Niamh McInerney

CURRICULUM VITAE

B Arch

Passionate about Architecture and dedicated to professionalism, I am driven by a keen interest in designing spaces that harmonize with our lifestyle needs. I am a motivated and highly organised individual who thrives in fast paced environments with the ability to produce a high standard of work to required deadlines. With strong teamwork and communication skills, I excel in creating positive relationships with colleagues, with collaboration as a priority to achieve shared goals. I consider myself creative, outgoing and responsible in my approach to work. I am a practical individual who likes problem solving in order to find the optimum design solutions.

CONTACT

EDUCATION

2017 - 2023

Completed a Bachelor of Architecture at The Technological University of Dublin (TU Dublin).

Final year thesis project was entitled ‘The Densification of Tolka Valley: An Architectural Response.’ This thesis explored densification and the resulting needs of a community. It stemmed from research into an analysis of current and projected demographics and housing needs. Having concluded that there is potential for a population increase within Tolka Valley, it is important that the needs of this new population are met with sufficient services to create a diversified and vibrant community.

Modules included:

Architectural Design Studio 1 - 10, Environmental, Services & Materials 1 - 5, History, Theory & Criticism 1 - 7, Visual Communications 1 - 4, Building Technology Structures 1 - 6, Revit, Thesis Development

2011 - 2017

St. Clares Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, Ireland.

SKILLS PROFILE - ARCHITECTURAL

AutoCAD Revit

Photoshop InDesign

SketchUp Twinmotion Rhino 3D Enscape

Illustrator Physical modelling

WORK EXPERIENCE

Graduate Architect

DMOD Architects

Suite 508, Capel Building, St Marys Abbey, Dublin 7 14/08/2023-Present

Projects included:

Baljuwslann 19, 2011 ME Haarlem, Netherlands nmcinerney890@gmail.com

(+00353) 86 359 1832

Ormond Hotel – Tender Stage

Assisted in the creation of tender documents, details & sepcifications for the transformation of a derelict site into a new hotel, integrating adjacent protected townhouse structures

Sackville Place Hostel – Tender Stage

Demolition of existing derelict college building to provide for a modern six-story hostel, with the provision of 125 bedrooms and mixed use space at ground floor level.

Multi-Use Sports Complex – Feasibility Stage

Conducted a feasibility study for a new sports hall catering to local primary schools and football clubs, optimizing layouts within tight budget constraints

West Pharmaceuticals – Construction Stage

Creation of Room Data Sheets to aid with the construction and supply of services to admin buildings

Architectural Assistant

Darmody Architecture

91 Townsend St, Dublin Docklands, Dublin 2, D02 XD92 14/06/2021 - 22/09/2022

Projects included:

Howth Castle – Planning

Contributed to the restoration and redevlopment of Howth Castle to provide a new café restaurant and revitalize the stableyard area

Lidl Ireland – Feasibility/Planning

Conducted feasibility studies to maximize user needs and productivity across various store locations

Royal Hospital Haslar, Gosport, Uk

Change of use of old military building to accommodation. Redesign of layouts to provide 50 apartment units and a leisure area at basement level

Residential extensions – Planning

Extend existing dwellings to provide increased living space & natural daylight to improve quality of life

Tobacco Warehouse Canopy – Planning

Proposed steel frame and glazed canopy walkway to provide covered access between 2 existing buildings.

Architectural Intern

Rhatigan Architects

City Gate, Unit 0, Block A, Connolly St, Abbeyquarter South, Sligo

25/06/2019 - 06/09/2019 & 08/06/2020 - 04/09/2020

Projects included:

Rosses Point Beachery – Feasibility

Surveying & site site analysis of site

Manorhamilton Church – Planning

The introduction of an event space in the church lobby to allow for variety of local functions such as small meetings

O N T E N T S

CABRA COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTRE

Final year thesis project

ORMOND HOTEL

Graduate Architect - DMOD Architects

MULTI-USE SPORTS COMPLEX

Graduate Architect - DMOD Architects

SACKVILLE PLACE HOSTEL

Graduate Architect - DMOD Architects 01 02 05 04 03 06

HOWTH CASTLE RE-DEVELOPMENT

Year Out Project - Darmody Architecture

HACKETSTOWN HOUSING

4th year project

CABRA COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTRE

Final year thesis project Site Scale: 3,000m² Cabra, Co. Dublin

This thesis aims to explore densification and the resulting needs of a community. This stemmed from research in semester one, where an analysis of current and projected demographics and housing needs were carried out. Having concluded that there is potential for a population increase within Tolka Valley, it is important that the needs of this new population are met with sufficient services to create a diversified and vibrant community. This population increase will create a variety of issues and put enormous pressure on current community facilities. The needs of this projected population must be anticipated and it is important that early infrastructure planning must be carried out before such population and density increases occur. To test this thesis a multi- use community education centre was chosen to supply the needs of all the community.

