Gary's favourite (non-architectural) quotation isâŠ
"The best advice I've received is to be yourself. The best artists do that."
Frank Gehry
Passive House (Passivhaus) Architects in Northern Ireland
After turning 18, Gary followed his passion for technical drawing and undertook a 3 year HND in Building Studies at his local technical college. Having thrived at being able to solve complex problems in new and creative ways, Gary moved to Hull to study architecture. Here he gained his degree and masters, graduating at the top of his class.
He completed his Part III at Queens University in Belfast, until he returned again to work as a newly qualified architect in Surrey, England.
In 2007, Gary moved to the south coast to be beside the seaside and where he spent the next 16 years following his passion for architecture and worked on many award winning projects, including a Winery, SEN (Special Educational Needs) School, Colleges and Apartments.
He followed his dreams and returned to his native Northern Ireland to set up his own architecture design practice.
When the weekend rolls around, you'll often find Gary exploring the breathtaking Mourne Mountains or wandering through other vast, secluded hillsides. It's his way of escaping the daily grind and giving his spirit a much-needed boost!
Back at home, Gary loves getting his hands in the soil, tending to his garden. And as the day winds down, there's nothing he enjoys more than kicking back with a refreshing drink, watching the sun paint the sky as it sets.
Whatâs in a name?
Kelly Studio Architects - why âStudioâ?
I included the word "studio" to imply a more intimate, hands-on approach to design, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish.
âWe believe that being design-led is crucial for developing modern and sustainable solutions to todayâs architectural challenges. It allows us to prioritise creative and innovative design exploration over rigid, formulaic approaches, encouraging us all to think outside the box and challenge conventional wisdom. We promote Passive House / Passivhaus as an affordable and cost effective design solution thatâs also kind to the planet.â
Our unique design approach not only leads to more distinctive and memorable architecture but also allows us to continually evolve our practice, adapting to new challenges and pushing the boundaries of sustainable design.
In the context of Passive House and sustainable architecture, this creative mindset is particularly valuable, as it enables us to find novel ways to integrate energy-efficient principles with amazing aesthetics and functionally superior designs.
Whatâs in a name?
SPACE · LIGHT · DELIGHT - our tagline
Picture this: you're standing in Antoni GaudĂâs Sagrada FamĂlia in Barcelona, or the last amazing building you visited, and suddenly, you're filled with awe. The space around you feels magical, sunlight dances through the colorful stained glass, and you can't help but smile. That's the kind of feeling we're after with every project!
âSpace · Light · Delightâ sums up our approach to architecture.
We craft spaces that aren't just rooms, but experiences. We play with light, making it dance and sparkle in ways that lift your spirits. And when these elements come together just right, they create a sense of delight - that "wow" moment that makes a house truly feel like home. It's about designing buildings that don't just look good on paper, but feel amazing to be in, bringing a touch of that Sagrada Familia magic to everyday life.
Education
Queens University of Belfast, Northern Ireland
RIBA Part III, Certificate in Professional Practice and Practical Experience, December 2004
University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, Hull School of Architecture, England
BArch Masters Architecture, June 2002
RIBA Silver Medal Award for Design Nomination, 2002
Postgraduate Diploma in Urban Design, June 2001
BA (Hons) Architecture, June 1999
UBIFHE, Portadown Campus, Northern lreland
HND Building Studies, June 1997
