Smith Maloney Hillier is a multi-award winning design studio formed from the amalgamation of Bristol architects Smith Maloney Architects Ltd and London-based h2Architecture.
The firm unites three principal directors, each with their own unique specializations, enabling a comprehensive approach to design. Our collective skills encompass architecture, master-planning, interior design, landscape design, and environmental design.
Our track record in delivering exceptional quality on projects across the UK is well-established. We take pleasure in engaging with a variety of sectors, from uniquely tailored individual homes to medium and large residential developments, as well as offices, hospitality and leisure venues like restaurants and bars, charitable, educational, and conservation projects.
Our approach is centered on providing a highly tailored service. We acknowledge the uniqueness of each site and the distinct goals and aspirations of every client. We understand the complexities involved in working within conservation areas, tight urban infill locations, brownfield sites, and rural settings, including the greenbelt. Each project presents a chance to craft something exceptional that meets the client's brief, suits the context, and demonstrates utmost respect for the environment.
“This is a caring sharing practice. The expertise and support provided from conception to completion gave us confidence that the project would meet our expectations in line with the design brief and within the agreed budget. We thank the team for being so attentive and keeping us updated on a regular basis and responding to our instructions in a timely manner”(David Smithson - Client)
Our aim is to make the process as stress-free for you as possible. We will guide you through the process of gaining planning consent and building control approval, and support you during the tender and construction phases.
We will carry out regular site visits and quality inspections, or simply be on hand when you or your builder needs technical input, whichever suits you best. Many of our projects are with repeat clients that enjoy working with us, and appreciate the intellectual rigour, good communication and clarity we bring to every project.
Our services cover every stage of the RIBA plan of work from feasibility, planning, detail design, production information (BIM level 2) and site inspection. We have a particular specialisation in dealing with challenging sites, including those in conservation settings, where it has historically proven difficult to obtain planning consent.
We work with local authorities, housing associations, and developers throughout the UK. Our approach is inclusive and collaborative, ensuring that design outcomes meet our clients' aspirations and address the needs of their communities.
“Smith Maloney Hillier worked on a particularly challenging residential scheme for me in 2018. I admired the problem solving expertise and commitment to design integrity that was evident in the culture of the practice. I cannot recommend highly enough” (Mike Cranney - Developer)
Our directors teach at some of the UK's leading design institutions, including the architecture and interior design schools at the University of the West of England, the University of Bath, Cardiff University, and De Montfort University. We are convinced that our ongoing involvement with academia is crucial for sustaining and advancing solid design methodologies, fostering a keen critical consciousness, and keeping abreast of technical advances in the industry.
Since 2015, we have been early adopters of virtual and augmented reality technology, which has become integral to our workflow. Our in-house team can create photorealistic visualizations, interactive panoramic views, and fly-through videos of your project for presentation, promotion, or planning purposes.
“Their ideas incorporating sustainability, energy efficiency and interesting design features won me over. They gave me careful guidance during the outline designs, planning process, selection and commissioning of contractors, and through the build- and fit-out phases. Their professionalism stood out at all points.” (Tobias Parker - Client)
We are recognised for the quality of our work and have been recipients of several awards including:
Global 100 Awards - Most Outstanding Design Led Practice: 2024
Build Magazine - Most Outstanding Creative Practice (Bristol Region): 2022
Guildford Design Awards - Winner: 2023
Bristol Property Awards - Best Architects - Finalist: 2022
British Council For Office (South-west region): Shortlisted: 2020
Our work has been published in many of the leading design and industry magazines and the national press, including The Architects Journal, Dezeen and The Telegraph.
Most importantly, our clients continue to enjoy our work long after their projects are complete. Please read some of our google reviews to hear what our clients have to say.
“I've been a client of Smith Maloney (Hillier) since 2015. Just as they were then, they remained to date - professional, well mannered, available, hard working and delivering. A hard find.” (Uri Eisenstein - Developer client)
Our goal is to foster, advance, and endorse positive social transformation and environmental stewardship. We hold the conviction that all individuals are equal and can prosper and realize their full potential given the right conditions. As professionals in building and design, we have the unique opportunity to craft an environment that is both inclusive and sustainable, enhanced by diversity and innovation. If you share these values we would love to work with you.