The problem with a race to the bottom (SI9) and is architecture a commodity? (1)

Architects in Ireland are at a cross-roads. With the introduction of S.I. No.9 of 2014 we are seeing a race to the bottom regarding fees for Designer and Assigned Certifier roles; with a range of prices in the €3000 region Read More …

Currently working on SI9 information for this cottage extension

Currently working on tender and Building Control information under S.I.9 (as it’s >40m2) for this vaulted pitch and connecting flat roof to this hipped cottage extension: Design keeps the hipped roof and creates additional living and bedroom accommodation in a Read More …

All RIAI and other 'Marks' updated and on home page

Following on from the previous post, I’ve updated all of the ‘Marks’ to show that I am a ‘paid’ up Registered RIAI Architect and Registered RIAI Practice; other accreditations include: • RIAI Conservation Accredited (III) • RIAI Environmental Accreditation • Read More …

Thinking of self-building in Ireland for 2015? Visit Irish Association of Self Builders @Iaosb …

Thinking of self-building in Ireland for 2015. Then visit the essential website The Irish Association of Self Builders which contains all you need to know regarding the issues and complexities of self-build under the current regulations. The link has also Read More …

Mark Stephens and Mark Stephens Architects are RIAI Accredited as Individual & Practice in Environmental Services

Following the Courses/CPD I have taken on Low Carbon Refurbishments, Passive House (Certified European Passive House Designer) and Renewable Technologies (and passing exam), Mark Stephens is now RIAI Accredited in ‘Environmental’ services and Mark Stephens Architects is an RIAI Practice Read More …

Planning Permission granted on these extensions to two traditional Irish / Mayo cottages

We’ve received the full grant of planning permission in the last few days for these two extensions in County Mayo, Ireland: Below is view of interior of new living room: The lower project was tricky as the Council were asking for Read More …

New Years Resolution : More commercial work. @paulmknally mentioned

Over the last year there were a couple of non-residential, commercial projects that I thought “Yes, I could have done that one”. In much the same way that an actor sees the roles that he could have done better [than Read More …

MarkStephensArchitects.com 2014 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog. Here's an excerpt: The Louvre Museum has 8.5 million visitors per year. This blog was viewed about 110,000 times in 2014. If it were an exhibit at Read More …

I wrote this post on why an architect shouldn't design what the client asks for [UPDATE]

I wrote this post last year on the topic “Why an architect shouldn’t design what the client asks for”. Well, I’ve updated it to include: • Clients sketch • My watercolour at design stage • The finished house Interesting to Read More …

#RIAICouncilElection Make your vote count #Vote Mark Stephens for Western Region – please share/retweet

RIAI members have until midnight tonight to cast their vote in the RIAI Council Election. Much has been said about making your vote count and to think carefully over your vote and who will represent you on Council for 2015. Read More …