Assistant Professor at UCD School of Architecture, Co-Director of UCD Centre for Irish Towns, and pioneer in community-centered regenerative design. Creating architecture that actively restores ecological and social systems.
Bridging academic research with community-centered practice
"In some ways ethical practice is foundational to regenerative practice. Both ideas require you to engage with the consequences of your work." This philosophy drives my integrated approach to architecture, education, and community engagement.
My work transcends traditional sustainability by embedding regenerative principles throughout the design process. As Assistant Professor at University College Dublin and practicing architect through Custom Architecture, I bridge academic research with real-world applications that demonstrate how architecture can actively restore rather than merely sustain our built and natural environments.
Regenerative design transforming communities and landscapes
Winner of the New European Bauhaus Prize 2023, Ripple demonstrates transdisciplinary collaboration for climate resilience. Working with Ballina's Greenhills Estate community, this project created regenerative water management systems that enhance both environmental and social health.
Represented Ireland at the Venice Architecture Biennale, exploring regenerative possibilities within existing urban fabric. The exhibition toured four Irish towns, using public space as a lens for examining community-led regeneration strategies.
Through Custom Architecture, I implement regenerative design principles in residential and community projects. The practice emphasizes collaboration in design and research, creating buildings that enhance both ecological and social systems.
Co-founded with Dr. Philip Crowe, the Centre serves as a transdisciplinary hub for regenerative research. Supported by the UCD Earth Institute, it develops evidence-based approaches to town regeneration across Ireland.
Transforming architectural education for climate resilience
Co-leading Ireland's most ambitious architectural education reform, Building Change represents a fundamental reimagining of how we prepare architects for climate challenges. This Human Capital Initiative-funded collaboration among all six Irish architecture schools embeds regenerative principles throughout curricula.
All Irish architecture schools collaborating
Enterprise and community organizations
UN SDGs 13.3 & 11.1 addressed
Academic contributions to regenerative architecture and community design
Urban Transformations (2025)
Comprehensive methodology paper detailing the award-winning Ripple project's transdisciplinary approach to climate resilience through community-centered regenerative design.
Full TextEuropean Commission (2022)
Contribution to major European policy document connecting Horizon Europe research priorities with New European Bauhaus sustainability and social innovation goals.
European Commission PublicationAcademic Press (2012)
Foundational research establishing theoretical framework for Irish rural regeneration through historical analysis and future visioning methodologies.
Foundational ResearchArchitectural Research (2015)
Innovative methodology paper exploring video-based community engagement techniques for regenerative urban design processes.
Methodological InnovationCo-authored with Dr. Philip Crowe
Evidence-based policy recommendations for Irish town regeneration through adaptive reuse and community-centered development strategies, directly influencing government housing policy.
Policy ImpactTools and resources for regenerative architecture practice
Opportunities for engagement in regenerative architecture research and practice
Transdisciplinary research in regenerative architecture, climate resilience, and community engagement methodologies.
Curriculum development, pedagogical research, and architectural education transformation initiatives.
Co-design processes for climate adaptation, housing regeneration, and community resilience building.
Evidence-based policy recommendations for sustainable development and regenerative planning.
Assistant Professor
UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy
University College Dublin