Open Call for Architect in Residence
We invite applications from architects with an interest in collaborative, community-engaged practice to become the Architect in Residence for the How We Move project.
Kildare County Council Arts Service, in partnership with the Irish Architecture Foundation, is seeking to appoint an Architect in Residence for How We Move, an ambitious new cross-disciplinary project exploring the relationship between movement, public space, creativity and wellbeing.
Funded by Creative Ireland under the Creative Health and Wellbeing in the Community Scheme 2026–2028, How We Move brings together partners from the arts, architecture, health, sport and local government to develop creative, community-led approaches to placemaking across counties Kildare and Offaly.
The selected Architect in Residence will join a multidisciplinary team to contribute spatial thinking, design expertise and collaborative facilitation throughout the project. Working closely with project partners, artists and local communities, the residency will explore how public spaces can encourage movement, participation and wellbeing through a process of creative co-design.
Who can apply?
Applications are invited from Registered Architects who:
are based in Ireland and available to travel to selected towns in County Kildare and County Offaly.
have experience in co-design, collaborative practice and working with communities of place and interest.
are interested in collaborative, participatory and socially engaged architectural practice.
enjoy working across disciplines with artists, communities and public bodies.
are curious about the relationship between architecture, movement, health and wellbeing.
have strong communication and facilitation skills.
are interested in research, experimentation and creative placemaking.
Experience in community engagement, public realm design, landscape, temporary interventions or participatory practice is desired.
Applications can be made by individual architects, formal practices or collectives.
The successful applicant will be required to hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance. Evidence of insurance may be requested prior to appointment.
How to apply
Download and read the full Architect in Residence Open Call document (pdf) for further details and FAQ.
Applicants should submit:
1. Curriculum Vitae: A written CV without images (maximum two A4 pages)
2. Statement of Interest (maximum 300 words). Please tell us:
about your professional experience relevant to this project.
why this opportunity interests you.
examples of any community engagement or collaborative approaches you may use for this project.
Please note that applicants are not expected to present a completed methodology or design proposal. The delivery approach will be developed collaboratively with the project team.
3. Previous Work: Examples of previous relevant work (maximum four A4 pages)
Applications and any queries should be emailed to: opportunities@architecturefoundation.ie.
All documents should be submitted as individual pdf files rather than one combined document.
Incomplete applications will not be assessed.
Timelines
Applications open: 29 July 2026
Questions close: 21 August 2026
Applications close: 31 August 2026
Assessment and online interviews: September 2026
Successful applicant notified: September 2026
Public announcement: October 2026
Photo: Choreographer Cindy Cummings. Photo by Roisin Loughrey, courtesy of Kildare County Council.
