"The fundamental start to every project is listening to the client. And that means not just taking the brief as given but drilling into it to establish the real needs of the client"
"Before rushing into a design process a number of issues need careful consideration such as site conditions, planning restrictions and, most importantly how to meet a client’s budget expectations"
"We design buildings; the ‘design’ itself isn’t the end product – the building both functionally and aesthetically is. Design is just the process."
"We must communicate our design solutions clearly to the client and our technical requirements at tender stage clearly to the builder; neither are mind-readers!"
"Buildings are produced by teams of Contractors and Consultants and one of the roles of the Architect is to manage that process and check that proper standards are being adhered to by those who bear responsibility for building."
BACKGROUND
Smith + Kennedy Architects is a long established architectural practice based in Dublin since the early 1960’s when the firm was set up by the late Eddie Smith. As then, the current firm is entirely dedicated to the provision of Architectural services with emphasis on high quality contemporary design and professional service. We believe in marrying good design with rigorous cost and quality controls.
A medium sized firm, we have a committed and talented team with a broad range of abilities who have a proven track record. We are experienced in leading multi-disciplined teams in complex design projects and in working closely with client bodies. The firm is fully computerized using AutoCAD as the primary drawing software and now beginning a move to Revit BIM. We have an advanced system of quality controls in terms of technical and administrative procedures. Our main office is in Dun Laoghaire with associated international offices.
In March of 2021, Smith + Kennedy architects became part of the RSK Group and now can offer a much broader integrated service to our clients.
MARTIN MacKENNA
Martin is Managing Director at Smith & Kennedy Architects and is with the firm for the last 22 years. Martin has been responsible for a variety of projects for both the Department of Education and the Department of Defence, along with commercial and private clients. Martin is also a Director of Kompas International Architects and was responsible for setting up their office in Bahrain and Brazil.
Previously Martin worked in the USA and the UK where he was a founding Partner in Fraser Brown MacKenna Architects before returning to Ireland in 2000. He is experienced in all aspects of design, procurement, project management and contract administration.
Architectural Education: University College Dublin & University of Virginia
Qualifications: B.Arch. 1982, M.R.I.A.I., R.I.B.A.
Personal Interests: Martin enjoys travelling and is an avid collector of books.
Martin and Lynda, also an architect, have two sons and a daughter.
His father was the renowned architect, Pearse McKenna
MARK CURRAN
Mark is a Director in Smith and Kennedy Architects having joined the practice in 1999 after having gained experience with both Burke Kennedy Doyle and Murray O’Laoire Architects. Mark has been involved in several complex design projects in the social, high-end residential, leisure and educational projects with the firm over the last number of years. Mark worked on a number of projects abroad including resort developments in North Africa, Brazil and the Czech Republic.
Mark is a passionate and well-accomplished architect and designer.
Architectural Education: College of Technology, Bolton Street. 1989-1995
Qualifications: Dip. Arch., B.Sc.Arch., M.R.I.A.I.
Personal Interests: Art, classical guitar, sport and aviation.
ISABEL BECCAR VARELA
Isabel is a Director with Smith and Kennedy Architects.
Isabel completed her degree at UBA in her home city of Buenos Aires. Prior to working in Dublin Isabel worked in London for Tegerdine Associates. She moved to Dublin in 2004 and joined Michael Collins Associates to work on projects for both public entities and private individuals. In 2007 Isabel joined Smith and Kennedy Architects to work in a prestigious high-end international hotel and residential project.
In 2009 Isabel moved to Switzerland with her family and later to Argentina and Uruguay where she developed an independent practice designing and building unique private homes. Isabel re-joined Smith and Kennedy in 2020 and enjoys bringing her extensive international experience in design and detailing to bear on a wide variety of projects and revels in working with clients and contractors.
Architectural Education: Universidad de Buenos Aires (q. 1998)
Qualifications: B.Arch (Hons), M.R.I.A.I.
Personal Interests: Isabel enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, trekking and ‘trying’ to play golf.
GERRY DOYLE
Gerry is an Associate in Smith+Kennedy Architects and an excellent technician with an oversight role on any major company projects. Gerry has a broad base of experience with over 30 years in job running from inception to completion dealing with Clients and Contractors. Since joining Smith+Kennedy in 2011, Gerry has recent Award winning project - The Waterways House, ensuring all construction documents are thoroughly detailed and compliant.
Competent in AutoCAD 2017, Sketch up, Microsoft Word and Outlook. Oversight role in introduction of BIM into SKA.
Architectural Education: Pearse College Draughtsmanship & Design Course 1984 – 1986 and RIAI Technician Entry Examinations /College of Technology, Bolton Street. 1991
Qualifications: RIAI (ArchTech) 1991
Personal Interests: Football playing and coaching with GUFC and St Anthonys FC Kilcoole Over 35 teams, Skiing, Motorbikes, Guitar, DIY.
AGNIESZKA LUCZEJKO
Agnieszka is an Associate in Smith+Kennedy Architects.
Agnieszka graduated from Technical University in Szczecin, Poland in 2000 with Master’s degree in the field of Architecture and Urban Planning.
After qualification, she gained her design experience working on a wide variety of projects in Poland for private residential, educational and healthcare sectors.
After moving to Ireland she joined Smith & Kennedy Architects in October 2006. Since then she has worked mostly on residential and educational projects such as Castle Park School in Dalkey; St Joseph’s College in Lucan; Holy Family School Community in Rathcoole; Redcourt Apartment Scheme in Clontarf, Dublin or €6M high-end private residence in Dublin. Currently Agnieszka is involved in Mixed Tenure Development at the Foothills in Killinarden comprising of 620 residential units and community facilities such as Creche, Community Centre and Local Retail.
Architectural Education: Technical University in Szczecin, Poland.
Qualifications: M.Sc.Eng.Arch.
Personal Interests: Healthy lifestyle, nutrition and natural remedies. Traveling to sunny destinations.