General Experience | C+W O'Brien Architects

SKILLS &
EXPERIENCE

C+W O’BRIEN ARCHITECTS
OUR JOURNEY
We are one of Ireland’s leading architectural
practices. Our commitment to delivering design
driven architectural solutions is reflected in our
people, vision and experience to ensure we
provide value by design.
We stand out as one of the few architectural practices with the experience
to take on large and complex projects from inception to completion. We offer
the vision to design world-class schemes combined with the technical and
commercial skills required to deliver projects on time and within budget.
We have an outstanding team of experts in
architecture, interior design, 3D animation
and construction to make sure that we
provide added value for our clients.
Our team, vision and constant client-centric approach has won the trust
of an extensive network of leading local, regional and multinational
companies and developers operating across Europe. With offices in
Dublin, London, Cork, and Galway, we have a wide network of associated
architectural practices across Europe and Asia.
Since our inception we have worked on many exciting and innovative
projects, ensuring C+W O’Brien is at the forefront of architecture in Ireland.
2
3

WHO WE WORK WITH
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
SHIPS BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
ILDING
LATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
SHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
PS
LDING
ATIONSHIPS
LDING
ATIONSHIPS
LDING
ATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
IPS
UILDING
ELATIONSHIPS
UILDING
ELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
DING
ATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
UILDING
ELATIONSHIPS
HIPS
HIPS
UILDING
ELATIONSHIPS
BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS
HIPS
5
4

OUR SERVICES
C+W O’Brien Architects focus on producing design
solutions that contribute to the built environment and
urban fabric, with a lifelong appeal and functionality for
future generations.
The practice specialises in Architecture, Interior Design, Master
Planning and Urban Design. We work on complex and large-scale
projects in a wide range of sectors including residential, office,
retail, hospitality, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
ARCHITECTURE
URBAN DESIGN +
MASTERPLANNING
The versatility of our projects gives us the opportunity to work in
a wide range of sectors and to expand into new markets. We have
also participated in different phases of the projects using
innovative technology and collaborating with other consultants to
bring strength and depth to our design solutions.
MODERN METHODS OF
CONSTRUCTION
BIM
Our design solutions bring an overall impact that manages to
provide risk identifications, increased quality, creation of concept
and to unlock the value of the site. Our multi- disciplinary team
help us to manage projects, providing site analysis, budget
distribution and any required certification. We aim to gain a level
of friendship and trust with our clients. This creates a positive
working environment which in turn allows us to better understand
their brand requirements, goals and achieve additional benefits
for their business.
INTERIOR DESIGN
SUSTAINABILITY
6
7

OUR SERVICES:
ARCHITECTURE
We believe the role of the architect is more than
simply design, it involves gaining a thorough
understanding of the client and their business.
This ensures our solutions meet their needs
and increases the value of the client’s
related activities.
To achieve this, our brief begins with project programming and extends through
to facility management. Through our network of members we have the ability to
offer these services on an international level. We can manage a project in one
country and oversee its development in another. We pride ourselves on the
ability to understand our client’s goals and make them a reality.
Each client has different goals, be it the creation of wealth, design,
environmental preservation, safety, integration, size, budget or time. We
insist on defining these objectives before starting a project. We aim to
gain a level of friendship and trust with our clients. This creates a positive
working environment which in turn allows us to better understand their
goals and achieve additional benefits for their business.
8
9

OUR SERVICES:
URBAN DESIGN +
MASTERPLANNING
We create masterplans balancing our ability to
create a commercially viable scheme that offers
meaningful investment opportunity, whilst
meeting the needs of the local community and
the statutory obligations of the planning system.
We produce design solutions that contribute to the built environment
and urban fabric, with a lifelong appeal for future generations. We
develop our masterplans from an examination and understanding of
the site, taking into account landscape, geologic history, adjacent
communities and demographics. We understand our responsibility to the
environment for our private space and public domain.
At C+W O’Brien Architects we strive to design great public places that
encourage the growth and flourishing of communities. We measure
success not just by the building delivered but on the strength and
appeal of the places and communities we aim to create.
Our team of masterplanning/urban designers bring together a variety
of expertise, our successful working relationship with many local
authorities in Ireland and our high success rate in planning permissions
granted to our clients is a measure of how we provide a
comprehensive planning service in all building matters.
10
11

