Below are just a few of the comments from some of the projects completed by Mark Stephens Architects:

A & D: Co. Mayo – A Simon Open Door Consultation

“I just wanted to say thanks again for your expertise and advice.

Your insight was invaluable and we really appreciate your attention to detail despite the limited time we had with you.

You really gave us some great ideas going forward and opened up the house in ways we would have never thought of!”

MM: Achill, Co. Mayo – A Simon Open Door Consultation

“I recently enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the Simon Open Door Consultation initiative managed by the RIAI. Not only is the Simon Community a most worthwhile charity, the consultation was a most worthwhile experience.

The architect, Mark Stephens based in Swinford Co. Mayo took time to establish the layout and orientation of the property and appreciated the importance that the house which has been in my family for several generations had in my psyche.

Having identified what I was seeking to achieve from any work to the house Mark gave me a sense of approximate costs and set about sketching options that would meet my needs. Far from the notion that engaging an architect could lead to big-budget extravagance, and given that my budget is limited, Mark identified options to maximise my existing living space without the need to go through the planning process, along with other changes that would decrease the long term energy costs for the house.

Mark gave a fresh view of what could be achieved with my property and challenged my pre-conceived ideas. In doing so, he gave me exactly what I wanted from this experience.

The Simon Open Door initiative is a well organised and valuable initiative which I hope continues into the future. The Simon Community has found an excellent partner with the architects who participate.”

F, Castlebar, Co. Mayo: House refurbishment

“Thank you for helping me transform the place I bought, into the most lovely, cosy & desirable home”

E & C, Lahardane, Co. Mayo: House extension & garage + retention

“We appreciate the time and effort you put into our project. We’d have no hesitation in recommending your services to any any other prospective clients.”

Niall Crosson – Group Technical Manager BTech, MEngSc,MIEI, CEPHC. Ecological Building Systems, Main Street, Athboy, Co.Meath Tel: 046 9432104
www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com

“WELL DONE on your outstanding project as featured on PH+ recently. It’s a stunning project and Long Life Structures look to have done a excellent job!”

The above project is featured in Passive House + Magazine and is currently free to download/obtain a printed copy (due to Covid-19) – you can find out more about that HERE

F & P, Claremorris, Co. Mayo: Full house architectural service including Design & Assigned Certifier

“I thank God that we are in this wonderful home designed by you…all day I reap the benefits of a south-facing kitchen – the room would cheer you up any time of the day. It is wonderful to really get time to enjoy this space and watch the girls take ownership of their own favorite spots”

PW, Claremorris, Co. Mayo: New House-full architectural service:

“Mark designed our house and guided us through the entire process with great care. We would highly recommend Mark and his team to anyone considering building in the Mayo or surrounding areas”

SR. UCD Dublin – Part III Professional Practice Lectures in nZEB & Clients/Services

I just wanted to say I attended your lectures at UCD and thoroughly enjoyed them as did anyone that also attended! I just wanted to let you know that everyone was very positive about your lectures and your technique of business. I know from previous experience that given lectures and sometimes getting no feedback can seem like your talking to nobody and I thought why not give some positive feedback when world is filled with negative! So well done!

DP, Westport, Co. Mayo – visitor to project in Louisburgh, Co. Mayo

[This] house is an advertisement as to why you should hire an architect. The place is transformed!

Everyone commented on the view and how it focused on the sea while excluding the neighbours houses at the same time.

I liked the snapshot of Croagh Patrick created by the kitchen window as well as the kitchen itself. I was looking for all the steel you mentioned but couldn’t find it…

Gerry and Louis, Co Sligo – full Architectural Service
Extension to cottage that had been extended on two previous occasions.

“Mark provided an excellent design that preserved the integrity of the old cottage while incorporating the previous work into in a fully integrated comfortable and functioning extension that is beautiful to look at. All aspects of planning were undertaken by Mark and in dealing with the two main contractors his knowledge, attention to detail and professionalism ensured that things ran smoothly. Mark was easy to work with, always contactable and quick to respond. We would highly recommend Mark for any building project.”

Ann, Co. Mayo – House extension – Full architectural service: “I’m so glad that I had Mark involved from the start as it was obvious from the outset that even though it was a small project, he was going to provide the advice and support I needed to feel comfortable with all aspects. He was very easy to work with and is clearly very dedicated and professional. The amount of attention he gave the project throughout was very reassuring and I couldn’t be happier with the service given and the end result. I would advise anyone with a building project, no matter how small, to involve an architect.”

I.D – Comment on Underground House: “Remarkable work/finish Mark, its a unique design, looks amazing, well done, great thought and planning gone into this building, all fits in so beautifully, the surroundings are so well blended in with the building, and like wise, the building with its surroundings, love the whole look”.

