Open Call for Architect in Residence Program (Ireland)

The Architect in Residence opportunity under the How We Move Project invites registered architects in Ireland to collaborate with communities, artists, and public organizations to create healthier, more inclusive public spaces. The residency emphasizes participatory architecture, creative placemaking, wellbeing, and community-led design across County Kildare and County Offaly.

Overview

Applications are now open for the Architect in Residence opportunity under the How We Move Project, a collaborative initiative that explores how architecture, movement, creativity, and public space can improve community wellbeing.

The residency offers registered architects in Ireland the opportunity to work alongside artists, community groups, local authorities, and project partners to develop innovative approaches to public space through participatory and community-led design. Rather than producing a predefined architectural proposal, the selected architect will contribute to an evolving collaborative process that encourages experimentation, research, and creative engagement.

Focus Areas

The residency supports projects and activities related to:

Collaborative architectural practice.
Participatory and community-led design.
Creative placemaking.
Public space design and activation.
Health, movement, and wellbeing.
Socially engaged architecture.
Interdisciplinary collaboration.
Research and experimentation.
Community engagement.
Inclusive and accessible public spaces.

Objectives of the Residency

The Architect in Residence programme aims to:

Explore how architecture can encourage healthier and more active communities.
Strengthen the relationship between movement, creativity, and public spaces.
Support collaborative design involving local communities.
Encourage innovative approaches to placemaking.
Foster partnerships between architects, artists, public bodies, and community organisations.
Develop practical and creative solutions that enhance local environments.
Promote wellbeing through thoughtful public realm design.

What Will the Selected Architect Do?

The successful Architect in Residence will become part of a multidisciplinary project team and contribute throughout the How We Move Project.

Key responsibilities include:

Working closely with artists and creative practitioners.
Collaborating with local communities.
Participating in co-design workshops and engagement activities.
Providing architectural and spatial design expertise.
Supporting creative facilitation throughout the project.
Contributing research and innovative design ideas.
Helping shape public spaces that encourage movement and wellbeing.
Working across selected towns in County Kildare and County Offaly.

Areas of Work

The residency particularly encourages experience or interest in:

Community co-design.
Public realm design.
Landscape architecture.
Temporary installations.
Participatory architecture.
Creative placemaking.
Spatial research.
Healthy cities and active communities.
Architecture for wellbeing.
Interdisciplinary design practice.

Benefits of the Residency

Selected architects will have the opportunity to:

Join a multidisciplinary creative team.
Collaborate with communities across Ireland.
Build experience in socially engaged architectural practice.
Develop innovative public space projects.
Work with artists, public organisations, and local authorities.
Expand professional networks.
Contribute to long-term community wellbeing initiatives.
Gain recognition through a nationally supported creative programme.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

Be a registered architect based in Ireland.
Be available to travel within County Kildare and County Offaly.
Have experience in collaborative and participatory practice.
Demonstrate experience working with communities of place or interest.
Be interested in socially engaged architecture.
Have an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration.
Show experience or interest in research and experimentation.
Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between architecture, movement, health, and wellbeing.
Hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance.

The opportunity is open to:

Individual architects.
Architectural practices.
Architectural collectives.

Preferred Experience

Applicants with experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply:

Community engagement.
Public realm design.
Landscape projects.
Temporary architectural interventions.
Participatory design.
Creative facilitation.
Urban design.
Collaborative research.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

A two-page Curriculum Vitae (CV).
A statement of interest (maximum 300 words).
Examples of previous relevant work (maximum four A4 pages).

Ensure all documents clearly demonstrate your collaborative experience and community-focused architectural practice.

Selection Process

Applications will be assessed based on:

Professional qualifications.
Relevant project experience.
Quality of previous work.
Experience in collaborative practice.
Community engagement expertise.
Demonstrated interest in participatory architecture.
Suitability for the residency objectives.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in online interviews during September 2026.

Importantly, applicants do not need to submit a completed methodology or architectural proposal, as the project approach will be developed collaboratively after selection.

Project Timeline

Applications Open: Currently Open
Online Interviews: September 2026
Successful Applicants Notified: September 2026
Public Announcement: October 2026
Project Location: County Kildare and County Offaly, Ireland

Why This Residency Matters

Traditional architectural projects often focus on designing buildings. This residency instead emphasizes people, participation, and place, encouraging architects to work directly with communities to shape healthier and more inclusive public environments.

The programme demonstrates how architecture can contribute to:

Better public health.
Stronger community participation.
Creative public spaces.
Sustainable placemaking.
Inclusive urban development.
Improved quality of life.

How to Apply

To apply successfully:

Confirm that you are a registered architect in Ireland.
Review the residency objectives carefully.
Prepare a professional two-page CV.
Write a statement of interest (up to 300 words).
Select examples of relevant collaborative work (maximum four A4 pages).
Verify that you hold professional indemnity insurance.
Submit your complete application before the application deadline.
Prepare for a possible online interview in September 2026.

Application Tips

To improve your chances of selection:

Highlight community engagement experience.
Showcase collaborative design projects.
Demonstrate participatory design skills.
Include examples of public space or placemaking work.
Explain your interest in wellbeing-focused architecture.
Present visually clear and concise portfolio examples.
Emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration experience.
Carefully follow all submission requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Architect in Residence opportunity?

Registered architects based in Ireland, including individuals, architectural practices, and collectives, are eligible to apply.

Where will the residency take place?

The project will be delivered across selected towns in County Kildare and County Offaly, Ireland.

Is a completed design proposal required?

No. Applicants are not expected to submit a completed methodology or design proposal. The project approach will be developed collaboratively after selection.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit:

Two-page CV
Statement of interest (up to 300 words)
Portfolio examples (maximum four A4 pages)

When will interviews take place?

Online interviews are scheduled for September 2026.

What type of experience is preferred?

Experience in community engagement, participatory design, creative placemaking, landscape design, public realm projects, and interdisciplinary collaboration is highly valued.

What is the main objective of the residency?

The residency aims to explore how architecture, movement, creativity, and public spaces can work together to improve community wellbeing through collaborative and participatory design.

Conclusion

The Architect in Residence – How We Move Project offers a valuable opportunity for architects in Ireland to apply their expertise beyond traditional architectural practice. By collaborating with communities, artists, and public organisations, participants will help create more inclusive, active, and people-centred public spaces while contributing to innovative approaches to architecture, wellbeing, and creative placemaking.