Please scan here for video walk-through of the project in its urban setting

https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=xFjzqLtJROU&t=2s

Left: Proposed view looking towards buildingSketchup, Twinmotion& Photoshop

I chose a derelict site in North Cabra to test the thesis. This site was chosen as it would have originally been the heart of Cabra. The area is predominantly residential and has capacity to supply 68 mews houses, as outlined in semester one proposals, to the rear of existing houses. There are also two large residential planning proposals to the North at Broombridge which would cater to 944 new residents and to the South, Hamilton Gardens which is almost complete and will cater for 945 new residents. The current population within this 15 minute city radius is 8,700 and with these proposed developments there is a potential for a 25% population increase to 10,900. The area currently has a variety of services, but it has very few recreational services for residents in the area. As part of my research, I interviewed members of the community. They highlighted current problems in the area such as anti-social behaviour and the lack of a community-based facility where people could gather and meet socially.

Broombridge Train/ Luas Stop

Broombridge Educate Together School

Cabra Credit

The site currently feels very closed off at times with many areas gated off, even though some of Cabra’s most prominent buildings are located here such as The Church of The Most Precious Blood, St. Finbarr’s Boys National School, Cabra Community College, and the Sancta Maria Day Care Centre. The church area is currently pedestrianised, but often times, it is closed off and not accessible to the community.

It is important to consolidate the existing town fabric and to re-establish the heart of Cabra by creating a focal point linking each of the existing buildings and further afield to the Broombridge Station. The proposal is to pedestrianise these streets to prioritise the pedestrian and to help draw people to the area. This proposed building and its environs should establish a strong urban presence in the community.

Left: Proposed site axonometric - Sketchup & AutoCAD

Right: Proposed site plan - AutoCAD & Photoshop Below: Proposed site section - AutoCAD

To allow the building to be used by all members of the community, density of use was a key aspect of the design to be explored through diagrams, sketching and model making. To ensure the building functions efficiently, I examined the overlapping of functions and how they occur throughout the day. This allowed for density of use over a 24-hour period and demonstrates that various activities can happen in one space at different times throughout the day.

Afterschool space example:

8am – Breakfast club

10am – Parent and toddler meeting group

3pm – Afterschool

7pm – Youth club and scouts club

Left: Proposed ground floor plan - AutoCAD

Middle: Concept diagram: - InDesign

Right (Top): Morning - Event and library space

Right (Middle): Aftenoon - Event and library space

Right (Bottom): Evening - Event and library space - Sketchup, Twinmotion & Photoshop

With density being a core theme in the project, density and openness of light became a key element in the design exploration process. This was largely achieved through the creation of physical models of the various spaces. In certain areas of the building, it was important to have filtered light which would transcend the space and create beautiful moments within the scheme. This light filtration was used extensively in the library, with areas such as study nooks and the children’s library being emphasised to create spaces with a warm comfortable ambience for the individual user.

Left: Sketch models of design ideas

Right: Finalised design renders - Sketchup, Twinmotion, Photoshop

The buildings material choice was important when trying to create a focal point in Cabra. The building needed to stand out and have its own presence in the community without being too dominating.

Timber cladding was chosen as the material of choice for the external façade. Many of the surrounding houses have traditional plaster and brick finishes and the timber cladding naturally compliments these. The cladding is detailed with horizontal joints, some of which align with the structural zones. The zinc roof provides a contrasting finish to the timber.

Above: View towards building from pedestrianised streetSketchup, Twinmotion & Photoshop

Right: Elevation - Sketchup, Twinmotion, Photoshop

Right: Detail section - AutoCAD

Ormond Hotel

Graduate Architect-DMOD Architects Site Scale: 1,632 m² Ormond Quay, Dublin City

This project consisted of the construction of a new 112 bedroom hotel, with a bar/restrauant, external courtyard & meeting rooms at ground floor level. The project also included the refurbishment of two adjacent existing townhouses. The brown field site is located adjacent to the River Liffey at Ormond Quay, a highly prominent location in Dublin. The site had previously contained townhouses and these were demolished in 2017.

Left: Proposed view of Ormond Hotel from the River Liffey

PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION:

- Assisted in the completion of a full large scale commercial tender pack for the hotel including:

-General arrangement drawings

-Detailing of wall types/ ceiling details, section details – to comply with the hotel’s 5 star standards which required different levels of fire protection, sound reduction and insulation for various room types

-Creation of door & window schedules

-Creation of refelected ceiling plans, floor finishes & wall type drawings

-Sourcing suppliers and specifications

-Co-ordinating furniture layouts with interior designers to ensure room layouts comply with Part M of the Building Regulations(access & use)

-Responding to Quanitity Surveyor queries – to assist them to complete the Bill of Quantities

Above: Detail Sections of wall types - AutoCAD

Right: Detail Section through glazing & bulkhead - AutoCAD

SCHOCK ISOKORB TYPE KS O.E.A.A. TO STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS DESIGN AND DETAIL DESIGN AND DETAIL. PLEASE SEE DMOD SPEC. F30 FOR FULL SPECIFICATION.

