Níall McLaughlin
Architects

Níall McLaughlin Architects is a practice that designs high quality modern architecture for a range of clients. We put a strong emphasis on the inventive use of building materials, the qualities of light and the relationship between the building and its surroundings. We consider these issues to be more important than working in a particular style and hope that each project will be an original interpretation of the client, end-users, site, brief and budget. With over 30 years in practice and having delivered a broad range of projects, we have gained a reputation for thoughtful, innovative and well-crafted architecture that satisfies clients and wins awards. 

For us, practice is understood as a range of activities which are all necessary to each other – design of buildings, fittings and furniture; making buildings, installations and models; connecting speculation, research and practice, lecturing and writing about architecture; collaborations with craftsmen, artists, other architects and creative agencies, and consultants. Dialogue is key. Our studio is built on this ethos, ensuring all members of our team are engaged, motivated and thus valued. 

We are acutely aware of the role architecture plays in relation to the climate and biodiversity emergency the planet currently faces. We promote practices that avoid breaching planetary boundaries and encourage awareness and discussion with our clients and collaborators towards achieving this critical aim. Níall McLaughlin Architects are a signatory of Architects Declare, and the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge including the embedded targets set by the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI). Níall McLaughlin Architects is ISO 9001 certified and supported by an inhouse Passivhaus certified designer.

We strive to develop and realise our projects in an ethical, and socially aware manner - ultimately contributing positively to the wider societies they serve. Our practice aims to be an organisation that clients want to work with and employees want to work for. Our London-based studio offers a collaborative, stimulating and inspiring working environment. We actively support the professional development of our staff, and we seek to provide flexible working arrangements to suit personal commitments. Through internship programmes and as an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to addressing issues of inequality within the profession.

Current Vacancy - Work Experience

Each summer, Níall McLaughlin Architects runs a work experience programme for pupils from local schools. The project fulfils the work experience requirements of Year 10 and Year 12. We encourage pupils and schools to apply for this by contacting recruitment@niallmclaughlin.com.

Awards

2022 - Stirling Prize Winner
2020 - MBE for Services to Architecture
2018 - Stirling Prize Shortlist
2016 - RIBA Charles Jencks Award for Simultaneous Contribution to the Theory and Practice of Architecture
2015 - Stirling Prize Shortlist
2015 - Mies Van der Rohe Award. Shortlist 
2015 - RIBA Stephen Lawrence Award for Best Building under £1m
2013 - Stirling Prize Shortlist
2005 - RIBA Stephen Lawrence Award for Best Building under £1m
2003 - BBC Rising Stars
2001 - Fellow of The RIAI, for Architectural Achievement
2000 - World 40 Architects under 40
1998 - Young British Architect of the Year

Oxford Preservation Trust Award

2020 – Catherine Hughes Building
2017 – Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre
2013 – Bishop Edward King Chapel

Mies van der Rohe Award for European Architecture Nomination

2022 - AUCKLAND TOWER
2016 - DARBISHIER PLACE
2014 - THE BISHOP EDWARD KING CHAPEL
2011 - HOUSE AT GOLEEN
2004 - HOUSE IN CLONAKILTY

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS AWARDS

2023 - Saltmarsh House
2021 - MAGDALENE COLLEGE LIBRARY, CAMBRIDGE
2018 - WEST COURT, JESUS COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. BEST UK BUILDING
2012 - SOMERVILLE COLLEGE, STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
2010 - HOUSE AT GOLEEN
2009 - CAFE-BAR ON DEAL PIER
2006 - BUILT ENVIRONMENT CENTRE, HULL

RIBA Awards

2023 - Saltmarsh House, House of the Year Shortlist
2023 - Saltmarsh House
2022 - Magdalene College Library, Cambridge
2022 - Master's Field Development, Oxford
2022 - Catherine Hughes Building, Oxford
2019 - Hampshire House
2019 - London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art, London
2018 - Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre, Oxford
2018 - West Court, Jesus College, Cambridge
2017 - Tapestry, London
2015 - Darbishire Place, London
2015 - The Fishing Hut, Hampshire
2013 - Bishop Edward King Chapel, Oxfordshire
2012 - Somerville College, Student Accommodation, Oxford
2011 - Cranfield University, Centre for Competitive Creative Design
2010 - Alzheimer’s Respite Centre, Dublin
2010 - House at Goleen, Ireland
2009 - Burren House, Dublin
2009 - Cafe-Bar on Deal Pier
2009 - Piper’s End House, Hertfordshire
2009 - Pedestrian Bridge, Bristol
2006 - Built Environment Centre, Hull
2005 - Peabody Low-Cost Housing, Silvertown
2005 - House, Clonakilty
2004 - Houseboat
2002 - Jacob’s Ladder