The Young Architect of the Year was named as Fergal Rainey of McGurk Architects, who brings enthusiasm, innovation and leadership skills to all his projects.
raduating with a BA Hons in Architecture in 2012 from the University of Ulster, and Master of Architecture with commendation from Queen’s University in 2015, Fergal began working for McGurk Architects in early 2016 as an architectural assistant.
At the end of 2017, he received a PGCert in Professional Practice in Architecture from Queen’s and registered as an architect with ARB and RIBA.
Elected as an RSUA Council Member in 2019/2020, Fergal has worked actively along with RSUA’s local group for the Mid Ulster Area to promote and enhance the role of architecture in society.
In April 2022, he received Project Architect of the Year at the RSUA Design Awards in Belfast, followed by Rising Star in Architecture at the Building & Architect of the Year Awards in Dublin.
His RSUA award included work on Áras UÍ Chonghaile in Belfast including a portrait of James Connolly on the perforated-metal gable wall; a project also garnering the Liam McCormick Prize for Northern Ireland’s Building of the Year, Integration of Art Award and Design Award at RSUA for McGurk Architects.
After McGurk Architects founding director Colm McGurk tragically passed away in July 2022, Fergal and colleague Edelle Henry were appointed directors of the firm. Fergal brings enthusiasm, innovation and leadership skills to all his projects to ensure the vision for each project is implemented to the highest possible quality regardless of budget, constraints or unforeseen issues arising.
Projects he has designed and managed include Belfast Back Care & Physiotherapy Centre, adapting and altering the internal layout to fit eight treatment rooms, a rehabilitation suite, pilates studio, reformer studio and staff rooms, utilising the maximum area of the existing building footprint with minimal invasive construction work.
Judges said: “Fergal Rainey won because of his drive to further his career through continuous professional development. A rising star within the architecture sector.”
Fergal said: “I am delighted to have won Young Architect of the Year 2022, it is an honour to be recognised among industry colleagues.
“It is a great reflection on the whole team and the work we do at McGurk Architects. After the sudden passing of McGurk Architects’ founding director Colm McGurk in July 2022, we are proud to be able to continue on a legacy of quality and success into the future.
“This award, along with being highly commended in Commercial Architecture Practice of the Year and Climate Company of the Year, demonstrates our practice’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and design quality.
“We look forward to many successful years ahead.”