This is a platform for writings, research and observations where we hope to explain in more detail some of the things that influence our work, and share something of the methodology and processes we employ to create the work.

Much of this is derived from a period of research by Kieran McGonigle, principal of McGonigle McGrath, who has investigated the way the practice works, what influences them and how this is coincident with the outcome architecture. The resultant PhD is entitled, ‘The Alignment of a Manner of Architectural Practice and its Architecture: Rural Houses in the North of Ireland by McGonigle McGrath Architects’.

The research investigates personal histories, explicit and implicit interests, influences and influencers, existent dwelling typologies, a particular relationship of landscape and mapping, relationship to topography, concepts of scenography, forms of representation, construction and interiority, responses to found rural features, and certain compositional and representational characteristics shared within modern painting and photography.

The research also articulates a manner of practice - patterns of behaviour within a particular social and professional context including the choreography of relationships with staff, clients and constructors and the subsequent curation of the body of work. Finally the research articulates the common ground within the symbiotic relationship of the architecture itself and the manner of its production.

It is intended to periodically upload short articles relating to ‘Influence’ or ‘Process’ over the coming months.

For more information or queries on the PhD, please contact studio@mcgoniglemcgrath.com