Deirdre O'Connor (architect) facts for kids

Deirdre O'Connor was a very important Irish architect. She was born on September 25, 1951, and passed away on October 3, 1999. She made history by becoming the first ever female president of the Architectural Association of Ireland.

Deirdre O'Connor's Early Life and Studies

Deirdre O'Connor was born in Ranelagh, a part of Dublin, Ireland, on September 25, 1951. She was the oldest of five children. Her father was an engineer.

When she was 17, in 1968, Deirdre started studying at the College of Technology, Bolton Street in Dublin. She was a very talented student. In 1971, she won a special prize from two important groups: the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Architectural Association of Ireland (AAI). The next year, she won a scholarship that allowed her to travel and learn more. She earned her Diploma in Architecture in 1973.

Becoming a Leader in Architecture

After finishing her studies, Deirdre quickly became involved with the Architectural Association of Ireland (AAI). She joined the committee in 1973. From 1974 to 1975, she was a joint secretary and treasurer. Then, from 1975 to 1976, she served as vice-president.

In 1976, Deirdre O'Connor made history. She was elected the first female president of the AAI. This was a big step for women in architecture in Ireland. In the same year, she also became a member of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI).

Deirdre also won a special research fellowship in 1976. This allowed her to study housing at University College Dublin (UCD). She then became a tutor there, teaching architecture students from 1977 to 1990. Her research on housing in Dublin was published in 1979.

Working as an Architect

In 1978, Deirdre O'Connor joined a well-known architecture firm called Arthur Gibney & Partners in Dublin. She became a partner in the firm in 1981. This meant she was a key leader in the company.

Deirdre was also very active in the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). She was the chairman of their public affairs section from 1985 to 1986. In 1987, she was made a fellow of the RIAI, which is a high honor.

Key Projects and Teaching

Deirdre O'Connor worked on many important projects. In 1988, she was the main architect for a big project to redevelop the former Albert College in Ballymun.

She also continued to teach and guide young architects. She was a visiting critic at the Dublin Institute of Technology's architecture school from 1989 to 1992. She also helped examine students' work in 1993, 1995, and 1996.

Deirdre played a big part in designing buildings for the new Dublin City University. She designed the James Larkin lecture theatre, which won a regional award from the RIAI in 1992. In 1993, she also helped write an architectural guide to Dublin.

For 15 years, Deirdre was on the council of the RIAI. She served as vice-president in 1991 and 1994. She was also on the editorial board for the RIAI's journal, Irish Architect, for five years. She helped choose the winners of the RIAI gold medal, a very important award, from 1989 to 1994.

Deirdre retired from working full-time in August 1999.

Legacy and Passing

Deirdre O'Connor passed away on October 3, 1999. She is buried next to her parents in Kilquade new cemetery in County Wicklow.

In May 2000, the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) created a special medal in her honor. This medal helps remember her important contributions to architecture in Ireland.

Notable Architectural Works

Here are some of the projects Deirdre O'Connor worked on:

• New design for the front and walkway at Dr Steevens' Hospital, Dublin (1992)
• The Bookend apartment building at Essex Quay, Dublin (1992)
• Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, a famous restaurant at 21 Merrion Street, Dublin (1997)