The design of buildings has certainly changed over the years as modern technology has resulted in the construction of some highly impressive structures.
Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings and other physical structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art which every building is in its own right.
There are many different facets to becoming a successful architectural firm but one of the main commodities needed is experience.
One company that has that and a range of other aspects which makes it one of Ireland’s leading architectural firms is Taylor Architects.
For this month’s edition of Building Ireland, we profile the company, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2016.
Taylor Architects are committed to delivering high quality design to clients, right from inception to completion. The firm has long been associated with the education, health, department of defence and many other state bodies as well as the private sector.
Full architectural services are provided by the RIAI registered practice like sketch design, detailed design, planning applications, fire safety certificates applications, working drawings, specification, site inspections and opinions on compliance.
Managing Director Eamon McCarney revealed to us what he believed had made the company so successful over the years.
“The practice was established by Sean Taylor in 1966, his son Niall is a director along with Martin Bolger,” said Eamon.
“We cover a broad range of sectors with our work including education, health, pharmaceutical, defence and industrial to name just a few.
“Our work has seen us involved in many different prestigious projects around the country over the years and our aim has always being to provide a good service that the client is happy to receive.”
Amongst their interests lie a strong concern for the direct emotional effect that architecture can have through its physical and pictorial presence, material association and constructional directness.
The practice has been involved in some of the country’s largest building projects and its team have been design team leaders on Mayo General Hospital, GMIT, Volex, Baxter Healthcare, and others. More recent projects in Castlebar include Davitt College extension and sports hall, Mayo Education Centre, Business Innovation Unit GMIT, commercial developments at Hopkins Road (Argos), Lannagh Road (NEXT), Spencer Street (old cinema site, McDermott’s), Rush Street (old Kingsbridge site), and Shamble Street (Heneghans Health Food).
Taylor architects was the first carbon neutral architectural practice in the Republic of Ireland and led the architectural profession in achieving ISO accreditation in 1996. It is also an RIAI accredited conservation practice.
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland supports and regulates the architectural profession and promotes the value that architecture brings to society for everyone’s benefit.
The RIAI engages with government, the professions, industry, clients and the public to promote quality in architecture; to deliver quality and sustainability in the built environment; to enrich our distinctive culture and heritage; to contribute to the competitiveness of our economy; and to improve quality of life for the people of Ireland, today and for generations to come.
“With a continuing commitment to architecture’s social dimension, as well as its capacity for artistic and cultural expression, we recognise the collective process by which buildings and cities are made as part of an ongoing economic, social and cultural continuum.”
The practice has had its fair share of success over the years as their work has been recognised by their peers. In 2012, Taylor Architects won a prestigious national award for its design of a university building in Galway which was also named as the Most Environmentally Sustainable Project that year.
More recently, the practice designed the Mayo Medical Academy, located in former St. Mary’s Hospital Chapel in Castlebar, and this has been awarded the ‘Conservation Project of the Year’ at the Irish Construction Industry Awards 2016.
The facility is an NUI Galway partnership with Saolta University Health Care Group and Mayo University Hospital for the training of doctors.
The Irish Construction Industry Awards recognise, encourage and celebrate original and innovative contractors, businesses, teams, consultants and projects that demonstrate excellence in the built environment.
The Mayo Medical Academy was officially opened by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny last December and is housed in a purpose-designed facility located on the grounds of Mayo University Hospital.
The entire project was funded by NUI Galway at a cost in the region of €2.2 million. The final result comprises a stunning and innovative architectural design, combining the best of old and new.
“Certainly, it is nice to be recognised for the work that we are doing, but more importantly for us is once the client is satisfied than that is all we can hope for. It is up to us to maintain the standards that we have set ourselves over the years and continue to deliver on the innovative work that our clients have become accustomed too.”
“We are committed to the craft of sustainable construction and the research of new technologies in pursuit of making buildings that fulfil not only our clients’ expectations of space, light and air, but also economic and efficient procurement and environmental responsibility.”
Taylor Architects
Breaffy Road,
Castlebar,
Co. Mayo
Phone: (094) 902 1988
Fax: (094) 902 2840
Email: [email protected]
Taken from Building Ireland Magazine, August 2016, Vol 2 No 4
