My Ambition is to

KEVIN O’NEILL, ARCHITECT, HLM ARCHITECTS

Having grown up in a family with a local construction and joinery company, I was inspired to pursue a career in the construction industry from an early age. However, despite spending many summers on site when I was younger, I quickly decided that it was architecture I was keen to explore further so I went on to study Architecture at Northumbria University, where I gained my Part l and ll qualifications.

Since joining HLM in 2014, I have been involved in a wide range of projects across a number of sectors including healthcare, hospitality and commercial. Here I have gained experience in a wide range of sectors. One of the key projects I have had significant involvement in is the North Wing at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry.

When I joined HLM as a Part II Architectural Assistant, the North Wing project was in the very early stages of development. This enabled me to be involved in all stages of the project from concept design through to planning, technical design, detailing and delivery on site.

As the project progressed through the various stages so did my professional experience. I was able to apply the knowledge and skills I developed throughout the North Wing contract within other projects, such as the National Children’s Hospital Satellite Centres in Dublin and a Multi-Storey Car Park, also at Altnagelvin. This portfolio of projects enabled me to gain the experience required to obtain my professional qualifications, registering as a qualified Architect in 2017.

The North Wing development provides 144 bedrooms over six wards, which will allow the hospital to provide clinical care and treatment to patients in single en-suite rooms. This will improve the quality and experience for the patients whilst supporting the staff, allowing them to provide a high level of care.

A new main entrance is one of the most significant elements of the project, providing a bright and welcoming environment for all that use the facility and wider hospital. Large internal courtyards provide views from both the main entrance and ward accommodation, whilst the connection to the courtyards and surrounding landscape help improve the wellbeing of its users.

Originally due to be completed in June 2020, the construction of the North Wing was advanced to complete in April, fulfilling the need for additional hospital bed space during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being from Derry I am immensely proud to have been involved in such a significant project in my hometown, and to have personally contributed to such an achievement in challenging times that enabled the facility to open early to provide much needed accommodation and services to the local community.

As I progress my architectural career, I hope to continue to work on local projects that might help improve the quality of health and wellbeing of the people that use them. I genuinely believe that, irrespective of the size of project, ‘good architecture’ can meet functional aspirations and be socially beneficial to their users, with an impact that reaches into the wider community.

I also believe a key part of designing and delivering socially responsible buildings is to ensure they are sustainable, by integrating design strategies that will reduce the negative impact on the environment, with considerations such as building materials, construction methods and technology.

My ambition is to continue to progress through my architectural career by developing my skills, expertise and knowledge to ensure I continue to design and deliver socially responsible architecture through the Healthcare, Education and Residential sectors, that will contribute positively to the communities within which the buildings reside.

“I also believe a key part of designing and delivering socially responsible buildings is to ensure they are sustainable”.