ALUPROF MB 86 WINDOW O.E.A.A. WITH SHOT BLASTED AND ANODISED FINISH PLEASE SEE DMOD SPEC. H11 FOR FULL SPECIFICATION.

LOW-E SOLAR REFLECTIVE ARGON FILLED GLAZED UNIT WITH SELECT SOLAR REFLECTIVE COATING TO OUTER PANE AND LOW-E COATING TO INNER PANE INCORPORATING A WARM EDGE SPACER TO ACHIEVE 1.3 Ug-VALUE. ALL GLAZING TO COMPLY WITH BS 6262 PT 4 1994 ACOUSTIC RATING MIN. 36 dB Rw.) PLEASE SEE DMOD SPEC. H11 FOR FULL SPECIFICATION.

40MM "HONED" AMARELO REAL GRANITE PLINTH O.E.A.A. FIXED USING GRADE 316 S/S FIXING BRACKETS WITH A SELECT ANTI GRAFFITI SEAL. PLEASE SEE DMOD SPEC. H51 FOR FULL SPECIFICATION.

100mm KINGSPAN GREENGUARD GG300 INSULATION TO ACHIEVE A U-VALUE OF 0.21W/m2K. PLEASE SEE DMOD SPEC. P10 FOR FULL SPECIFICATION.

GCP PREPRUFE / BITUTHENE TANKING MEMBRANE FULLY BONDED TO THE BASEMENT RC WALLS. PLEASE REFER TO ENGINEERS DESIGN & SPECIFICATION.

40MM "HONED" AMARELO REAL GRANITE PLINTH O.E.A.A. FIXED USING GRADE 316 S/S FIXING BRACKETS WITH A SELECT ANTI GRAFFITI SEAL. PLEASE SEE DMOD SPEC. H51 FOR FULL SPECIFICATION.

100mm KINGSPAN GREENGUARD GG300 INSULATION TO ACHIEVE A U-VALUE OF 0.21W/m2K. PLEASE SEE DMOD SPEC. P10 FOR FULL SPECIFICATION.

GCP PREPRUFE /

MULTI-USE SPORTS COMPLEX

Graduate Architect - DMOD Architects Site Scale: 3.4 Ha Dublin

The site is located beside St. Pauls Primary School and St. Annes Park in Clontarf. The project consisted of the provision of a Sports Hall that would cater for the needs of St. Pauls School and local football clubs.

The design of the building follows on from neoclassical geometry in the facade and the main sports hall is highlighted through the extruding facade. A colonnaded walkway is proposed on the East facade to provide a threshold link between the football pitches and sports building. It allows for a sheltered area to observe games and trainings.

Left: Proposed view of sports hall - Sketchup, Twinmotion, Photoshop

The project had budget constraints and the original plan had to be rigorously examined to maximise effiency of space. The final product had a reduction in floor area of 407m² with a cost reduction of €702,000

Above: Proposed ground floor plan - AutoCAD

Top (Right): Proposed view from football pitchs - SketchUp, Twinmotion, Photoshop

Bottom (Right) Proposed view of sports hall - Sketchup, Twinmotion, Photoshop

PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION TO PROJECT:

- Redesigning the proposed plan to reduce the overall building footprint to suit the available budget whilst maintaining the core space requirements and functions

- Reduction in footprint achieved from 2,618m² to 2,211m²

- Production of full set of planning drawings

-Creation of 3D visuals to enhance the clients understanding of the project within its context & to assist the marketing of the project to its investors

- Attendance at client meetings

St Annes Park

SACKVILLE PLACE HOSTEL

Graduate Architect-DMOD Architects Site Scale: 871m² Dublin

The site is located in the heart of Dublin city and it originally hosted a college building. Initially the plan was to retorfit this building but following inspection & appraisal of the building, it was deemed to be severely damaged and would be too costly to retrofit and a decision was made to demolish it. A new hostel was proposed to take its place providing accomodation for 125 beds. The site is ideally located near O’ Connell Street and nearby train and tram connection points. Ths project is a prime example of the revitalisation of Dublin’s inner city blocks, providing new functions and energy to existing areas.

