During the twelve years since their inception, Danaher Construction have firmly established themselves as one of Dublin’s premier commercial, residential and industrial building and fit out contractors, delivering a succession of prestigious projects that invariably exceed client expectations. Building Ireland touched base with hands-on director Brian Danaher to find out more about this exceptional, industry-leading family business.
Established in Malahide by father and son team Gerry and Brian Danaher in 2008, Danaher Construction’s mission statement from the get-go was to exceed client’s expectations whilst delivering projects on time, to the highest quality and within budget. Offering a personalised service and instilling the keenest attention to detail into every project, they have quickly earned a stellar reputation as the building / fit out contractor of choice in the city, providing high-quality, value-added solutions within the commercial, residential and industrial sectors.
As an open, transparent, proactive, flexible and professional contractor, Danaher Construction bring a wealth of experience to every project and build strong, lasting relationships with clients, earning their trust and bending over backways to meet if not exceed their expectations throughout the timeframe of every project undertaken, from inception through to completion. The company is synonymous with the delivery of high-quality bespoke commercial fit outs as well as a full range of meticulously-completed residential works.
Within the commercial sector, Danaher Construction boast an excellent track record completing modern pub, restaurant, bar, hotel, office, retail and factory fit outs for a who’s who of clients including House on Leeson Street, Xico on Baggot Street, Advance Hearing on Aston Quay, Mrs Robinsons in Greystones, Maurice Johnston & Partners on Charlottes Quay and the Oasis Group in Kinsealy Business Park.
They also acted as fit out contractor on the first Miniso shop in Ireland (Jervis Street Shopping Centre) and are the preferred supplier of all building / carpentry / construction requirements for Metzo Bar, while other high-profile clients include 37 Dawson Street, Evolution Fitness, Graphocolor, Hilton Hotel, Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport Hotel, Temple Bar Hotel, Google and Cosgrave Property Group.
Meanwhile, as a flexible and versatile contractor, Danaher also offer excellent residential construction services, including new builds, extensions, renovations and attic conversions. “You could say that there are two businesses essentially – residential and commercial,” confirms co-founder Brian Danaher. “We have a nice mix of both and we find that this is much better than relying on one sector.
“We have a core team of eight who look after the residential work while I head up the commercial end of things. Generally, we would only have two or three major projects going on at once as I like to have a key influence on the ground at all times. It’s all about delivery and committing to the job.”
Engaging with clients is one of Brian’s fortes: “I strive to provide a personal service. There is a sweet spot and once you hit that you keep going and the project will run smoothly. For us, it’s not about ego … it’s about meeting and exceeding expectations. We don’t aspire to be the next Sisk, we’re happy to keep close control over each and every one of our projects and focus on high-quality delivery. I really enjoy interacting with clients and design teams, and providing innovative solutions. It’s important to me that I can continue to have this personal input.”
With construction techniques and methods constantly evolving and changing, it’s vitally important to embrace change and innovation. “You are always learning,” says Brian. “For example, we are currently working on our first ICF [Insulated Concrete Formwork] construction project, on a stand-alone residential extension. This is an innovative building technique that’s increasing in popularity and it’s great to be learning and adding to your capabilities.”
As commercial projects invariably need to be completed within tight schedules, teamwork, organisation and communication are as important as construction excellence. Danaher Construction possess all of these attributes in spades. “We use a very good, tried-and-trusted supply chain of subcontractors as well as bespoke joinery companies and window companies. We’ve built strong relationships with these partners and have immediate access to a whole team of professionals that work well together and will deliver.
“We also have a great core team in-house, who are highly motivated and vastly experienced. Many of them have been with us since the start and they are aware of how we operate and the high standards we insist upon.
“With commercial fit outs, you are often working in live environments with no room for error and you have to deliver – in terms of cost, programme and time – above and beyond client expectations.”
Despite the unpredictable, unprecedented curveball presented by the coronavirus pandemic, Danaher Construction’s order book for the remainder of 2020 looks encouragingly healthy. “We were off for one month and had to reschedule things due to the slowdown in commercial work but we’re booked out for the next three-four months,” says Brian, who plays club football for St Sylvester’s GAA Club in Malahide. “We’re open for business and I always enjoy meeting prospective clients and discussing their needs. We’re fortunate enough to get a lot of referrals from previous clients and that accounts for the majority of our work, as opposed to it being price-driven.
“Q1 was actually our busiest yet but we slowed in March / April. Hopefully things will pick up again in the city centre. It was great that we had the residential work to fall back on because obviously the hotels, bars and restaurants work had to stop.
“We’re flexible and understand client needs and can adapt to live environments. For the duration of every project, my phone is always switched on and we are contactable. You will get me on the phone at any time if there are any issues to be discussed and I enjoy talking to and engaging with clients to make sure they are fully informed and that their expectations are being met.”
With the ethos of delivering to or above client expectation in terms of quality, cost and timeframe, incorporating complete trust, transparency and client engagement into every project, Danaher Construction are indeed building something great!
Danaher Construction,
Block B,
The Cresent Building,
Northwood,
Santry,
Dublin,
D09 C6X8.
Tel: 01 5154196
Mobile: 087 6960597
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.danaher.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, September/October 2020, Vol 6 No 5
