An integral part of Healy Partners Architects since 2003, Elaine Bowe was shortlisted in the ‘Excellence in Senior Leadership – Architecture & Design’ category at the Women in Construction Awards.
The Ennis native has already had reason to celebrate this year after she and her colleagues won the prestigious Architectural Project of the Year at the Irish Building and Design Awards for their work in designing Limerick’s newest riverside landmark, 1BQ. The mixed-use building at Bishop’s Quay has become home to Verizon, and its 150 staff, and stands as a testament to the challenges faced and successfully overcome by Elaine and her team through collaboration and leadership.
“We were delighted to be recognised for 1BQ with the Irish Building and Design Award. It’s a great boost for the whole team”, enthuses Elaine, who is Associate Director with the award-winning Limerick practice, which was established in 1990 by Michael Healy and has grown to employ over 30 people.
Healy Partners Architects’ diverse international body of work includes cultural, residential, commercial, and educational buildings and spaces for both the private and public sectors, as well as civic projects and urban master plans.
Married to former Clare and St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield All-Ireland winning hurler Ken Kennedy, Elaine is also thrilled to be a finalist in the Women in Construction Awards which celebrate the most innovative individuals and companies driving excellence in Ireland’s construction sector. Elaine’s nomination reflects her exceptional leadership, innovative thinking and unwavering commitment to excellence in architectural design development.
Her leadership and expertise span a diverse range of projects, from complex multi-million-euro educational developments and conservation-sensitive refurbishments to high-profile commercial and residential projects.
Elaine joined Healy Partners Architects as a student in 2003 and became a permanent member of the practice a year later after graduating with an honours degree in Architecture from DIT Bolton Street. With a comprehensive understanding of the industry, she has played a pivotal role in driving projects from initial concept through to successful completion. Elaine expertly navigates every phase of the design process, from sketch design to detailed design, and all the way through to the construction stages.
Her ability to integrate creative vision with practical execution is a hallmark of her work, ensuring that each project not only meets, but often exceeds expectations. Elaine’s leadership extends beyond the creative aspects of design; she is highly-skilled in managing complex contracts and overseeing project delivery, ensuring that each project progresses smoothly, on time and within budget.
Elaine is also a collaborative force within multidisciplinary teams, playing a key role in preparing tender submissions, stage reports as well as master-planning and feasibility study reports. Her attention to detail and ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels ensures that every aspect of the project is meticulously planned and executed.
Throughout her career, Elaine has consistently demonstrated her drive for achieving the highest standards, both in the design of the built environment and in the professional relationships she fosters with design teams and clients along the way.
Key projects in Elaine’s career reflect her ability to lead and innovate on diverse and high-profile developments. These include the aforementioned 1BQ residential and office development, the Limerick Diocesan Centre, the refurbishment and extension of St Munchin’s College, the 62-acre Towlerton Masterplan for Kirkland Investments Ltd and the N/M20 motorway Project Office for Limerick City & County Council. She has also played a central role in the refurbishment and extension of Nenagh Arts Centre and the construction of John F Kennedy Memorial School in Limerick City.
Furthermore, she is involved in numerous exciting Limerick Greenway projects and several multi-million-euro school refurbishment and extension projects across Co. Galway and Co. Cork.
Elaine has earned a reputation for excellence in the design and delivery of high-end commercial fit-out projects, having worked with prestigious clients such as Kirkland Investments Ltd, Genworth Financial, Deloitte, Aer Rianta International, The Diocese of Limerick and Limerick City & County Council. Her ability to push boundaries in both design and project management has been instrumental in the successful completion of numerous complex developments.
The award-winning 1BQ project was a complex undertaking that required the integration of architecture, engineering and environmental considerations. By bringing together expertise from multiple teams, the project overcame significant hurdles, ultimately creating a sustainable and high-performing mixed-use development.
The nine-storey glass façade’s design, complemented by the decorative metal panels, offers expansive views of the city, inviting light into the interior while creating an inviting, dynamic presence on the city skyline. The perforated metal panels, which sit proud of the glass façade, echo the brick architecture of Limerick’s surrounding buildings in both form and colour, grounding the design in its local context.
The residential component of 1BQ consists of 34 luxury apartment suites, situated above street level in a seven-storey brick residential building. These apartments offer expansive views of the inner contemporary landscaped courtyard and the scenic River Shannon, providing a tranquil living environment within the vibrant city centre.
A unique challenge of the 1BQ project was the integration of a protected structure, the Bishop’s Palace, into the new development. The conversion of this historic building, into modern office space and the entrance lobby for the apartment building, required expertise in heritage conservation. The restoration was approached with great care to preserve its Georgian characteristics, while creative design solutions were employed to incorporate state-of-the-art amenities. This careful balance of conservation and modernity was achieved through close collaboration between the design team and conservation specialists, ensuring that the historic building met the needs of contemporary office tenants while respecting its heritage.
This thoughtful integration of modern materials with traditional forms creates a building that respects its historical surroundings while remaining distinctly contemporary. The office entrance lobby at 1BQ is a masterful blend of contrasting materials and historical references, effectively setting the tone for the entire building. The natural timber cladding, the historic stone wall, the smooth concrete columns and the exposed concrete walls all work in harmony to create a striking entry experience. The design successfully integrates the building’s modern functionality with its historic significance.
Furthermore, the development has contributed to the area’s urban fabric by creating a new south-facing public plaza along Henry Street, a major city thoroughfare. This plaza serves as a focal point, offering a space that captures both morning and afternoon sunshine, enhancing the city’s public realm while offering a dynamic gathering place for both residents and visitors.
1BQ stands as a symbol of how collaboration, expertise and innovative architectural design can overcome challenges inherent in creating a complex, mixed-use urban development.
Elaine’s ability to blend innovation with practicality has elevated her firm’s portfolio, allowing it to thrive in a competitive industry. The talented Clare woman has consistently demonstrated leadership in delivering complex projects that align with Healy Partners’ commitment to architectural excellence, sustainability and client satisfaction. Her strategic vision and attention to detail have helped the practice to achieve long-term growth and enhance its reputation for delivering high-quality, impactful designs.
Healy Partners Architects
The Mill,
Glentworth Street,
Limerick,
V94 F3X9.
Telephone: +353 (0)61 410 966
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, August, Vol 11 No 9
featured, Healy Partners Architects
