The RIAI Conference is an unmissable date in the diary for the built environment sector and a great networking opportunity for architects and engineers.

Taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, October 11-12, in the RDS, Dublin, alongside the Architecture + Building Expo, featuring many of Ireland’s leading building technology providers.

This year’s conference will be divided into two exciting days, with the second day dedicated to climate change action through #Retrofit at Scale. We have chosen the conference theme #Collaboration to highlight that the challenges we are facing – climate change, affordable housing, and the need for liveable cities and towns – can only be solved through collaboration with our built environment colleagues. For those unable to attend in person we will be providing an online option where you can follow the conference in full.

Built environment sector

Níall McLaughlin, RIBA Stirling Prize winner for the New Library, Magdalene College, Cambridge and architect for the award-winning International Rugby Experience in Limerick.

The conference features an impressive line-up of national and international speakers – drawn from across the built environment sector. Our exciting line-up of speakers includes Mikhail Riches who delivered the regeneration of Europe’s largest listed housing estate, Park Hill, Phase 2, in Sheffield; Níall McLaughlin, RIBA Stirling Prize winner for the New Library, Magdalene College, Cambridge, and architect for the award-winning International Rugby Experience in Limerick; Tonje Frydenlund from Norwegian Architects Snøhetta; and Pooja Agrawal, co-founder and chief executive officer of social enterprise Public Practice, which recruits urban design professionals to join local authorities who are experiencing a skills’ need.

Pooja Agrawal, co-founder and chief executive officer of social enterprise Public Practice.

Other speakers will include Marie Donnelly, chairperson of the Climate Change Advisory Council, and MEP Ciarán Cuffe who will set the context for Climate Change Action through Retrofit. Rachel Hoolahan, from leading London practice Orms will discuss research into material passports. John Casey, MD of CORA Engineers will discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from retrofit, while Chartered Quantity Surveyor Nick Taaffe will discuss the recent SCSI report on the Real Cost of Renovating Derelict and Vacant Properties for Residential use.

Marie Donnelly, chairperson of the Climate Change Advisory Council.

We also look forward to hear from multidisciplinary teams on current Irish retrofit projects. The issue of gender equity and diversity in the architecture profession and built environment will be discussed by Dr Dervla MacManus and Dr Carole Pollard. We are delighted to have the conference chaired once again by architect and broadcaster Róisín Murphy.

Why should I attend?

Alongside the impressive line-up of national and international speakers, we have a diverse programme featuring presentations from industry leaders, panel discussions and much more. Presentations count towards Continuous Professional Development hours.

In-person conference attendees are cordially invited to attend a drinks reception on October 11. In-person tickets also include a complimentary coffee break and a hot lunch each day.

The RIAI Conference brings together hundreds of built environment professionals and industry experts from around the country and abroad. This is a unique event which gives professionals an opportunity to gather in one place and connect with one another.

We look forward to two great days discussing #Collaboration and #Retrofit, while showcasing the latest technology and innovations at the Architecture and Building Expo. Learn, reconnect, and network with your peers.

This year’s RIAI Conference sponsor is once again OUTHAUS, who has been a supporter of the RIAI Conference since 2016.

Tickets are selling fast. Book your place now.