Simon J Kelly Architects

01/03/2026

https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2026/02/28/mayo-based-architects-highly-commended-in-riai-silver-medal-for-housing-award/ #

THE Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has Highly Commended a project designed by Mayo and Galway based SJK Architects in the RIAI Silver Medal for Housing.

23/02/2026

SJK highly commended (2nd place) in the silver medal for housing, announced at the RIAI and DoHLGH housing conference today

23/02/2026

SJK highly commended (2nd place) in the silver medal for housing, announced at the .localgov.heritage housing conference in Sligo today 🥈

17/02/2026

We are very happy that our project, “a system for ordinary housing”, is shortlisted among a very high-calibre 5 projects for the RIAI Silver Medal for Housing 2026.

This design learns from and follows a tradition of social housing design in Ireland: from the masterplan and house types of Marino in Dublin designed by Horace O’Rourke in the 1920’s; to the Bord na Móna villages designed by Frank Gibney in the 1950s. The association of Gerry Cahill with us on this project builds on this tradition and experience of simple, high-quality social housing to form connected senses of place.

The approach is based on low-rise medium density, minimising the dominance of cars. Streets, squares and pocket parks are bounded and overlooked by homes.

The total number of homes designed was 243 terraced houses and 92 own-door apartments across 6 towns: Macroom, Skibbereen, Clonakilty, Shannon, Ballyburke (Galway) and Slievekeale (Waterford).

Published in “Architecture Ireland”, a review written by Head of Housing Strategy at Limerick City and County Council, Sarah Newell, wrote:
“What makes (SJK-designed housing at) Shannon remarkable is that it goes beyond basic provision in terms of the site, the dwelling layout, and the space surrounding. In doing so, it is remarkable, but it really shouldn’t be. This scheme sets a precedent for future housing projects, illustrating that good architecture does not merely provide shelter but fosters a sense of safety, belonging, identity, and connection. In Shannon, this scheme is truly safe and convivial. Community runs through it.”

We are grateful to our talented colleagues at SJK who all contributed to the project; to the belief and trust of our clients the NDFA, Department of Housing, Cork and Clare County Councils, Waterford and Galway City Councils; and to the Design+Build PPP consortium led by JJ Rhatigan & Company with Avanti and Rattigan Architects.

We are highly honoured by the RIAI Jury for considering our work.

Cork County Council

11/02/2026

SJK’s project, “a system for ordinary housing”, is selected to a very competitive shortlist of five projects for the RIAI’s silver medal for housing.

It was thanks to encouragement from an engineering colleague that based on SJK’s previous silver medal commendation for housing in Westport, we should put ourselves forward to bid for this significant 360-dwelling project for the NDFA and DoH. We joined forces with our dear friend, mentor, teacher and former employer Gerry Cahill to build SJK’s team with his decades of experience in high quality housing. A simple approach of streets, squares and turning corners to make liveable neighbourhoods for Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Macroom, Shannon, Waterford and Galway.

The schemes were built by Design & Build PPP led by our colleagues at JJ Rhatigan & Company ably aided by architects and architects on construction stage detail.

Results to be announced at the DoH/RIAI housing conference in Sligo on 23rd February. 🤞🥈

11/02/2026

SJK’s project, “a system for ordinary housing”, is selected to a very competitive shortlist of five projects for the RIAI’s silver medal for housing.

It was thanks to encouragement from an engineering colleague that based on SJK’s previous silver medal commendation for housing in Westport, we should put ourselves forward to bid for this significant 360-dwelling project for the NDFA and DoH. We joined forces with our dear friend, mentor, teacher and former employer Gerry Cahill to build SJK’s team. A simple approach of streets, squares and turning corners to make liveable neighbourhoods for Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Macroom, Shannon, Waterford and Galway.

The schemes were built by Design & Build PPP led by our colleagues at JJ Rhatigan & Company ably aided by architects and architects on construction stage detail.

Results to be announced at the DoH/RIAI housing conference in Sligo on 23rd February. 🤞🥈

01/11/2025

22 years since SJK Director Edel Tobin worked with Peng on the competition winning design, the Egypt Museum opens.

https://www.facebook.com/share/17dDMiBHVC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

More than two decades in the making and, finally, one of the world's largest and most anticipated museums has opened its doors tonight.

02/09/2025

Delighted to join a fine group of local businesses crafters and artisans supporting 2025’s Clare Island Film Festival 📽️🍿🏝️

22/08/2025

Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh

Connemara by night.

a project designed with precision proudly executed with exemplar craft in collaboration with .buildingcontractors on behalf of OPW, GalwayCoCo, Failte ireland and Údaras na Gaeltachta.

21/08/2025

Our modest scheme of 38 new homes, based on SJK’s “system for ordinary housing” adjoining Portumna town centre, has received part 8 planning approval from Galway County Council.

We all want to see significantly more housing of all types and tenures, designed well, permitted, tendered and constructed to do our bit to alleviate the Housing crisis.

A lot more to do.

11/07/2025

SJK’s 2-storey, figure-of-8, double courtyard, 1000-pupil, post-primary school for Presentation College Kilkenny - designed as part of a 6-school bundle PROJECT NORE in consortium with & and delivered by Design-Build contract - is nearing completion with some very nice light-filled features for the college’s community to move into and enjoy in September.