RIAI Town and Village Toolkit

Towns and villages across Ireland have been integral to Irish economic and cultural life for centuries. They can also be great places to live and work for modern lifestyles. This free online resource, developped by the RIAI, with support from the Government Policy on Architecture, supports those involved in Irish towns and villages.

The RIAI Town and Village Toolkit provides practical advice, references and successful case studies of places that have with architectural and urban design expertise positively overcome challenges. Case studies include Clonakilty, Cloughjordan, Westport, Tuppercurry and Waterford’s Viking Triangle.

Working with an Architect

Whether you are planning to build your dream home or are extending and renovating your existing house, a Registered Architect has the qualifcations, vision and experience to take you expertly through your building project.

An Architect does a lot more than just provide you with a design; they will help you set a viable brief and budget, guide you through the planning process, obtain quotes for the work, manage consultants such as surveyors and engineers, monitor the budget, and administer the construction contract.

An Architect can also save you money on a project, as they will research viable alternatives and solutions to suit your budget.

This free guide will take you through the process.

Old House New Home

To support the owners of older residences, including historic houses and protected structures, the RIAI, with funding from the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht and Creative Ireland, has published this online guide to conservation and renovation.

Old House New Home offers guidance and advice on repairing and reusing historic buildings. It explains how to understand your home, conserve period features and reimagine it for contemporary living, while maintaining the character and craftsmanship that come with historic properties. The guide includes a wealth of case study projects representing different sizes, conditions, characteristics and locations – from homes in urban and suburban settings to the adaptation of farmhouse complex, their yards and outbuildings.