conservation architect

Helen Devitt Architects Ltd is a small practice, established in Cork City in 2011 and now based in Co. Clare. Helen Devitt, MRIAI, Grade 1 Conservation Architect, draws on over 25 years experience, having worked in Manhattan, Glasgow, Dublin and Cork, in a range of architectural practices, including Murray O’Laoire Architects Cork and Cork City Council. The practice collaborates with other building professionals to offer a personal architectural design and consultancy service, specialising in works to vernacular buildings, protected structures and buildings of historical significance. Particular attention is given to the adaptation, re-use and sensitive extension of these historic buildings to develop a sympathetic response within their context in the surrounding Irish landscape. Other services include Architectural Heritage Impact Assessments, Historic Building Surveys, advice on Built Heritage Grant Schemes and thermal upgrading of traditional buildings. Helen also lectures design studio part-time at the Cork Centre of Architectural Education, University College Cork.

services

The practice offers a range of RIAI architectural services including the following specialised conservation services:

 

Initial on-site appraisal of historic building/ protected structure

Proposals for adaption and re-use of historic buildings

 Advise on how to improve the energy efficiency of a traditional building

 Liaising with key heritage bodies and planning department

 Feasibility studies and options appraisals

 Sketch designs proposals

 Statements of significance

 Advise on planning legislation relating to historic and protected environment

 Preparation of planning applications for historic buildings

 Maintenance plans and schedules of repair

 Grants and funding advice

 Historic building appraisals & surveys

 Architectural heritage impact assessments

 Photographic records of historic structures

 Conservation consultancy

artist

Helen Devitt augments her architectural practice and specialised area of conservation with her art practice, having completed a degree in fine art at the Crawford College of Art & Design Cork in 2014. Working intuitively through a number of media including painting, printmaking, photography and sculpture, the Irish landscape, both natural and man-made, is explored.  Her training and practice as an architect for over two decades has informed this exploration and the making of place and a sense of place is re-imagined in her work through surface and material in which a resonance of a culture and history is embedded.

exhibitions

  192nd RHA Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts Annual Exhibition 2022

  ‘Winter Open 2021’, The Courthouse Gallery & Studios, Ennistymon, Co. Clare, (Group Exhibition)

  ‘Winter Open and Trasna X 2020’, The Courthouse Gallery & Studios, Ennistymon, Co. Clare, (Group Exhibition)

  Kenny Art Gallery, Galway City, Main Exhibition, (December 2019–current)

‘Art & Architecture’, The Lavit Gallery, Group Exhibition, (May–June 2018) OPW Purchase

‘The Postcard Show’, Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, (Dec 2016)

‘Dazzle’ Cork Printmakers, Wandesford Quay, Clarke’s Bridge, Cork City (Dec 2016)

’25’ Cork Printmakers, The Atrium, Cork City Hall, (June 2016)

‘Liam Ronayne Selects’, The Lavit Gallery, Cork, (April–May 2016)

‘Lie of the Land’, Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, (February–March 2015)

‘Fledglings’, The Lavit Gallery, Cork, (August 2014)

‘Na HOibreacha’, CIT CCAD Degree Show, (June 2014) OPW Purchase Prize

‘Are We There Yet’, CIT CCAD 3rd Year Exhibition, Cork, (May–June 2013)

memberships

Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI)

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)

The Building Limes Forum Ireland

Irish Green Building Council (IGBC)

Traditional Building Skills Register – Irish Georgian Society

Associate Member of Cork Printmakers

Limerick Printmakers