ABOUT US
Why Choose McCabe Architects?
McCabe Architects, established by Declan McCabe, is a renowned RIAI-registered architectural firm located in Donegal Town, Co. Donegal, Ireland. With a portfolio of award-winning projects both nationally and internationally, our firm has earned significant acclaim, particularly for the architectural and cultural impact of our ecclesiastical work. Our unique approach to residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects has consistently resulted in high levels of client satisfaction, commercial success, and media recognition.
Under the leadership of Declan McCabe, MRIAI, McCabe Architects is dedicated to contemporary design that honours the historical context of architecture while delivering practical and sustainable solutions. As one of the few practices accredited in conservation, we possess the specialised expertise required to advise on the conservation and adaptation of historic buildings and protected structures.
We are known for exceeding client expectations by pushing design boundaries and finding unique solutions for discerning clients. Declan and his team are celebrated for their innovative perspectives and commitment to integrating emerging technologies. Our success is reflected in the loyalty of our clients, many of whom repeatedly return and refer new clients, underscoring our reputation for excellence.
OUR APPROACH
How we
Handle
Projects
McCabe Architects provides a variety of services, including architectural planning, interior design, building survey reports, energy consultation, and more. Our team of experienced and qualified architects and designers will plan and manage your entire project from start to finish. Accredited in conservation, we handle both large and small projects, including domestic, commercial, and industrial builds.
We primarily serve the Northwest of Ireland, including Donegal, Sligo, Derry, and Leitrim. However, we also work with clients throughout Ireland and the UK, including Dublin, Galway, Cork, Belfast, and London.
OUR PROCESS
STEP 1: MEET THE CLIENT
We begin by arranging a meeting with all clients to understand your ideas for the project. During this informal meeting, we will create a brief based on your needs and determine your budget.
STEP 2: SITE VISIT
Our design process is deeply influenced by the site’s context, making a site visit essential before commencing the design stage. Each project is tailored to consider its setting, your brief, and building regulations. If you haven’t yet found an appropriate site, we can recommend suitable locations in the Northwest based on your requirements.
STEP 3: DESIGN & PLANNING
Once the brief is created and the site visited, we begin formulating your design. We will meet with the planning authority to ensure we have the ‘go-ahead’ for your proposed build. Our extensive knowledge of relevant planning regulations in Ireland allows us to assist in designing a hassle-free construction process.
STEP 4: BUILDING BEGINS
After completing detailed drawings to your specifications, we agree on a price and ensure the build aligns with your vision.
STEP 5: REVIEW & INSPECT
We continuously review and inspect the site during construction to ensure all work is carried out as planned. Following each site visit, we provide a detailed report to keep you updated on your project’s progress. These inspections ensure compliance with the required building standards.
STEP 6: PROJECT COMPLETION
Upon completing the five steps, we provide all necessary certificates of compliance and an owner’s manual to help you efficiently run your new build.
OUR SERVICES
Architecture
The principal service provided by McCabe Architects is architectural design and consultancy. We bring specialist expertise in both interior and exterior architecture, coupled with extensive planning experience. Regardless of the project’s brief, size, or budget, we consistently aim to achieve our core objectives. These include delivering creative solutions, ensuring high-quality outcomes, addressing practical concerns such as security, maintenance, health, safety, and accessibility, and completing projects within budget and on schedule.
Planning
At McCabe Architects, we provide comprehensive planning services for projects ranging from small-scale rural developments to large urban projects. Our strong relationships with local authorities in Ireland and Northern Ireland result in a high success rate for planning permissions. We handle the entire process, from preparing and submitting applications to following up with councils and addressing any additional requirements. We assist with retention applications for unauthorised developments, securing necessary certificates of compliance, and facilitating property sales and legal compliance. Additionally, we provide various certificates of compliance and prepare third-party planning appeals to An Bord Pleanála to represent your interests in planning disputes.
OUR SERVICES
Architecture
The principal service provided by McCabe Architects is architectural design and consultancy. We bring specialist expertise in both interior and exterior architecture, coupled with extensive planning experience. Regardless of the project’s brief, size, or budget, we consistently aim to achieve our core objectives. These include delivering creative solutions, ensuring high-quality outcomes, addressing practical concerns such as security, maintenance, health, safety, and accessibility, and completing projects within budget and on schedule.
Planning
At McCabe Architects, we provide comprehensive planning services for projects ranging from small-scale rural developments to large urban projects. Our strong relationships with local authorities in Ireland and Northern Ireland result in a high success rate for planning permissions. We handle the entire process, from preparing and submitting applications to following up with councils and addressing any additional requirements. We assist with retention applications for unauthorised developments, securing necessary certificates of compliance, and facilitating property sales and legal compliance. Additionally, we provide various certificates of compliance and prepare third-party planning appeals to An Bord Pleanála to represent your interests in planning disputes.
Interior Design
At McCabe Architects, we seamlessly integrate architecture and interior design to create cohesive projects. Our work combines contemporary design with classic mid-century pieces and natural materials, such as stone and wood, to achieve rich, textured environments. Our dedicated interior design team advises clients throughout Ireland, ensuring that each project meets the client’s brief and budget. We oversee the entire design and construction process to ensure the best results.
Project Management
Project management is a core service at McCabe Architects. We ensure the design intent is fully realized by acting as team leaders and integrating specialist consultants at key stages. Our qualified project architects serve as lead consultants, managing the entire process from start to finish. We develop a defined design brief with the client, coordinate necessary surveys and site assessments, and assist with budgeting and cost control. Our team oversees the extended design team, prepares documentation for statutory consents, manages procurement and contract administration, and assists with post-contract compliance and legal matters.
Interior Design
At McCabe Architects, we seamlessly integrate architecture and interior design to create cohesive projects. Our work combines contemporary design with classic mid-century pieces and natural materials, such as stone and wood, to achieve rich, textured environments. Our dedicated interior design team advises clients throughout Ireland, ensuring that each project meets the client’s brief and budget. We oversee the entire design and construction process to ensure the best results.
Project Management
Project management is a core service at McCabe Architects. We ensure the design intent is fully realized by acting as team leaders and integrating specialist consultants at key stages. Our qualified project architects serve as lead consultants, managing the entire process from start to finish. We develop a defined design brief with the client, coordinate necessary surveys and site assessments, and assist with budgeting and cost control. Our team oversees the extended design team, prepares documentation for statutory consents, manages procurement and contract administration, and assists with post-contract compliance and legal matters.
Conservation Architects
We aim to create interventions that preserve the character of buildings, working with the existing fabric as much as possible. As an accredited RIAI Conservation Architect (Grade III), Declan McCabe offers expert skills in researching and analysing protected structures, liaising with conservation officers, and preparing Conservation Reports. Our team is proficient in traditional building techniques and specifications. We also provide specialist consultancy services to other architectural practices across Ireland. We guide on repairing or altering historic buildings, handling conservation legalities, and accessing grants for conservation works. Our services include examining historic sites, searching archives, diagnosing building decay, and designing suitable alterations.
Conservation Architects
We aim to create interventions that preserve the character of buildings, working with the existing fabric as much as possible. As an accredited RIAI Conservation Architect (Grade III), Declan McCabe offers expert skills in researching and analysing protected structures, liaising with conservation officers, and preparing Conservation Reports. Our team is proficient in traditional building techniques and specifications. We also provide specialist consultancy services to other architectural practices across Ireland. We guide on repairing or altering historic buildings, handling conservation legalities, and accessing grants for conservation works. Our services include examining historic sites, searching archives, diagnosing building decay, and designing suitable alterations.