Corgan Scales Up in Dublin to Support Ireland’s Growth
As Ireland continues its transformation into a thriving hub for businesses across all industries, Corgan is evolving in step—expanding its team, deepening its expertise, and strengthening its presence in the region. With a growing portfolio and an eye on future opportunities, Corgan is solidifying its role as a global leader in architecture and design.
Over the past year, Corgan’s Dublin studio has expanded from six to 24 architects and designers, with a team that reflects both local insight and international perspective, representing a diverse portfolio spanning key sectors, including multifamily residential, education, workplace, healthcare, retail, and data centers—strategically positioning the firm to support Ireland’s growing role as a European gateway.
At the heart of this evolution is Maurice O’Neill, Principal and Office Director of Corgan Dublin. Drawing inspiration from the studio’s panoramic views of the mountains, river, and bustling port, O’Neill is committed to creating architecture and design that endures. Deeply rooted in the city he has always called home, O’Neill brings a personal connection to the work, aiming to strengthen civic ties through design that reflects local identity, heritage, and community spirit. His design approach is grounded in timeless architecture, civic enhancement, sustainability, innovation, and storytelling—principles that shape every project the studio undertakes.
Strategic Expansion in Key Sectors
As Ireland continues to be an attractive locale for corporate expansion, the country’s infrastructure is expanding under the €713 million National Development Plan, funding major investments in public transport, energy, healthcare, and road networks—creating further opportunities for design firms with urban planning, mixed-use, and commercial expertise.
O’Neill noted that locally the firm has seen its strongest growth within the education sector. In 2024, the Irish government allocated €2.7 billion to special education to fund new classes and schools, as well as additional staff, under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act. Regarding this work O’Neill said, “Corgan is designing 650 classroom upgrades and modular extensions. These projects offer long-term community and environmental value—an area where Corgan’s advanced technology and thoughtful design approach offer a competitive edge.”
In the residential sector, Ireland is experiencing record growth, with 41,000 new homes projected for completion in 2025—the highest per capita rate in Europe. Corgan’s multifamily team is actively contributing, recently completing a 32-unit project and submitting plans for a 19-unit luxury development with multifamily residences valued at over €1 million.
As expected, office occupancy is rising, resulting in a recent increase in the demand for space, especially high-quality (Grade A) office spaces. O’Neill said Corgan is adeptly positioned to serve the growing need for “resi-mercial” design, which resulted from the shift in work habits during the pandemic, where many workers became accustomed to the comforts of a home office. “Today’s workplace clients are focused on creating environments that balance calm, comfort, and performance. By integrating soft furnishings, tactile materials, biophilic design, and home-inspired amenities, the goal is to enhance well-being, boost productivity, and elevate overall user experience through design.”
Future Outlook: Innovation, Scale and Sustainability
Looking ahead, O’Neill sees continued opportunity in education, residential, and workplace sectors, as well as in the newly expanded data center practice. O’Neill stated, “With strong GDP growth, low unemployment, and a business-friendly climate, Ireland remains a magnet for global investment. Technology giants like Apple, Salesforce, and Meta are already established, while cities such as Dublin, Cork, and Galway continue to attract new startups—fueling demand for innovative architectural solutions.”
To support its growing practice areas, the Studio brought on Paul Foley to lead its data center projects in Ireland and welcomed Rachel Mayhill from within Corgan, who brings extensive U.S. workplace expertise.
Additionally, O’Neill emphasized the firm’s commitment to sustainable design, with a focus on renewable materials, passive strategies, modular construction, BIM, and smart technologies. “As clients increasingly align with EU environmental goals, Corgan’s sustainability-led approach offers a clear competitive advantage.”
