Building Ireland Magazine/

Architecture that inspires

5 Nov , 2021

Joe Fallon Architectural Design Ltd is a highly-respected design-led practice with offices in Dundrum, Dublin 14 and Bunclody, Co. Wexford.

The long-established and multi-award-winning practice is mainly involved in designing home extensions, one-off houses, renovations and a growing number of social housing projects. Joe Fallon Architectural Design’s highly-creative architects and architectural technologists work closely with a team of consultant engineers, quantity surveyors and Health & Safety professionals to offer a complete service to clients, ranging from initial assessment and conceptual drawings, through planning applications to construction monitoring and final certification. The company operates to the highest standards and takes enormous pride in its work.

Great design, attention to detail, value-for-money and a commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to deliver total satisfaction are the hallmarks of the practice, which has won numerous awards over the years. Joe Fallon Architectural Design is registered with CIAT and CABE as well as the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland (SCSI) as an assigned certifier under the new buildings regulations BC(A)R 2014, with full professional indemnity insurance. Founder and Managing Director Joe Fallon was awarded the fellowship of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers a few years ago.

The practice continues to go from strength to strength and is currently working on residential projects all over the country. One of the most exciting of these is taking place in Buttevant, Co. Cork where Joe Fallon Architectural Design is collaborating with Tuath Housing Association and Cork County Council on the period restoration of an old army quarters which is being transformed into nine social housing units.

The practice is also redesigning a church in Wexford and recently completed work on a small scheme of social houses in Bishop’s Court, Dundalk on behalf of Tuath Housing Association and Louth County Council.

“While we’re best-known for our contemporary and elegant design of home extensions, one-off houses and renovations, we’ve been focusing more on social housing in recent times and enjoy an excellent working relationship with Tuath Housing Association as well as the local authorities we have worked in conjunction with,” says Joe, who is both a chartered architectural technologist and chartered building engineer.

“We design energy-efficient homes and buildings with a strong emphasis on natural light at a cost that is reasonable and using builders that are respectful of other people’s homes for the duration of the build.

“Our design style incorporates plenty of glazing, throwing light into previously darkened corners and creating bright, spacious light-filled spaces that adapt to our modern, dynamic way of life. We believe in going the extra mile, listening carefully to clients’ wishes, and understanding that this will likely be one of the biggest upheavals they will ever undertake. We thoroughly enjoy what we do, and seeing the finished project excites us every time.”

The company’s website, www.joefallon.com, and social media platforms showcase some of its most beautiful designs. A project which Joe holds close to his heart is a ‘fixer-upper’ he designed along with his colleague Eric Stilwell for his brother Michael in south Co. Dublin last year. Poignantly, Michael passed away on January 9 last, leaving behind a wife and two young daughters.

“We were heartbroken when he died,” Joe recalls.

“Michael was an electrical contractor who was married to Sinead and was father to Kate and Saoirse. Michael and Sinead had been looking for an old house they could refurbish and put their own imprint on. After an exhaustive search, they spotted a run-down late 1940s house on Woodbine Road in Booterstown. They transformed it into a beautiful L-shaped home which backs out onto Elm Court Golf Course. It goes without saying that I was very humbled to be able to lend my expertise to that particular job.”

Among the accolades the practice has won are Best Public Park Award at the 2016 Community and Council Awards and the 2014 Wexford Chamber of Commerce Social Contribution Award. It was also shortlisted for the 2011 CMG Architectural Practice of the Year and in two categories at the 2019 Irish Construction Industry Awards, namely Architectural Practice of the Year and Small Residential Project of the Year.

Furthermore, Joe Fallon Architectural Design was a finalist in last year’s Irish Concrete Society Awards for its redevelopment of Market Square, Bunclody.

“It’s always gratifying when you’re recognised for your work. It reflects our ability to deliver excellence in both design and service, and is testament to the experience, skill and knowledge of our 10-strong team which boasts some of the best architects in the business.

“A lot of work comes from referrals and recommendations from satisfied clients. We’re straight-talking, honest and work with the client right through the design process. Good communication is key.

“We take their wish list and budget, and will then come up with a plan which will often differ dramatically from their initial ideas, and we’ll work with them until we get it right. Using 3D graphics and animated software makes it easier for the client to understand what we’re trying to achieve for them.”

Joe Fallon Architectural Design boasts an incredibly positive relationship with past and present clients. As a practice which primarily works within the residential sector, it is constantly working with its clients’ own home and their hard-earned money, therefore it always strives to treat each one with sensitivity and care.

If you would like to explore the potential in your own home, be sure to get in touch with some details of your project.

Joe Fallon Architectural Design

Dublin Office:

First Floor,

6 Main Street,

Dundrum,

Dublin 14.

Telephone: 01 5143688

Wexford Office:

Ryland House,

Ryland Street,

Bunclody,