Emily-Ann Gilligan and Damien Curry
CANICE Architects
What is the background of the company?
CANICE Architects based in Kilkenny is led by local Emily-Ann Gilligan and her partner Damien Curry. The architects met while studying in Scotland for their Masters degree in Architecture. With a passion for architecture, design and the arts moving to London felt like a natural progression for the pair, where they finished their studies at the University of Westminster. They enjoyed the creative capital so much they decided to live and work in the multicultural city for the next five years.
While in London both architects honed their skills in the early days designing house extensions and one-off homes – “from the tight urban grain in Kensington to the rolling fields of Buckinghamshire the varying context was a huge inspiration to our work” Emily-Ann recalls.
Emily-Ann’s artistry in creating intimate family homes fostered a quality of design that evolved into designing universities and educational buildings. Meanwhile Damien was creatively adapting historic public buildings into modern award winning arthouse cinemas and work hubs for start up businesses – “reuse – the most sustainable thing you can do!” Damien adds.
“You think of Kilkenny and you think of design, culture and the arts, and you think of historic architecture, so what a fantastic environment in which to establish a design focused architects practice.”
Tell us about your move to the South East?
In 2017 after being approached by clients in the South-East they felt the time was right to move back to Ireland and bring something new to the market.
So why Kilkenny? Emily-Ann answers, “The history of the Kilkenny Design Workshops and what that did for the area, its legacy can still be felt – we think that is great”. Damien adds, “You think of Kilkenny you think of design, culture and the arts, you think of historic architecture so what a fantastic environment in which to establish a design focused architects practice.”
What are the benefits of living in Ireland South East?
Having now lived in the region for 5 years both architects agree that the standard of living and opportunities within the construction sector are great benefts of living in the region. “We really enjoy the arts and culture scene within Kilkenny but equally find the proximity to the coast and what that offers as something which is just as stimulating”.
What does 2022 hold for CANICE Architects?
“We are currently transforming a very special heritage building into a new kind of hospitality offering for the south-east, which is very exciting. Also, one-off houses in the countryside and in Dublin, along with workplace and retail work will keep us busy.”
To keep up-to-date with news from the CANICE Architects studio you can find out more at www.canicearchitects.com follow them on instagram or contact them directly at studio@canicearchitects.com
Our People
“If I could sum up the South East in one word, ‘opportunities’ is the most ideal.”
Daniel Martins
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Jim Hughes, Innovate
“A taste of city life with the benefits of rural living.”
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