After Mullingar-based MORE. Architecture Ltd. came up trumps at the 2023 Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards by scooping the prestigious Architectural / Engineering Firm of the Year award, Building Ireland sat down with director Rory O’Reilly to find out more about this forward-thinking, industry-leading, family-run architectural firm.
As an award-winning architectural practice rooted in three generations of construction excellence, MORE. Architecture efficiently delivers projects from the preliminary design and planning stages through to the finest detailing of finish elements, invariably ensuring a high level of client service and project management, consistently culminating in exquisitely designed and detailed buildings.
The firm is fronted by brothers Ian and Rory O’Reilly alongside their father Gary, who boasts over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry operating as a contractor and timber frame specialist. Buildings, building design and client service are all embedded in the O’Reilly DNA and this is why MORE. Architecture stands apart as a uniquely creative and pragmatic architectural firm that is fully focussed on both the client and the site as well as the building itself throughout the design (and construction) process.
“We bring creativity and imagination to bear on every project but it’s always tied back to that simplicity of building on site,” confirms director Rory O’Reilly, who is an Architectural Technologist and a registered member of the Royal Institute of Architects Ireland. “You have to be practical – there’s no point designing something that is going to cost too much to build.
“Our construction background definitely gives us a very strong anchor in that philosophy. When clients see the level of on-site experience we have, it gives them that extra confidence and trust that we are going to be able to deliver their project.”
Architects, planning consultants and project supervisors all rolled into one, MORE. Architecture is a BIM-ready design studio offering architectural and interior design services to residential and commercial clients throughout the island. From small house extensions to bespoke luxury homes, their work is always guided by a commitment to creating modern solutions sensitive to the unique characteristics of each location. Their aesthetic is warmly minimal, with careful consideration of light, space and materials to create an enduring architecture of functional beauty.
A willingness and ability to think outside the box allows MORE. Architecture to get the best out of every site. “We are not a repeat of the mould,” says Rory “If you are building a house which you are going to be living in for the rest of your life, we will assess what it is you truly want and what is truly right for the site – and that’s what we design. Likewise, this also applies to development sites. We assess the site, the location, the demographic, the planning authority, the community and infrastructure and explore all of this with one question heavily playing on our mind: what is the true potential on this site? If we allow ourselves to think differently here, can we increase the potential of this site? Experience has shown us that when we approach a project like this, we do in fact achieve our goal. This is how we continue to produce truly bespoke buildings for our clients.”
At a gala event in the Mullingar Park Hotel attended by over 500 people on Sunday night, July 2nd, MORE. Architecture was named Architectural / Engineering Firm of the Year at the 2023 Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards.
“It’s a great piece of recognition and lets you know that you are moving in the right direction,” Rory reflects. “An award like that recognises the team. As it’s a customer service award, you are being judged on how you put the customer first. If you didn’t have a good team working together for the client’s benefit, you wouldn’t be able to achieve this. Picking up that award gave us a little bit of added reassurance that we are doing something right.”
Contact and communication are key at MORE. Architecture. Clients can always reach the team by phone, email or in person, while clear and comprehensive project costs estimation is presented from the initial meeting to the completion of the project, so that clients are fully aware of the costs ahead.
Each project is approached with zero preconceived ideas. By listening to clients’ wants and needs, analysing their budget against the estimated costs, observing the site and the surrounding characteristics, paying close attention to any special items that could have an impact on the client’s lifestyle, an optimal bespoke design is created for every building.
A major emphasis is placed on Concept Design Stage, so that early on in the project clients are provided with robust document outlining the entire project. All designs and drawings are professionally produced and delivered to the client in a manner and format that can be easily understood by anybody, even a client with little or no experience of looking at building drawings.
“In a lot of respects, we are providing a fresh set of eyes,” Rory continues. “We take a fresh look at the site and consider its potential and limitations. What’s on that site already and what’s it able for? Every time we arrive on site we are looking at what’s right for that specific site and what’s right for the client. By doing this, you will always arrive at an outcome that is unique.
“Most of our work happens at the start and is frontloaded to make sure we have enough time to arrive at the right solution. We assess what will work best and where is there an opportunity. Thankfully, every time we present a design to a client the feedback is always that we have nailed it. Once you reach those standards, you want to stay there.
“You have to engage with clients and talk to them, especially for a house. One of the biggest parts of our job is to understand what kind of home they want to live in, and that’s where our experience, skills and training all come into play. We will only get there by asking questions about what way they want to live – do they like to cook or sit outside in the sunshine? We work it all into the design in subtle ways and often the client will be pleasantly surprised to realise that they can build the house we have designed within their budget.
“There’s so much thought and attention bubbling away beneath the surface. All you see at the end is the flashy finished product but there is so much input going on behind the scenes. Sometimes you will make mistakes but these can often be the best part as really there is no such thing as mistakes, just constant development and improvement.”
MORE. Architecture has created a remarkable impression in the industry in the six short years since its inception, completing a fantastic portfolio of projects. For example, with a classical manor house design, Colehill House – a stunning new build two-storey house and garage in Mullingar – provides a perfect snapshot of their capabilities, while an equally-elegant matching sister house, Teach Ard (Ardmore House), is imminent.
“These are landmark one-off houses,” Rory enthuses. “I feel that when both are fully built and landscaped, they will say a lot about our style, our brand and the quality of design work we are producing in our studio. These are luxurious, private one-off houses which we designed in the same style for two different clients. They are different but speak a similar language.”
For developers working on multi-unit sites, or commercial projects, MORE. Architecture’s unique approach can prove invaluable in realising the full potential and value of any site. “The fresh eye we offer when we look at a site can make all the difference. We will assess what that site is really capable of and can come up with innovative ways to increase the unit numbers.
“By breaking the norm, we can help clients bring extra potential to their project,” the Westmeath man concludes. “A good architect needs good vision. By structuring the lay-out of the site differently, innovation and imagination can maximise the quality and value of a development.”
MORE. Architecture Ltd.,
Castle Street,
Mullingar,
County Westmeath.
Tel: 044 9318232
Email: [email protected]
www.instagram.com/more_architecture_ltd
www.facebook.com/more.architect
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, October 2023, Vol 9 No 10
