Síle O'Donovan

Where It Started

Síle's journey into home renovation didn't come from a textbook. It started in 2010 when she renovated her own 1970s semi-detached cottage in South Dublin. That project taught her something crucial: there's a massive gap between what architects design and what actually works in Irish homes. The damp. The grey skies. The way light moves differently through our spaces. She realized then that generic design advice wasn't going to cut it.

Professional Foundation

After completing her Interior Architecture degree at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin, she spent three years with a leading Dublin architectural practice. But she wanted to get closer to the actual work—to see how real tradespeople built things, how materials performed in Irish weather, and how homeowners actually lived in renovated spaces. In 2013, she launched her own renovation consulting practice and hasn't looked back.

Deep Local Knowledge

Over 14 years, Síle's developed relationships with some of Ireland's best tradespeople—electricians, plasterers, plumbers, and carpenters who understand our building stock intimately. She's worked across Dublin, Cork, and the west coast, delivering over 200 residential projects. She's learned what works with Irish damp, which materials hold up in our climate, and how to work with the natural light we actually get (not the light architects assume we have). This isn't theoretical knowledge. It's earned through years of standing on building sites, solving real problems.

Philosophy & Approach

Síle's known for a practical approach to BER compliance—helping homeowners achieve better energy ratings without stripping away the warmth and character that makes Irish homes special. She's become expert at blending Scandinavian minimalism (clean lines, functional spaces) with traditional Irish cottage aesthetics (solid walls, authentic materials, authentic charm). The result? Homes that feel contemporary but rooted. Modern but honest.

Her methodology for planning Irish renovations accounts for our damp climate, inconsistent natural light, and the particular demands of working with local tradespeople. She treats every home as unique, respecting its architectural DNA while introducing contemporary ideas where they naturally fit. She's passionate about demystifying the renovation process—making it clear, manageable, and genuinely exciting.