We are thrilled to announce that Isabel Barros Architects has been awarded the title of Ireland’s Architecture & Design Firm of the Year for the second time in the prestigious Corporate LiveWire Global Awards.
The Corporate LiveWire Global Awards recognize businesses and individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields. The awards are judged by an independent panel of industry experts who evaluate nominees based on their innovation, quality of service, and overall performance.
The Corporate LiveWire judging panel looks first at whether the business or firm is providing the best in its particular field in terms of quality, efficiency and delivery. The panel takes into consideration the expertise and specialisation of the individuals within the team, the client portfolio and the experience gained from representing these clients, as well as any recent notable achievements.
The judging panel was particularly impressed by the flexibility of Isabel’s architectural services; working on a huge variety of different homes and buildings while always maintaining the same level of expertise and excellence. The judges also acknowledged the humanist and environmental approach adopted across all designs.
Read our feature page in the annual 2022/23 Global Awards publication:
This prestigious recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and sustainable design practices. We are beyond thrilled to share this exciting news!
David Chipperfield, an accomplished British architect, has been named the winner of the 2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize, the most prestigious award in architecture. Chipperfield, who is known for his minimalist style and his focus on cultural and civic projects, is the fourth architect from the United Kingdom to win the prize.
Born in London in 1953, Chipperfield began his architectural studies at Kingston School of Art before moving on to the Architectural Association in London. He then worked at a number of notable firms, including Norman Foster and Richard Rogers, before starting his own practice in 1984.
David Chipperfield, the 2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate
Over the course of his career, Chipperfield has completed a number of significant projects around the world, including the River and Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames, England, the Museum of Modern Literature in Marbach, Germany, and the Des Moines Public Library in Des Moines, Iowa. He has also been involved in a number of restoration projects, including the renovation of the Neues Museum in Berlin and the Royal Academy of Arts in London.
Des Moines Public Library, Iowa, USA, 2002-2006
Chipperfield’s work is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, as well as its sensitivity to the cultural and historical context of the places where he works. He has a particular interest in public buildings, and has said that he sees his role as an architect as being to “create places that enrich people’s lives”.
Royal Academy Renovation, London, UK, 2008-2018
One of Chipperfield’s most notable projects is the Hepworth Wakefield art gallery in Yorkshire, England. The gallery, which was completed in 2011, is named after the British sculptor Barbara Hepworth, and is designed to showcase her work as well as the work of other modern and contemporary artists. The building is constructed of concrete and brick, and features a series of interlocking volumes that are designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape.
Hepworth Wakefield Art Gallery, West Yorkshire, UK, 2003-2011
Another notable project is the James Simon Galerie, a new entrance building for the Museum Island complex in Berlin, which was completed in 2019. The building, which is located between the Neues Museum and the Pergamon Museum, is designed to provide a welcoming and accessible entrance to the complex, while also serving as a new home for the museum’s ticketing and visitor services.
New Entrance Building for the Museum Island complex, Berlin, Germany, 2018
Chipperfield’s work has been recognized with a number of awards over the years, including the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture from the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2011. He has also been involved in a number of academic and cultural initiatives, and has served as a visiting professor at a number of universities around the world.
In addition to his architectural work, Chipperfield is also a prolific writer and commentator on architecture and urbanism. He has published several books on the subject and has spoken at a number of conferences and events around the world.
Chipperfield is a worthy winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and his contributions to the field of architecture will undoubtedly continue to shape the built environment for years to come. Congratulations to David Chipperfield on this well-deserved honor.
The RIAI Simon Open Door initiative is back for another year, running from the 8th to the 14th of May 2023. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Simon Communities of Ireland, which work towards providing support and housing to people experiencing homelessness and housing exclusion in Ireland.
The initiative offers an opportunity to consult with a RIAI Registered Architect for an hour-long session. In return, a donation of €98 is required, and all of the funds raised go directly towards the Simon Communities of Ireland.
The Simon Communities of Ireland have been providing innovative solutions to ending homelessness in Ireland for almost 50 years. They work with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping them find appropriate homes and providing necessary support to realize their potential and live fulfilling lives.
The RIAI has been in partnership with the Simon Communities of Ireland for over a decade. The partnership has raised almost €1.4 million to support the Simon Communities’ work.
All participating architects are giving their time and expertise for free, ensuring that every cent raised goes directly to the Simon Communities of Ireland.
The RIAI supports and regulates the architectural profession in Ireland, promoting the value that architecture brings to society for everyone’s benefit. With over 3,300 Registered Architects in Ireland, the RIAI ensures high standards for consumer protection.
Join us in supporting the Simon Communities of Ireland and their vision of a society where no one is homeless. Book your consultation with a RIAI Registered Architect today and help make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness and housing exclusion in Ireland. To book a consultation, visit https://www.riaisimonopendoor.ie/.
Isabel Barros Architects - Wexford is driven by a passion for creating high quality contemporary Architecture. Our goal is to make good design available to the general public while maintaining a strong focus on the energy efficiency and sustainability of our designs.
A graduate of Lusíada University in Lisbon, Portugal, Isabel is a Senior Architect with over 25 years experience. She is a registered member of both the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Portuguese Association of Architects. Isabel is also Accredited in Conservation at Grade 3.