Fergal Mc Namara is an RIAI Conservation Grade 1 architect with almost twenty years of experience. Prior to founding 7L Architects in 2018, he worked at Howley Hayes Architects for fourteen years, becoming an Associate Director in 2006. He has undertaken architectural, urban design and building conservation projects throughout Ireland giving him a thorough knowledge of our built heritage in urban and rural areas. Work includes the conservation, adaptation and extension of historic buildings and designing new buildings in sensitive settings, for prestigious public and private clients.
Below is a selection of his conservation experience (HHA unless otherwise stated):
Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin (1999): surveying of basement vaulting for Paul Arnold Architects.
People’s Park, Dun Laoghaire (2004-2010): preparation of conservation plan and obtaining planning permission for conservation, adaptation and extension for award-winning project
Ard na Sidhe, Kilorglin, Co Kerry (2010-2011): award-winning refurbishment of Arts & Crafts country house hotel
St Peter’s Precinct, Dublin 7 (2009-2014): multi-phase conservation and refurbishment works to church and presbytery following preparation of conservation plan. Roofs, stained glass, masonry, ironwork including provision of improved accommodation for 12 confreres in the presbytery and an outline scheme for re-ordering the church
Russborough, Blessington Co Wicklow (2004-2013): proposals to re-develop walled garden, conservation plan for walled garden, demesne masterplan
Wonderful Barn, Co Kildare (2009): repairs to render and masonry
Lambay Castle, Co Dublin (2008-2010): three phases of conservation repairs to the roof of the White House, walled garden shed and animal shed, all designed by Edwin Lutyens
Law Society of Ireland, Dublin 7 (2005-2015): several phases of refurbishment of historic buildings including conservation plan for former Blue Coat School and precinct
West Theatre, Trinity College Dublin (2015-2016): refurbishment and re-ordering of office space in eighteenth century wing
Walled Town Conservation Plans (2012-2017): preparation of multi-disciplinary conservation, interpretation and management plans for Galway, Buttevant, Castledermot, Kildare, Loughrea and Carrickfergus
Dublin Historic Parks (2013-2018): preparation of multi-disciplinary conservation, interpretation and management plans for Merrion Square, Mountjoy Square, Palmerston Park, Herbert Park and Sandymount Green for DCC. Along with conservation works to historic ironwork and garden buildings at Mountjoy Square, Palmerston Park, Sandymount Green, St Anne’s Park, Mountpleasant Square and St Audoen’s Park.
Bower’s Walk, Ballinrobe (2013): multi-disciplinary conservation plan for historic canal and setting including public realm improvements for MCC
Historic Follies & Garden Building Repairs (2008-2018): phases of conservation repairs and conservation reports for historic garden buildings including: Column, Birr; Wonderful Barn & Bottle Tower, Grotto & Obelisk, Stillorgan, St. Anne’s Park,
Moran’s Mill, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo (2015-2016): preparation of multi-disciplinary conservation, interpretation and management plan for horizontal mill, a national monument for the OPW
Scattery Island, Co Clare (2016-2017): preparation of multi-disciplinary plan for island in state care, including early monastic, military and vernacular built heritage
Marsh’s Library, Dublin 8 (2015): preparation of conservation plan for early-eighteenth century library including window repairs, fire upgrade and refurbishment proposals
Pigeonhouse Precinct (2016): feasibility study for the regeneration of industrial heritage site associated with former power station as an innovation hub for DCC
St James’s Gate, Dublin 8 (2015-2018): Several phases of conservation consultancy for preparation of masterplan and works to historic brewery site
St James’s Graveyard, Dublin 8 (2018): conservation, access and interpretation works to historic graveyard for DCC
Athenry Town Walls, Co Galway (2010-2018): multi-phase conservation works to medieval town walls & mural towers
Carlingford Castle, Co Louth (2015-2018): conservation repairs and archaeological investigations to medieval castle, followed by access & interpretation enhancements
Dunloe Castle, Co Kerry (2012): conservation repairs and access improvements
Kildare Castle Gate House (2016-2017): conservation plan & public realm proposals followed by two phases of conservation works to medieval gate house and precinct
Historic Places of Public Worship (2009-2018): conservation reports and works to St Michan’s Halston St; St Audoen’s; St Agnes Crumlin; St John the Baptist Clontarf; John’s Lane Precinct; St Laurence O’Toole Seville Place; all in Dublin, St Patrick’s Wicklow, Quaker Meeting House, Edenderry and St Brigid’s Clara in Co Offaly.
Shackleton Mill, Lucan, Co Dublin (2017-2018): feasibility study with multidisciplinary team for the redevelopment of historic mill for mixed cultural and commercial use
Dunleckney Maltings, Co Carlow (2014-2016): conservation plan, feasibility study, roof repairs and planning approval for phase 1 visitor centre for historic maltings for Carlow Brewing Company
Westport House (2017): feasibility study for redevelopment of stable yard and masterplan strategy for demesne.
Galway City Museum Extension (2014-2018): two phase feasibility study for extension of museum with redevelopment of Comerford House and Spanish Arch access for GCC
Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 8 (2009-2018): conservation plan and consultancy for redevelopment of historic harbour site and refurbishment and re-use of historic experimental maltings