Engineering
Residential Development
Commercial Projects
Sustainable Design
Conservation Consultancy
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- Award-winning expertise in sustainable housing and heritage conservation
- Comprehensive in-house services including architecture, planning, and engineering
- Proven 20+ year track record with 95% planning approval success rate
- Deep local knowledge of Cornish building regulations and heritage
- Collaborative approach integrating client input throughout project lifecycle
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
What people say
Excellent service
Amazing results
Professional team
Successful planning approvals
Design exceeded expectations
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service combines creative innovation with technical expertise to transform client visions into functional spaces. We specialise in residential developments, commercial buildings, and heritage projects, ensuring each design respects its environment while meeting modern requirements. With a 95% success rate in planning applications, our RIBA-accredited team delivers context-sensitive solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with practical functionality across Cornwall and the UK.
Planning Consultancy
CAD Planning offers strategic consultancy to secure development permissions through evidence-based proposals. Our proactive approach includes heritage impact assessments, community engagement strategies, and negotiation with local authorities. With specialist knowledge of Cornish planning policies and national regulations, we help clients overcome obstacles through tailored planning strategies, appeals representation, and integrated design solutions that maximise development potential.
Heritage Conservation
CAD Heritage specialises in preserving and repurposing historic structures while meeting modern needs. Our conservation consultancy includes heritage impact assessments, listed building consents, and traditional construction techniques. Recognised as one of the South West's leading heritage practices, we combine archival research with practical expertise to restore architectural significance while ensuring structural viability and regulatory compliance for properties across Cornwall and Devon.
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering services support architectural projects through site analysis, drainage solutions, and infrastructure planning. Working closely with local authorities, we ensure compliance with highway regulations and environmental standards. This integrated approach enables seamless project delivery from concept to completion, addressing structural requirements while maintaining design integrity for residential, commercial, and public sector developments.
Structural Engineering
Structural engineering services provide technical solutions for diverse construction projects, from traditional masonry to modern steel frameworks. Our engineers collaborate with architects to ensure structural integrity while maintaining design vision. Specialising in both new builds and renovations, we deliver cost-effective solutions that meet building regulations and sustainability goals across Cornwall's challenging coastal and rural environments.
People
Mark Dawes
Co-Founder
One of the founding directors with over 20 years' experience in architectural practice. Specialises in strategic project management and client relations, instrumental in establishing CAD Architects' reputation for excellence in Cornish architecture.
Steve Hooper
Co-Founder
Co-founder with extensive expertise in planning approvals and heritage projects. Played key role in developing the practice's successful approach to conservation consultancy and listed building restorations across Cornwall.
Christopher Hendra
Director
Joined the founding team in 2003, bringing specialist knowledge in sustainable design. Leads the practice's award-winning approach to energy-efficient housing and contemporary coastal architecture that respects traditional Cornish aesthetics.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer in Cornwall?
We provide full architectural design, planning consultancy, heritage conservation, and engineering services for residential, commercial, and community projects across Cornwall and the UK.
How experienced are your architects with planning applications?
With 20+ years' experience and a 95% success rate, our RIBA Chartered team has extensive expertise navigating Cornish planning regulations and securing approvals for complex developments.
Can you handle heritage building projects?
Yes, our specialist CAD Heritage team delivers conservation consultancy, listed building restorations, and traditional construction solutions, recognised as one of the South West's leading practices.
Do you work outside Cornwall?
While based in Cornwall, we undertake projects nationwide, applying our regional expertise in sustainable design and heritage conservation to developments across the UK.
What sustainability practices do you employ?
We integrate renewable energy solutions, innovative insulation techniques, and locally-sourced materials to create energy-efficient buildings that minimise environmental impact while maintaining design integrity.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
Through regular consultations and collaborative workshops, we ensure client visions shape every design decision, supported by 3D visualisations and technical guidance throughout the project lifecycle.
