About Us
Architectural Excellence: Bespoke Residential Design in Dublin
Culligan Architects is an award-winning, RIAI-registered residential architecture practice based in Dublin. Founded in 2011 by Lee and Damien Culligan, our practice has grown into a collaborative team of dedicated architects and design professionals. Together, we are recognized by leading architectural bodies for our commitment to contemporary residential design and the realization of exceptional homes. We specialize in high-end residential architecture, crafting bespoke new build homes, striking contemporary extensions, and deep energy retrofits.
Dedicated to Conservation & Period Restorations
Our team includes specialized RIAI Conservation Architects, giving us the rare expertise required to execute sensitive modern interventions and restorations for Dublin’s historic properties and protected structures. We understand the delicate balance of preserving heritage while introducing state-of-the-art modern luxury. Our team has designed and delivered premium residential projects in Dublin’s most sought-after coastal and historic suburbs, including: Coastal Dublin: Dalkey, Killiney, Blackrock, Howth, and Malahide South Dublin & Period Enclaves: Rathgar, Ranelagh, and Clontarf
A Complete, Director-Led Architectural Service
As a cohesive team, we manage every facet of your journey—from initial concept design and navigating complex Dublin planning permission, to detailed interior architecture and on-site project management. We limit the number of active projects we accept to ensure our team can deliver the uncompromising detail, communication, and standard of finish your home deserves.
Begin Your Architectural Journey
At Culligan Architects, we believe the most successful homes are built on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and shared vision. Because we are committed to delivering an uncompromising standard of detail and hands-on, director-led service, we selectively limit the number of active projects our team undertakes at any one time.
If you are planning a bespoke new build, a striking modern extension, or the restoration of a period property in Dublin, we invite you to discuss your aspirations with us.
How to Initiate Your Project:
Initial Inquiry
Share the core details of your project, site location, and vision using our brief inquiry form below.
Preliminary Consultation
Our directors will review your brief. If we are a strong match for your project, we will arrange a private consultation to discuss site potential, planning considerations, and design directions.
Tailored Proposal
Our team will outline a clear, comprehensive architectural pathway designed specifically for your home.
Architectural Awards & Recognition
Winner of the RIAI Awards 2020 - Living Category for Best House
Highly Commended - Wood Awards 2020
Shortlisted for the RIAI Awards - 2020 Public Choice Awards
Selected for Exhibition RIAI Awards 2022
Shortlisted for the Architectural Review House Awards 2022
Nominated for the Archdaily Building of the Year Awards 2023
Selected for Exhibition RIAI Awards 2024
How we work
—We engage with our clients at the early stages of a project to ascertain their needs and requirements.
—We endeavour to harness the response that we all instinctively have to materiality and form.
—We make architecture that is built with and around light.
—Our design is led by functionality, ease of use, and the sociability that architecture can foster.
—Our spaces are made to endure.
—We resolve even the most complex combination of existing elements into an architecture which in its totality feels singular: an architecture of beauty.
Our projects typically involve substantial refurbishment, extension or new-build work and are best suited to clients seeking a fully bespoke architectural service.
Online Publications & Press
Archdaily: https://www.archdaily.com/992722/a-house-coach-house-and-garden-culligan-architects
The Architectural Review: https://www.architectural-review.com/awards/ar-house/house-coach-house-and-garden-in-dublin-ireland-by-culligan-architects
Image Interiors: https://www.image.ie/living/two-architects-have-created-a-spacious-family-home-on-an-awkward-mews-site-775168
Image Interiors: https://www.image.ie/living/a-pair-of-coach-houses-in-bray-have-been-converted-into-a-bright-and-spacious-family-home-760335
The Gloss: https://thegloss.ie/see-inside-this-renovated-1920s-family-home-near-bushy-park/
Irish Independent: https://www.independent.ie/life/home-garden/homes/this-years-open-house-running-on-closed-circuit/39602348.html
Image Interiors: https://www.image.ie/editorial/these-new-homes-have-been-shortlisted-as-irelands-best-in-the-riai-awards-204645
People
Damien Culligan BArch (Hons) MRIAI Architect Accredited In Conservation Grade III
Damien graduated from the Dublin School of Architecture DIT in 2003 with an honours degree in architecture and since then has gained broad experience in the architectural profession. Damien has experience of the on-site administration of both large and medium scaled commercial and private works and has also worked on a number of refurbishments and developments involving historic buildings. Damien has worked extensively with client bodies both in the public and private sector and has a thorough understanding of the various procurement methods involved in delivering different project types. Damien has been involved with a number projects that involved works to protected structures and buildings with an historical interest. Damien is accredited as a conservation architect at Grade III and has a keen interest in the built heritage of Ireland.
Lee Culligan DipArch BArch (Hons)
Lee graduated from the Dublin School of Architecture DIT in 2006 with an honours degree in architecture. Since then she has gained much experience through her own practice and in practices she has worked in previously, of both large and small scale projects. Lee has worked in particular on a number of high end residential and commercial projects throughout her career.
Professional Bodies and Associations
Culligan Architects is an RIAI Registered Practice
Culligan Architects is accredited by the RIAI in Conservation at Grade III.
Culligan Architects carries professional indemnity insurance.