M. – Advice on cottage restoration & extension: “Thanks so much for taking the time to respond to my email and taking the time to meet me”

C & G, House Extension, Galway: “We would highly recommend Mark Stephens. He is very easy to work with, knowledgeable, quick to communicate and progress projects and has a genuine interest in his work. We are delighted with our house extension and the design and service Mark provided within the timeline given”

“A year on we are settling in and really love it.”

“We would highly recommend Mark for any building project. Over the last year he worked very closely with us and the builder and ensured an excellent build and renovation. He was always approachable and professional”

Elaine & Noel – Castlerea, Co. Roscommon – House restoration, renovation & extension – Full architectural service.

“I would recommend anyone with any building project no matter how large or small to utilise the skills of a registered architect. Mark Stephens took us from the initial sketches through to us living in our beautiful new extension.”:

Tim Morris, Foxford (www.TimMorris.ie)

“Good house design marries excellent aesthetics with super functionality and ergonomics to give an attractive, comfortable and unique home.”:

SR,Sligo (Mark Stephens Architects provided full architectural service for new house & garage)

“It fascinates me that I nearly always know when I see something I like, but I can rarely design something from scratch that will be liked. That is the skill of the architect, one who can visualise space, light, form and function on paper alone, and hold that images as the project progresses. The trick for me (the client) was to trust the architect during those early stages when only he can see the finished building in his mind. Only once the building started to take physical shape could I really understand and add my own personal touches to the architects grand design. The biggest challenge for the architect is to gain that trust from the client. Mark can do both – gain trust and do grand designs.”:

Richard Walter, Foxford -Mark Stephens Architects undertook full architectural service for house restoration, refurbishment & extension

“When you’re building what you hope will be a dream house, you have to realise that your expectations and demands can change through the process. And that’s where we saw the real value of having an Architect on hand throughout….someone who could quickly appreciate the inevitable design modifications, and then ensure they got implemented“:

John Duffy, Singapore & London. Mark Stephens Architects undertook full architectural service for the construction of a new one-off house, garage and refurbishment of cottage.

“Just wanted to say Thank you so much for getting us through the murky waters that was the planning process. I am absolutely thrilled on this fine morning and looking forward to the next stage. Thanks again Mark”

B & M, Claremorris – Extension to cottage creating new dwelling

“Thanks for your speedy and efficient service.”

J&P, Claremorris, County Mayo. Mark Stephens Architects undertook design and planning application/permission drawings and RIAI certification in accordance with planning permission.

“Thanks again for your help and advice and very happy to highly recommend you.”

G, Ballina, County Mayo – Architectural consultancy & advice

Dom Cox – Architect – Mark Stephens Architects undertook CAD/BIM Consultancy for Penoyre + Prasad Architects
“Camden Society of Architects invited Mark to introduce Minicad to its membership of fogeys & newbies way back in 1994. The seminar was held on rainy night at the newly opened Camden Lock studios.

Mark’s enthusiasm and dexterity was immediately apparent, as he demonstrated 3d CAD modelling with refreshing nonchalance. That inspired the likes of me to attend Christopher Woodward’s weekend Minicad courses for architects in practice, at the Bartlett in 1995/6.

At P+P Mark’s deft teaching and human skills, were distinct. In-house CAD/BIM training is invidious because technical staff are always at different levels of proficiency, and resistance to learning new skills can be an issue.

To their great credit P+P engaged Mark as an expert tutor from outside the office, and the practice benefitted from the results. When team-working is essential to a project, there is nowhere to hide, and without those benefits, dumb mistakes are rife, profits are drained by user-error, and staff (and builders) lose faith.”

FD, County Galway – New house, design and planning only:

“Really happy with the look of the house – thanks to your design.”

ED, County Mayo – New house, full architectural service from concept to completion:

“Thanks very much for all your help and for our beautiful home”

DM, County Clare – House extension & remodelling

“… the house is extremely comfortable and lovely to live in even in a storm”

JB, Galway

“I enjoy working with Mark; he is open to considering ideas as to how the structure might enhance the Architecture. He is equally unhesitant in advising when he does not agree with suggestions that I might make! This makes for a more creative process overall, and helps in working towards achieving the best and most economical solution for the client.”

C, Mayo

“I am really impressed by the speed and professionalism you conduct your business with.”

A Christmas testimonial:

“Thank you so much for all your help and guidance building our house, we will be recommending you to friends & family. Enjoy the Christmas holidays and best of luck with your new business premises and may 2016 bring plenty of new clients”

A Christmas card message:

“Congratulations on the new office and thank you for everything you have done for us, the house is nearly ready!!”

More to follow…