Architects Urged to Lead Modern Methods of Construction Shift in Ireland

Irish architects must integrate modern methods of construction at the design concept stage to accelerate building delivery, an architectural director has urged.

Rory Ryan, Director at Ryan + Lamb Architects, has highlighted that a persistent misunderstanding of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is slowing progress in Ireland's construction sector. This delay occurs at a time when the country urgently requires faster, higher-quality, and more predictable delivery of new buildings.

According to Ryan, who lectures annually on professional practice for the RIAI, many architects remain hesitant about MMC. Some believe it limits creative freedom or mistakenly associate it purely with basic prefabricated structures.

However, Ryan points out that many contemporary architectural workflows already incorporate MMC components. Examples include point-cloud surveys, drone mapping, external cladding systems, and digitally coordinated design elements. Rather than restricting creativity, Ryan argues that mastering these modern methods at the initial concept phase offers designers greater precision, speed, and creative freedom.