Left: Proposed 3D view of hostel

Planning Stage:

- Following grant of Planning Permission I was required to carry out a feasibility study into the impact an additional floor level would have on the surounding environment

- Production of elevations and photomontages for presentation to the Client demonstrating impact of additional storey

Tender Stage:

- Creation of window details & facade details in plan & section

HOWTH CASTLE REDEVELOPMENT

Year out project-Darmody Architecture Site Scale: 6.89Ha Howth, Co. Dublin

Howth Castle is located within a large landscaped demesne, situated on the western side of the Howth peninsula. The castle demesne is located within an Architectural Conservation Area and had to be treated sensitively. The various wings of the castle were constructed between the 15th and 20th Century. This project required a design team of Architects, Conservation Architects, Landscape Architects, Structural, Civil and Mechanical Engineers who collaborated to create this design proposal.

The proposal was to re-vitalise Howth Castle with the main castle wing serving as an afternoon tea area for small functions and weddings and a proposed marquee to the rear of the castle gardens to accommodate larger wedding receptions. The stable wing was to be transformed into a retail centre, largely contained within the walls of the existing structure. A significant part of the proposal was for a new cafe pavilion to be located within this stable courtyard. During my time at Darmody Architect, this project obtained full Planning Permission.

Left: Proposed 3D view of Pavillion within stable courtyard

I had a considerable input into the detailing of the café pavilion and created various models to analyse how the proposal would affect the views in the stable courtyard. The proposed solution was an undulating roof form with glass surrounds. The roofs form referenced the various pitches and gabled roof forms of the surrounding Stable Yard buildings. The varied pitch and scale provided a visual interest and an improved spatial quality to the interior of the restaurant seating area. The overall height of the building was kept relatively low to allow the surrounding roofs, towers and turrets of the castle to be appreciated. A datum level was created for the underside of the roof to allow for transparency and views through the glass structure. Glass screens and doors can be opened out in good weather to further create a visual and physical permeability through the pavilion.

Right (top): View of cafe link to castle wall - Sketchup, Twinmotion Above: Section through stable courtyard - AutoCAD

Above: Proposed design ideas for the roof of the pavillion - SketchUp

Below: Proposed elevation of castle - AutoCAD

As the site was located in an Architectural Conservation Area, the views of the Castle and gardens were prioritised to remain unobstructed and to be celebrated. The proposed marquee could be viewed from the front elevation but is largely hidden by trees and landscaping. The proposed cafe pavillion in the stable yard was limited in height so as not to diminish or impede the existing Castle elevations.

The North/East corner of the pavilion was splayed to allow a visual connection to be maintained between the two main arched entrances into the Stable Yard. This created an exaggerated projection of the roof canopy which provided shelter to external seating. This splayed geometry was extended to form a wrap-around entrance canopy which highlights the entrance into the pavilion.

PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION TO PROJECT:

-Production of full set of planning drawings

-Modelling roof forms to demonstrate how the proposed pavilion would sit in the stable courtyard surrounds

-Surveying the existing castle & creating an inventory of heritage & conservation pieces

-Attendance at client & design team meetings

Left (Top): View through archway - SketchUp

Left: Ground floor plan of pavilion - AutoCAD

Right (Bottom): Roof plan of pavilion - AutoCAD

HACKETSTOWN HOUSING

Fourth year, 2nd semester project Site Scale: 7,730m² Hacketstown, Co. Carlow

The site was located in the back lands of Hacketstown on a largely overgrown, derelict site. The aim of the project was to bring vibrant life back to Hacketstown and to consolidate the existing town fabric. Timber modular construction apartments and houses were designed around central courtyards which allowed an abundance of light to enter each individual unit, while creating a communal open space. The modular system chosen allowed for user adaptability and a flexible scheme to be created with users changing needs at the core of the project.

Right: Proposed view of courtyards - Rhino 3D/ SketchUup, Twinmotion & Photoshop

Left: Card models of early design process

Above: Proposed first floor plan in context - AutoCAD & Photoshop

MoffetsLane

Penney Hill

The backlands site was quite steep sloping down from Moffets Lane to Penney Hill at the rear of the site. To allow access to all users two levels were created. The apartments were accessed from Penney Hill while the housing units were accessed from Moffets Lane. As this was a backlands site the back gardens of the existing houses were reduced to accommodate the proposed development. Existing houses were given a 5m garden space to allow adequate sunlight and privacy to these gardens also.

This scheme used ‘369 Pattern Building’ modular construction to allow units to be flexible to residents needs and for ease of construction. The modules used were 3m x 6m and 3m x 9m. The module comprised of four corner columns, a ceiling element and a floor element made of LVL and structural steel corner fittings that provided structural stability.

Above: Modular construction of apartment blocks - Rhino 3D

Right: Proposed unit floor plan - AutoCAD

Planters and seating were used within the open coutyards to create a buffer zone outside each unit while individual units had a small pergolastyle porch to act as a buffer zone to the public domain and allow users to create their own individual expression

Above: Proposed site section - Rhino 3D, Photoshop

Left: Proposed private courtyard - Rhino 3D & Photoshop