In recognition of his stellar lifetime contribution to the industry, Jan van Dijk was presented with the prestigious ‘Outstanding Contribution to Architecture’ award at the 2026 Building & Architect of the Year Awards. Building Ireland touched base with the man behind van Dijk Architects, whose work consistently demonstrates architectural excellence combined with deep social value.
Synonymous with producing architecture of lasting quality and true meaning, van Dijk Architects is a multi-award-winning practice that – through an unflinching focus on how people interact with buildings – has established itself as a true industry leader.
van Dijk Architects’ work is driven by a belief that buildings should inspire, connect and enhance the experience of those who use them. By focusing on both the physical and emotional ways people inhabit spaces, they design architecture of enduring quality and genuine meaning.
For over 38 years, Jan van Dijk has shaped Ireland’s built environment with vision, integrity and purpose. As Managing Director of van Dijk Architects, he has led the delivery of exemplar projects across Ireland, from the RIAI Award-winning Avondale Beyond the Trees to a wide portfolio of award-winning social housing, healthcare, commercial and educational buildings.
Jan’s commitment to sustainability sets him apart as a true industry leader. He has a clear ambition to establish van Dijk Architects as a leading sustainable architecture practice nationwide. This commitment is embedded in projects such as Junction 20, an internationally award-winning timber service station that exemplifies low-carbon innovation. Beyond projects, Jan has implemented firm initiatives to create lasting environmental impact.
On Moorland Road in Dundalk, County Louth, VDA purchased over ten acres of land, transforming it into a biodiversity forest with more than 500 native trees planted to offset unavoidable carbon emissions. An existing farm barn has been refurbished using sustainably sourced materials, due for completion in 2026 as a workshop, client display space and collaborative team hub: a tangible symbol of regenerative practice.
Equally significant is Jan’s commitment to people. He has cultivated an exceptional workplace culture where professional growth and wellbeing are prioritised. Every year, van Dijk Architects organise a design study trip abroad for all staff, across all offices and disciplines, strengthening creativity and collaboration.
Staff are supported through fully funded educational programmes, from specialist training to master’s degrees. This year, van Dijk Architects was named ‘Best Company to Work For’ at the Irish Building and Design Awards, while Bayview Gardens in Drogheda was named ‘Best Social Housing Scheme’ at the National Property Awards 2026.
A Dundalk native and UCD graduate, Jan co-founded the practice with his wife Ingrid in 1993 after meeting during their studies. From early design competitions and small residential projects, they have grown the firm into a leader in delivering social housing developments across Ireland, including LDA’s Cherry Orchard scheme of over 1,145 homes (on site now). His local impact is transformative, with projects such as St Nicholas School Dundalk and Duiche Roden social housing, alongside charitable sponsorships including the Irish Amputee Football Association 2025.
Jan van Dijk’s career reflects sustained excellence, environmental leadership, community commitment and an unwavering dedication to both clients and colleagues. His contribution extends far beyond buildings; he has shaped communities, advanced sustainable practice and inspired the next generation of architects.
No stranger to picking up major industry awards, Jan was nevertheless humbled and pleasantly surprised to receive the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Architecture’ award at the 2026 Building & Architect of the Year Awards gala night in The Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thursday, April 23rd.
“I wasn’t expecting to win it and it’s always nice to see your work acknowledged. It was a great night,” he reflects. “At present, we are very focused on doing Government work, which comprises a lot of social housing schemes nationwide, as well as healthcare projects for the HSE and school projects.”
Meanwhile, also at the Building & Architect of the Year Awards. van Dijk Architects was shortlisted for the Affordable/Inclusive Housing Project of the Year for Crokers Hill – a benchmark social housing scheme featuring 88 NZEB-compliant homes for Kilkenny County Council. This project prioritises playful design through vibrant colours, bespoke architectural detailing and nature-based solutions. The design-led approach fosters resident dignity and pride, creating a joyful, inclusive community built for long-term quality.
“You try to make every project as good as it can be,” Jan comments. “That can be a challenge sometime because a lot of the work is cut to the bone in terms of funding. For me it’s all about people – how are they going to interact with the spaces we create? – and sustainability – how do we create buildings that will endure?
“We always had a clear vision of how we wanted to approach social housing schemes. On the very first social housing development we worked on, we managed to make it look like private housing … that was back in the day when you could recognise social housing from a mile away.
“I remember the headmistress in the local national school ringing me to tell me that when the kids living in that development arrived in school that September they were all really proud to be living in there, which she found amazing. It was great to hear that feedback and to have played our part in the killing of a social stigma through design. For me, to receive feedback like that means far more than winning any award.
“We are big into the psychology of how people interact with buildings, and creating good social housing has a very positive impact on communities and society. The interaction between people and buildings makes all the difference.
“The second big thing for me is to design with durability in mind. If we can get 150 years out of houses rather than 50 years, that’s one of the most sustainable things we can do. That comes from a combination of good design and good materials.
“Those are the two core considerations I have when working on a project: how are people going to use and interact with the building; and how sustainable and durable is it going to be?”
van Dijk Architects,
Mill House,
Mill Street,
Dundalk,
County Louth.
Tel: 042 9354466
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, September 2026, Vol 12 No 9
