design + energy + excellence

Category: General (Page 3 of 29)

Get Architectural Advice While Giving Back – Simon Open Door 2025

We are delighted to once again take part in the RIAI Simon Open Door initiative, marking our 16th year of participation in this important campaign. This initiative offers a fantastic opportunity for anyone considering a renovation, extension, or retrofit to receive expert architectural advice while making a meaningful contribution to tackling homelessness in Ireland.

The RIAI Simon Open Door initiative is a collaboration between the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Simon Communities of Ireland. In return for a €125 donation, participants receive a one-hour consultation with an RIAI registered architect. Every cent raised goes directly to the Simon Communities, helping to provide essential services and support for those experiencing homelessness.

How It Works

By booking a consultation, you can receive valuable advice on your project—whether you’re looking to improve your home, increase energy efficiency, buying a site or explore design possibilities. At the same time, your donation will directly support the Simon Communities in their vital work assisting those in need.

Making a Difference Together

Over the past 20 years, RIAI Simon Open Door initiative has raised an incredible €1.5 million for the Simon Communities. We are honoured to have contributed to this initiative for 16 years, knowing that it helps both those seeking architectural advice and those in urgent need of housing and support.

Book Your Consultation

Appointments for Simon Open Door 2025 will be in high demand, so book early to secure your place. The initiative runs from 7–13 April 2025. Visit www.simonopendoor.ie to schedule your consultation and support this worthwhile cause.

Happy Christmas 2024 & Happy New Year

As we wrap up the year, we’re taking a well-deserved break to enjoy the holiday season. Our office will be closed for Christmas, and we’ll be back to assist you on January 6th.

We wish you a season filled with joy, peace, and magic.

Thank you for your continued support throughout the year. We look forward to an exciting 2025 with all of you.

Happy Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Isabel Completes Postgraduate Certificate in Building Performance

We are proud to announce that Isabel has successfully completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Building Performance (Energy Efficiency in Design) from Technological University Dublin. After a year of dedication, late nights, and countless weekends spent focused on this goal, she officially earned this distinguished qualification.

The course, completed in June, was a transformative journey offering opportunities for learning, reflection, and professional growth. The course was led by the reputable Joseph Little, with the guidance of expert lecturers such as Patrick Daly, Shane Fenton, Beñat Arregi, and Andrew Lundberg.

The curriculum covered several key topics, such as:

  • The transition toward sustainability and decarbonisation of the built environment
  • Building energy/carbon performance, assessment, and modelling
  • Fabric thermal and moisture performance, assessment, and modelling
  • Deep energy retrofit holistic strategies and solutions

A further focus was placed on advanced design and modelling techniques, including:

  • Building Energy Modelling Using PHPP (Passive House Planning Package)
  • Hygrothermal risk assessment
  • Thermal Bridge Calculation
  • Reflective Building Design Practitioner
  • Decarbonising Building Design
  • Net Zero Carbon Residential Design Project
Isabel Barros pictured with Dean Professor James Curtin (left) and Head of Construction Joseph Little (right)

These subjects equipped Isabel with a deeper understanding of energy-efficient design, including how to assess and model building performance, manage thermal risks, and achieve net-zero carbon goals.

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