Belfast

Located in Belfast’s iconic Custom House – an architectural gem designed by Charles Lanyon in the 19th century – our studio has been delivering award-winning, forward-thinking design for over two decades. Following a recent refurbishment, our space now offers a flexible and inspiring environment in the heart of the vibrant Cathedral Quarter.

We’re a close-knit, creative team with a shared love of design, and a passion for sport, music, and the arts.

Drop by and say hello sometime – you might even catch one of our legendary Folk Fridays.

Belfast’s charm lies in its rich cultural heritage, distinctive – and delightfully quirky – landmarks, and a strong sense of community. It’s for all these reasons we’re proud to call Custom House Square our home.

In the 19th century, the steps leading to Custom House served as a platform for public speeches – a tradition commemorated today by the striking Salmon of Knowledge monument just outside. Nearby, there’s also the beloved Nuala with the Hula statue and the leaning Albert Clock – tilted due to its foundations on reclaimed land supported by wooden piles.

Surrounded by history, humour, and heritage, HLM’s Belfast studio reflects the vibrant spirit of a city that’s proudly local and full of character.

Our Belfast team is deeply rooted in our local community.

We’re proud to support a wide range of initiatives – from hosting work experience placements for students from the local Strathearn School to offering university students opportunities to gain real-world insight into our industry, and sponsoring local student architectural awards.

Giving back is a core part of who we are. We regularly support local charities including Cancer Focus NI, Cycling for Sarah, and local food banks. Whether it’s through fundraising or volunteering, our team is always eager to get involved. In a recent Wear it Pink run for cancer, we were thrilled to raise over £1300, an achievement that brought the whole studio together in the spirit of sportsmanship and generosity.

We’re also proud to collaborate with the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA), organising site visits to our live projects for local university students to help bridge the gap between education and practice.

Community spirit extends to our own building too. We regularly team up with neighbouring businesses to host ‘treat days’, where staff bake and buy delicious goodies, with all proceeds going to local charities. It’s a fun and meaningful way to connect and contribute.