Category: General (Page 1 of 25)

“Architecture & Design Firm of the Year” Award Two Years in a Row

May 5, 2023 / aoife / 0 Comments

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!

Supporting the Simon Communities in Ending Homelessness in Ireland

April 14, 2023 / aoife / 0 Comments

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/.

New Tax for Land Suitable for Development

January 27, 2023 / aoife / 0 Comments

The Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) is a new tax that was introduced in
Finance Act 2021. It applies to land that is both zoned as suitable for
residential development and is serviced, and it will be first due in 2024.

Ireland requires increased housing supply to meet our housing needs. The
RZLT aims to incentivise landowners to activate existing planning permissions
for housing on identified lands, or to engage with planning authorities and
seek planning permission on land which is suitably zoned and appropriately
serviced.

RZLT is a self-assessed tax. Land which appears on a residential zoned land
tax map published by the relevant local authority is within the scope of the tax,
and so land owners are required to review these maps to confirm whether
their land is subject to the tax.

While residential properties are included on these maps, owners of such
properties are not liable for the tax if they are already subject to Local
Property Tax (LPT).

How will land owners in Wexford know if their land is subject to RZLT?

Wexford County Council has published maps that identify the land that is within the scope of RZLT. The maps can be consulted here:

The maps cover the following areas: Bunclody, Courtown & Riverchapel, Gorey, Rosslare Harbour and Kilrane.

At the time of writing these maps were at Draft stage. Submissions were closed on 1 January 2023. A local authority may, in exceptional circumstances,
accept submissions relating to a draft map after 1 January 2023.

Local authorities will publish, no later than 1 December 2023, a final map for
the purposes of identifying land within the scope of RZLT.

Learn more about this new tax here: Residential Zoned Land Tax