03 November, 2022

Munster Technological University graduate of Interior Architecture, Orla McCarthy became the Department of Architecture’s latest award winner. Orla won the prestigious Institute of Designers in Ireland graduate design awards for interior architecture at a ceremony in TU Dublin last Thursday evening.  Orla who is originally from Midleton presented a project on the refurbishment and adaption of the Sisters of Mercy Convent in Skibbereen.  Orla, who is taking a master’s in architectural conservation in Edinburgh, flew in for the event, where she was shortlisted into categories also including Architecture. She was supported on the night by her proud father.

The IDI Graduate Design Awards identifies the best of third Level graduate design work in Ireland annually. It is the largest and most competitive design competition for students in Ireland and attracts entries from all over the country making each category very competitive. The Department of Architecture, at Munster Technological University, have been frequent winners of IDI Graduate design awards over the past decade, starting with Sinead Crowley in 2012 winning the Interiors category, later topped by Alex Defratyka winning the Grand Prix in 2019, scooping 5 categories on the way, and now Orla McCarthy winning the Interior Architecture category and also coming out with a commendation in the architecture category.