OUR SERVICES:
INTERIOR DESIGN
At C+W O’Brien Architects, our Interior Design team
endeavours to create exciting and inspiring environments
that express our clients’ values and commercial objectives.
We aim to push the boundaries to develop premium
solutions that incorporate a sustainable and viable
approach to the built environment.
We deliver customer-focused experiences that incorporate the design, and both the
functional and operational requirements of our clients. Our dedicated interior design team
focus on design-led priorities, incorporating both brief and budget and who communicate
our vision through the use of sample boards and 3D imagery. We manage the entire
design and construction process to achieve maximum potential. C+W O’Brien Architects
focus on producing design solutions that contribute to the built environment and urban
fabric, with a lifelong appeal and functionality for future generations.
The versatility of our portfolio gives us the opportunity to work in a wide range of sectors
and to expand into new markets. Our interior design team also have experience working
on the interiors of conservation projects, taking particular care to preserve the natural and
existing elements of buildings by applying an organic approach.
At C+W O’Brien, we understand the importance of beauty, how it influences our
interactions with our environment, and contributes to the quality of our lives, we strive
to incorporate this in the work we create.
12
13

OUR SERVICES:
MODERN METHODS
OF CONSTRUCTION
MMC stands for Modern Methods of Construction, which
refers to offsite manufacturing and onsite techniques that
offer alternative construction methodologies to traditional
building methods.
MMC can deliver faster project delivery times, higher levels of quality, and improved
construction sustainability. C+W O’Brien Architects incorporates a Design for Manufacture
and Assembly (DfMA) philosophy into our design approach, which maximises the efficiency of
materials and systems. We have extensive knowledge and expertise in all forms of MMC and
have visited manufacturing facilities in Ireland, the UK, Europe and China to assess
capabilities and quality control standards.
C+W O’Brien Architects are actively leading the construction industry transition to greater
levels of MMC adoption through their participation in various national committees. The
architects believe that modular construction can be a faster and more efficient way to
deliver construction projects, and they are eager to increase this type of construction
to avail of the many benefits it offers.
14
15

OUR SERVICES:
BIM
C+W O’Brien Architects focuses on providing added
value to clients by considering the efficiency of
project delivery both digitally and on-site in addition
to the design and quality of physical assets.
We use BIM to develop Information Requirements (IR) and a BIM Execution Plan (BEP)
that outlines the roles and responsibilities of each design team member. The team
conducts BIM coordination meetings and uses Navisworks for clash detection. The
Building Information Model is populated with data and COBie data drops are used to
create an Excel spreadsheet for analysis and checking.
NBS Chorus is used for specification preparation and a BIM Content Library is
developed to align with the NBS National BIM Library. The space and asset information
can be linked to an external database to provide efficient output of room data sheets
and equipment per room/department.
Finally, BIM allows for testing of options in terms of their likely lifecycle implications, and
early engagement of FM teams is crucial in developing an information handover strategy.
16
17

