Who We Are

Colm Nolan:- Architect, MRIAI, Certified Passive House Designer (Director)

Colm has over 20 years experience managing a wide variety of architectural contracts from initial design to completion at various architectural practices in both Ireland & the UK. He set up his own practice, Circa Design Ltd, in 2004 where he holds an overall management brief for planning & implementation of strategic goals and managing client relationships.

Colm’s key priorities include understanding client needs and developing good working relationships. He has vast experience of organising project teams, liaising with public and private bodies and progressing projects from concept stage through to contract completion.

Colm is responsible for the design, supervision and contract documentation of a wide range of architectural contracts. His project management duties includes client briefing and reporting, site monitoring, tender submissions, presentations and co-ordination of design team meetings.

Colm is currently a Registered Architect with the RIAI (Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland) and has almost 10 years experience working as a passive house designer. He was formerly a Chartered Architect with the (RIBA) Royal Institute of British Architects & ARB (Architects Registration Board) as a member when residing in the UK & an international member following his return to Ireland as his primary place of residency.

Jackie Nolan:- Urban Designer, MA. Urban Design (Director)

Jackie, along with her husband Colm, is an owner manager of Circa Design Ltd & Circa Design Construction.

Jackie handles the day to day managing of their growing empire, to help all our clients achieve the spaces that feel like home. She has a core belief that our surroundings directly effects our mood (honestly its common sense) and that our clients are our best marketing tool, as you are only as strong as your last job. Jackie has a strong background in planning policy and planning law (she enjoys digging for loop holes) and is a core believer in doing things right the first time.

Now the boring stuff, Jackie has a masters in Urban Design, a degree in Interior Design and a Diploma in Architectural Technology. She started Circa Design Ltd with Colm way back in 2005, previous to that she spent some time at DCS Architects as an architectural technician with Colm as lead RIAI Architect, and a number of years at Mahon & Fox Architectural Planning & Engineering Consultants straight after college.

Daithi O’ Mahoney:- Graduate Architect, B.Arch

Daithi joined Circa Design in 2012. He worked part time as an architectural assistant while completed his B.Arch and has been working full time in his role as Graduate Architect since 2015.

Daithi has a wide range of responsibilities within the Circa team, from concept design, through developed design & technical design to construction supervision. His main duties include formulating a brief for projects & developing a design to suit the client’s needs. He also works closely with the in-house QS to ensure the project design satisfies the client’s budget.

Daithi is also tasked with preparing technical drawings & specifications for construction/tendering. This includes liaising with clients & the in-house QS to see whether the project is to be constructed to Building Regulations standard or Passive Standard or somewhere in between. He is also active in site supervision during construction and certification upon completion.

Daithi has recently completed a certificate in NZEB Policy & Technology and Revit Architecture Essentials training course and is currently working towards his Professional Diploma in Architecture.

Derek Brennan:- Quantity Surveyor

Derek Brennan has been part of the Circa Design Construction team for more than three years. He fulfills the role of Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager for Circa Design Construction.

Derek had previously worked as a site foreman and site manager for a number of construction companies before joining the Circa team. This practical onsite experience has been invaluable to Circa Design, in him executing his role as a Project Manager.

Derek’s main duties include costing/estimating projects at the initial design stage to provide our clients with a budget cost, to carrying out a complete project costing based on detailed drawings and specifications. He will also provide cost saving solutions through a process of value engineering without affecting the integrity of the design.

Derek is also responsible for the preparation of contract documents, project supervision, cost control, allocation of works to sub-contractors and acquiring the materials required during construction. He also plays a role in the valuation of completed works, arrangement of invoices and payments, agreeing final accounts and handover of completed projects.

Derek has a close working relationship with clients from the start of the project right through to completion. He is tasked with understanding their requirements or indeed changes they wish to make during the project, helping them to understand building process and ensuring they are satisfied with the completed project.

Stephanie Smith:- Accounts Manager

Stephanie joined the Circa Design team in 2015 where she is responsible for the day to day management of accounts for both Circa Design Ltd. & Circa Design Construction.

Stephanie, originally from Belgium, studied Maths & Science before she emigrated to Ireland in 1991. She has extensive accounting experience as she has managed company accounts, both as employee & employer over the last twenty plus years.

Stephanie strongly believes that interpersonal & negotiation skills, diplomacy, positive communication, diligence and having an ability to prioritise & multi-task are some of the key issues in being a successful accounts manager. In addition to these skills, maintaining a good sense of humour is imperative!

Gavin Brennan:- Construction Operative (On-Site Supervision)

Gavin has been working with us in Circa Design Construction since 2015.

His role within the company is primarily a working site supervisor. He carries out his daily site supervision role in conjunction with completing certain trade related works onsite.

Gavin has gained vast experience in the construction industry by working with construction contractors and working in the engineering retail sector. His main tasks on site include carpentry and ground works but he is also on hand to ensure each job runs smoothly on site.

Gavin holds qualifications for plant operation & first aid training and has recently completed a fibre-glass installation course.