About
RIAI-registered architecture, design, planning and conservation studio based near Dingle in the southwest of Ireland.
Founded in 2024 by architect Luke Matone, the practice works across a small number of projects at any one time. This allows Luke to work directly with each client, from the first conversation onwards, and to remain closely involved throughout the development of a project.
The practice explores the intersection of place, material and context, creating architecture that is both careful and poetic.
Each project begins with close dialogue with the client and a careful reading of the historic, spatial and environmental qualities of a site. We see architecture as part of a continuing narrative, shaped by what has come before, by the people who inhabit it, and by the landscape and culture to which it belongs.
Drawing on Ireland’s rich cultural and natural landscape, our work seeks to establish a considered relationship between old and new. Vernacular forms, local materials and traditional craftsmanship provide a rich source of reference, but are interpreted rather than simply reproduced, allowing new architecture to feel connected to its setting while retaining its own character and identity.
This approach extends equally to existing buildings. Alteration, repair and adaptation begin with an understanding of what is already there, identifying the qualities that should be retained and the opportunities for careful change.
Regardless of scale or budget, each project is approached with rigour and care. We believe that meaningful architecture develops through the relationships between client and architect, building and landscape, material and maker, and past and present, resulting in places that are grounded, useful and enduring.
Luke Matone
BA (Hons), M.Arch, PG.Dip, MRIAI
RIAI Architect Accredited in Conservation at Grade 3
Luke Matone an RIAI registered Architect Accredited in Conservation at Grade 3, a Project Supervisor for the Design Process (PSDP), and a member of the Irish Georgian Society.
Luke studied architecture at Kingston University London 2011 (RIBA Part I), London Metropolitan University 2016 (RIBA Part II) and the University of Westminster 2020 (RIBA Part III).
Before establishing his own practice, he gained experience with a number of award-winning architectural practices in Switzerland and the UK. He trained with Christ & Gantenbein (2012-2013) and Herzog & de Meuron (2013-2014) in Basel, Switzerland, before returning to London to work with Tuckey Design Studio (2014), Casey Fierro (2016) and Morris+Company (2017-2023).
His experience spans a broad range of projects and scales, including public and private housing, hospitals, museums, artist studios and galleries, together with the conservation, adaptation and reuse of existing buildings.
Originally from Bristol in the southwest of England, Luke relocated to the southwest of Ireland, in 2023, and founded his own architectural practice the following year.
Outside the studio, Luke enjoys cycling, swimming and sailing along the Corca Dhuibhne coast.
We provide a comprehensive and personal architectural service, from initial consultation and feasibility through design, planning, tender, construction and completion.
Our involvement is tailored to the requirements of each project. While we generally take projects from start to finish, we are equally happy to be appointed for an individual stage, or simply for an initial consultation where architectural advice may help establish the possibilities for a site or existing building.
Our services are structured around the RIAI work stages, providing a clear framework for the development and delivery of each project.
How we work
Every project begins with a conversation.
An initial consultation allows us to understand what you would like to achieve, to consider the particular qualities and constraints of the site or building, and to discuss matters such as planning, budget, programme and the likely scope of the project.
Where the project proceeds, we prepare a written fee proposal setting out the proposed scope of architectural services, the stages of appointment and any other consultants or specialist advice likely to be required.
As a small practice, we are able to provide a direct and personal service. Luke remains directly involved throughout each appointment, providing continuity from the earliest design discussions through the technical and construction stages.
Projects will often require input from structural engineers, quantity surveyors, BER consultants, topographical surveyors and other specialists. We are continuing to build a trusted local network across planning, surveying, engineering, conservation and construction. By identifying what is required early and bringing the appropriate people into the project at the right time, we aim to provide a clear and coordinated route through what can otherwise be a complex process.
1. Initial Design & Feasibility
The early stages of a project establish its direction.
We provide initial consultations, site appraisals, feasibility studies and concept design, together with early advice on planning, construction, budget and other project requirements. We work with clients to develop the brief and explore the opportunities presented by the site or existing building before determining an appropriate way forward.
2. Developed Design & Planning
Once an overall approach has been established, we develop the architectural design in greater detail and prepare the information required for a planning application where necessary.
Our services include the preparation and submission of planning applications, engagement with Planning Authorities, responses to requests for Further Information and coordination with specialist consultants where required.
3. Conservation & Architectural Heritage
As an RIAI Architect Accredited in Conservation at Grade 3, Luke provides architectural and conservation services for historic and traditional buildings.
These include conservation advice, Architectural Heritage Impact Assessments, assessments of significance, and advice relating to the repair, alteration, extension and adaptation of existing buildings and Protected Structures.
Our approach begins with understanding the existing building, its history, construction and significance, allowing necessary change to be considered carefully and new interventions to be developed in response to what is already there.
4. Interior Architecture & Design
Our involvement can extend from the architecture of the building through to its interior spaces and details.
This may include spatial planning, kitchens, bathrooms, bespoke joinery, lighting, materials, finishes, fixtures and fittings. Where appropriate, these elements are developed as part of the overall architectural design, allowing the character of a project to be carried through from its overall form to the details that are seen, touched and used every day.
5. Detailed Design & Construction Information
Following planning, where required, the project is developed into the detailed information necessary for construction.
This can include construction drawings and details, specifications, schedules, materials, finishes and fittings, together with the coordination of structural engineers, building services consultants, specialist designers, suppliers and fabricators.
The extent of information required will vary according to the nature and complexity of each project and the form of building contract proposed.
6. Tender & Building Contract
We can prepare the architectural information required to obtain competitive prices for the proposed works and assist clients in identifying suitable builders.
Our services can include preparation of tender information, invitation and assessment of tenders, clarification of contractor queries and assistance in preparing the project to enter into an appropriate building contract.
7. Construction Stage Services
We provide architectural services throughout construction, maintaining continuity between the design developed on paper and its execution on site.
Depending upon the terms of appointment, these services can include appropriate site inspections, review of the progress and quality of the works, response to contractor queries, coordination and issue of design information, administration of the building contract, certification of payments and inspection through to completion.
8. Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP)
Where appointed, we can undertake the role of Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations.
This involves coordinating the management of health and safety considerations arising from the design process and liaising, as appropriate, with the client, design team and other relevant parties throughout the design stages of the project.
9. Certification & Opinions on Compliance
We provide inspection and certification services where appropriate to the nature of the project and our appointment.
These may include Opinions on Compliance with Planning Permission and Building Regulations, ancillary certification, completion documentation, and stage certificates or valuations required for construction-stage mortgage or bank drawdowns.
The extent of any inspection or certification service is agreed at the outset and will depend upon the nature of the works and our involvement in the project.
10. Existing Buildings & Property Advice
Not every project begins with a proposal to build.
We provide architectural advice in relation to existing houses and buildings, including measured surveys, inspections and reports, planning and Building Regulations advice, and initial assessments of the possibilities for alteration, extension, refurbishment, adaptive reuse or change of use.
This service can be useful before purchasing a property, before committing to a larger architectural appointment, or simply where an independent architectural view would help determine an appropriate course of action.
11. Consultation & Collaboration
We welcome one-off architectural consultations and design reviews where a full architectural appointment may not be required.
We are also happy to collaborate with other architects, designers, consultants, craftspeople and makers where our architectural, planning or conservation experience can contribute to a wider project.