OUR SERVICES:
SUSTAINABILITY
MMC DELIVERY TEAM
MMC DELIVERY TEAM
MASTERPLANNING, ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN TEAMS
DEFINE STRATEGIC
PROJECT AIMS
DIGITAL DELIVERY TEAM
We prioritise sustainability in our design and delivery
Project MMC
Advisor
SUSTAINABILITY
Gate Check 1
Project Digital
Advisor
process by considering social, economic, and
environmental sustainability.
Services
CWOB STAGE 1
Services
They aim to create holistic solutions that balance quality of life, economic viability, and
climate change challenges. The company incorporates Gate Check points into their
design processes, which address a hierarchy of needs relevant to specific stages of the
project. This holistic approach is based on circular economy principles and includes
• Develop Business Case
• Advise of Statutory Requirements
• Building Type Suitability Assessment
• Develop MMC Suitability Matrix
• Develop a Project Schedule of Needs
• Advise on Project Cost & Programme
• Advise on Project Procurement
• Develop Risk Register
• Assess MMC manufacturers, designs, certifications
and proposals for buildability, regulatory compliance,
serviceability etc.
RIAI Stage 1 - 3
SUSTAINABILITY
Gate Check 2
INFORMATION DEFINITION
• Organisational Information Requirements
• Employer’s Information Requirements
• Asset Information Requirements
• Responsibility Matrices
• BIM Protocol Appendices
SUPPLIER ASSESSMENT
• Advice regarding supply chain appointment
• Pre-contract BIM Execution Plans
considering all aspects of the project at each Gate Check point.
Services
CWOB STAGE 2
Services
The company also integrates MMC and Digital Delivery processes to achieve optimal
design decisions that minimize carbon footprints and maximize construction efficiency.
• Develop Integrated Team Approach
• Initiate and Host “Kaizen” Workshop
• Liaise with Specialist Contractors
• Assess Product Certification and
advise on requirements.
• Liaise with Tender Production Teams
with technical advise and support.
• Tender Deliverables Technical Review
• Liaise with manufacturer to produce a
‘fit for purpose’ product if required.
RIAI Stage 4 - 7
SUSTAINABILITY
Gate Check 3
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
• CDE provision and management
• Post contract-award BIM Execution Plans
• Task Information Delivery Plans
• Master Information Delivery Plans
• Information management workshops
• Model validation/verification for COBie production
COORDINATION MANAGEMENT
• Model federation of supply chain models
• Coordination support / clash detection / issue identification
• PDF, Excel and BCF reporting of model issues
• Issue management using online collaboration platform
• Coordination management workshops
SUSTAINABILITY
Gate Check 1
SUSTAINABILITY
Gate Check 2
SUSTAINABILITY
Gate Check 3
• Define Sustainability Goals e.g. EU
Taxonomy, ESG, Energy / Biodiversity
/ Transport / Rating System – LEED /
BREEAM etc. in line with Project Type.
• Initiate and Host “Kaizen” Workshop
on Client Feedback from previous
projects if appropriate.
• Develop Site Appraisal in the context
of design development in response to
location, site constraints and schedule
of needs.
• Outline Project Team Requirements
i.e. Specialist Appointment e.g. LEED,
LCA etc.
• Develop Design in response to site
e.g. site type – Infill, Brown Site,
Green Field etc.
• Develop Outline Servicing Strategy
e.g. Cost Optimum solution to meet
energy requirements – NZEB
• Overlay Sustainable Material / System
appraisal into MMC Suitability Matrix /
Materiality Selection to test against
goals e.g. Embodied Carbon /
Recycled Content etc.
• Develop social, biodiversity and
transport strategies e.g. Occupancy
Uses, Landscaping, Cycling Routes
and Bicycle Parking, EV Charging, Car
Sharing etc.
• Develop Detailed Design in response
to site e.g. site type – Infill, Brown
Site, Green Field etc.
• Develop Detailed Servicing Strategy
in collaboration with architectural
response e.g. Fabric First Approach vs
Delivered Energy.
• Develop detailed Sustainable Material
/ System appraisal into MMC Suitability
Matrix / Materiality Selection to test
against goals e.g. Embodied Carbon /
Recycled Content etc.
• Define contractor requirements for
sustainable construction methods
for incorporation into procurement
information.
• Develop Handover Strategy post
construction. Level of Information
required, training requirements for
building owners / occupiers in regards
to building services.
18
19

OUR SECTORS
At C+W O’Brien we have a wealth of
experience across a number of sectors
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
HOTELS & LEISURE
DATA CENTRES
STUDENT
ACCOMMODATION
HEALTHCARE
BUILD-TO-RENT
(BTR) / (PRS)
RETAIL
FILM + TV STUDIOS
FITNESS & LEISURE
COURTHOUSES
20
21

OUR SECTORS:
RESIDENTIAL
At the outset of each project, we are committed to good
quality design and innovation and strive to achieve the
goals and aspirations of our clients and their customers. Our
residential projects aimed to deliver design solutions meeting
the evolving needs of different family groups.
22
23

