Biographies
Tracey
Tracey, Director of O’Leary Sludds Architects, is a registered RIAI architectural technologist with over 20 years’ experience. She is a certified European Passive House Designer and is a qualified Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP). Tracey also has lectured at the Dublin Institute of Design.
Tracey is passionate about energy-efficient design that is both practical and progressive. She believes that a building’s design can only be classed as a good design if it is a success for the people who use it. ”I believe the end-user has got to be the first person considered when setting out to design a building or a space. What use is a beautiful space if it is not a good space to use?”
Her favourite piece of architecture is the Pompidou Centre in Paris, designed in high-tech style by the architectural team of Richard Rogers, Renzo Piano and Gianfranco Franchini, and commissioned by the then President of France, Georges Pompidou.
Outside of work, Tracey has a passion for flight and in particular microlight flying. She was the first Irish female to obtain a flex-wing microlight pilot licence. She has also enjoyed parachute jumping and paragliding over the years.
Tracey’s dream is to build her own Passive House, incorporating a small hangar and a grass strip for her microlight!
Cathal
Cathal, Director of O’Leary Sludds Architects, studied architecture in UCD. He is a registered RIAI architect with over 20 years’ experience. He is a certified European Passive House Designer and is a qualified Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP).
Cathal studied architectural design because he was interested in the more creative side of the building process. Cathal believes that the real challenge facing an architect is designing a building that is both beautiful and functional. Cathal tends to be an intuitive designer, relying heavily on his instincts to create innovative and unique buildings and spaces.
Cathal’s favourite building design is Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp, France by French architect Le Corbusier. “While not a typical ’Corb’ design, it is the sculptural nature of the building that appeals to me. Personally I tend to be more ’rigid’ in my design forms, avoiding the use of curves in many instances. I guess that’s why I appreciate Ronchamp so much – it takes me outside my own comfort zone!”
Outside of work, Cathal is passionate about wine and loves his family holidays in France, where he is known to make many a detour – all in the name of research. Cathal makes his own wine at home but his dream is to own a vineyard in France.
Why You Can Trust Us
We understand that any building project is a major investment, and that an investment demands trust.
We can deliver
We have a strong track record of completing complex projects – large and small – on time, on brief and within budget.
We are cost conscious
We treat our clients’ money like it is our own and always question proposed budget over-runs and changes.
We are thorough
We really drill down into our client’s business/lifestyle to understand what they need, from us and our design.
We are accessible
We will return your call! Clients meet us in person and deal with us directly. We are all about establishing good long-term working relationships.
We are passionate
We care about energy-efficient design but it must serve you and your bottom line, as well as the environment.
We represent our clients
We put our client’s interests before our own - ensuring good design all the while getting the best for your building.
We are ready to help you bring your project to life.