OUR SECTORS:
COMMERCIAL
We have worked with a number of national and international
companies creating innovative workspaces or
refurbishments using high-level design and creativity.
24
25

OUR SECTORS:
HOTELS & HOSPITALITY
C+W O’Brien Architects supports hotel and leisure
clients by creating distinctive, high-performance, value
engineered and sustainable developments. We provide
a full design service, from concept to operation.
26
27

OUR SECTORS:
DATA CENTRES
We consider a number of key factors and elements in the
design of our data centres. We ensure the highest levels of
security, uninterrupted power supply, high capacity cooling
and ventilation and the most efficient functionality and
facilities management system.
28
29

OUR SECTORS:
STUDENT
ACCOMMODATION
We ensure that our designs for student accommodation are
aesthetically, practical and commercially viable. We use our
expertise in each sector to deliver comfortable living quarters.
Our designs aim to maximise floor and space, while
delivering flexible, contemporary working and living spaces.
30
31

OUR SECTORS:
HEALTHCARE
OUR SECTORS:
BUILD-TO-RENT (BTR) / PRS
Our team has experience working on some of Ireland’s
largest hospital sites including the New Children’s Hospital
and St. James‘s Hospital. We can work with the hospitals key
stakeholders to assist in developing comprehensive
decanting programmes to ensure continuity of service during
upgrade works.
Our team has the experience to source flexible and innovative
BTR developments. With dedicated research we make sure to
unlock the potential of the site and create an optimal scheme
that maximise returns. Thanks to our exceptional network we
offer a great understanding of the requirements of the BTR
sector to ensure an efficient investment.
32
33

OUR SECTORS:
RETAIL
OUR SECTORS:
FILM + TV STUDIOS
We have experience in a large range of commercial and retail
projects. As a practice, we aim to revitalise the overall site to
create a popular business area. We have the capabilities to
provide full services to owners, developers and retailers.
C+W O’Brien Architects have experience working on a
number of projects in Ireland, London and Portugal designing
world class Film & TV studio complexes.
34
35

OUR SECTORS:
FITNESS & LEISURE
OUR SECTORS:
COURTHOUSES
we have worked on a wide range of sports facilities such as
golf clubhouses, driving ranges, gyms and stadia
We have experience in the design of courthouses. Including
associated works such as custody areas, detention facilities,
judges’ chambers, courtooms and administrative offices.
36
37

ADDING VALUE
We believe the role of the architect is more than
simply design, it involves gaining a thorough
understanding of the client and their business.
At C+W O’Brien Architects, we create memorable places that people are drawn
to – while adding commercial, civic, and social value. But we never forget that we
are designing for buildability and deliverability, so our approach also focuses on
commercials from day one.
Using our rigorous, repeatable processes, we factor in the many details that make a
scheme successful, from M&E solutions and sustainability to planning strategies and
efficiency. As a result, we deliver well-designed schemes that stand the test of time.
How we deliver value through design…
• Insight – We strive to create ‘intelligent places’ rooted in market insight and
focused on how people use space.
• Integration – We collaborate with you as an extension of your team, aligned to your
goals. We bring together expertise from across the practice to create a compelling,
strategic, and viable vision for each project and ensure that vision is realised in each
detail of delivery.
• Innovation – We are at the forefront of design innovation, so you benefit from
techniques that add value at each stage of the project lifecycle. We have an innate
ability to challenge preconceptions.
38
39

CONTACT US
LOCATIONS
DUBLIN STUDIO
1 Sarsfield Quay
Arbour Hill
Dublin 7
D07 R9FH
Ireland
t: +353 1 518 0170
ARTHUR O’BRIEN
Managing Director
BRIAN BOLGER
Director
e: aobrien@cwoarchitects.com
m: +353 (0)86 242 0006
e: bbolger@cwoarchitects.com
m: +353 86 839 3414
LONDON STUDIO
3 Waterhouse Square
London
EC1N 2SW
UK
t: +44 (0)20 4250 6998
INFO@CWOARCHITECTS.COM
WWW.CWOARCHITECTS.COM
40
41

WWW.CWOARCHITECTS.COM