The Royal Society of Ulster Architects

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The Royal Society of Ulster Architects The Royal Society of Ulster Architects strives to enhance Northern Ireland's built environment for the benefit of all through the promotion of architecture.

The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) is the professional body for chartered architects in Northern Ireland with c.900 members. It was established in 1901 and then its objectives included the general advancement of architecture and the promotion and maintenance of a high standard of qualification in the profession, both of which are every bit as relevant today. A direct alliance was formed with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 1925 and the RSUA continues to act for the RIBA in Northern Ireland. The RSUA is committed to a comprehensive continuing professional development strategy and is a vital information network for architects providing a support service on a wide range of issues including contract and legal matters, professional indemnity, changes in planning law, building regulations and government legislation. Find out more, including current staff and council members at www.rsua.org.uk/about-us/

Thank you to all the early career architects who submitted their ideas to the 'No Harm in Waiting' Design Competition 20...
15/10/2026

Thank you to all the early career architects who submitted their ideas to the 'No Harm in Waiting' Design Competition 2026, in partnership with JP Corry.

This year’s design challenge, to explore ways to make women in particular feel safer and more as they wait for public transport, has been developed in conjunction with RSUA Women in Architecture and supports The Executive Office’s Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG).

We'll be spotlighting the entries over the next week so keep your eyes peeled!

The competition results will be revealed at Architecture Night 2026 on Friday 23 October in the Electric Light Station.

Last few remaining tickets available here: https://rsua.org.uk/event/architecture-night-2026/

October means it's Architecture Night season!Join us on Friday 23 October for a night of great food, complimentary drink...
07/10/2026

October means it's Architecture Night season!

Join us on Friday 23 October for a night of great food, complimentary drinks, live music and plenty of good company.

This year, we’re celebrating Architecture Night’s tenth anniversary by taking over Belfast’s first municipal power station, the Electric Light Station on Chapel Lane.

With greater demand than ever before make sure to book your ticket today.

Book here: https://rsua.org.uk/event/architecture-night-2026/

Architecture Night 2026 is supported by JP Corry Metal Technology, Velux, Hays & Wienerberger.

Take a closer look at the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen's by Consarc Design, featured in the most recent issue of Perspec...
06/10/2026

Take a closer look at the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen's by Consarc Design, featured in the most recent issue of Perspective Magazine.

"The Diocese of Down & Connor appointed Consarc to undertake significant renewal and adaptation in order to safeguard the Chaplaincy’s architectural character while introducing essential contemporary upgrades and providing additional accommodation. All the chaplaincy functions have now been situated at one level on the ground floor, tying everything together, while the accommodation of 47 bedrooms is now on the upper levels and run as a complementary business and income generator. The work began in 2024 with completion 20 months later and the results are inspiring with exceptionally elegant moments which demonstrate the transformational possibilities which architects can envision and bring to fruition."

Read the full article by Dr Paul Harron here: https://rsua.org.uk/catholic-chaplaincy-at-queens-university-belfast/

Photography by Elyse Kennedy.

01/10/2026

Bereavement Notice

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the recent passing of Mervyn Bryson who died peacefully at his home on 26 September 2026.

Mervyn founded his own architectural practice in 1983. Following his retirement in 2004, the practice became Bryson Architects.

A service of thanksgiving will be held for Mervyn at 12pm on Friday 2 October 2026 in St Colman’s Parish Church, 27 Church Avenue, Dunmurry, BT17 9RS.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Northern Ireland Hospice or to Bobby Morrison Funeral Directors 32-34 Hillsborough Road, Lisburn BT28 1AQ.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mervyn at this difficult time.

https://www.funeraltimes.com/william-mervynbryson69980752

30/09/2026

Any tips for making your space feel bigger? What should clients know before starting a project?

We got some advice from architects Aisling Rusk and Aine McEnoy, taking part in the Ask An Architect initiative through their practice Studio idir.

Got a question for an architect? Get an hour with a chartered architect in exchange for a £75 donation to Simon Community Northern Ireland.

Bookings for Ask An Architect 2026 close tonight at 11.59pm. Don't miss out and head to the RSUA website to book!

https://rsua.org.uk/ask-an-architect/

29/09/2026

Have you booked your Ask An Architect appointment yet?

If you're looking for the perfect way to get the ball rolling on a home project, look no further. Architects across Northern Ireland are volunteering their time to offer advice on projects, from home extensions to new large-scale projects.

100% of donations go to Simon Community Northern Ireland, in support of their mission to end homelessness in Northern Ireland.

Find out more and book here: https://rsua.org.uk/ask-an-architect/

Images from participating architects: MMAS, Arigho Larmour Wheeler, Bernard McAleenan, Micah T Jones, David Wilson Chartered Architect and 2020 Architects.

29/09/2026

Bookings for Ask An Architect 2026 close tomorrow, Wednesday 30 September!

Architects across Northern Ireland are volunteering their time to offer advice on projects. In exchange for a £75 donation to , you can avail of a one hour consultation with an architect.

We spoke to participating architects about tips for improving your space and renovation red flags 🚩

Find out more and book your consultation with a chartered architect here: https://rsua.org.uk/ask-an-architect/

We had a fantastic evening in Lyric Belfast on Friday, as over 300 guests gathered to hear from Royal Gold Medallist Nía...
28/09/2026

We had a fantastic evening in Lyric Belfast on Friday, as over 300 guests gathered to hear from Royal Gold Medallist Níall McLaughlin at the Building Inspiration Lecture 2026, in partnership with Arup.

From the studio's process of designing in dialogue to Níall's philosophy of architecture as a representation of performances, a captive audience was guided on a journey through the lifecycle of projects like the Stirling Prize winning New Library at Magdalene College and current work on a new Cathedral in Sydney, Australia.

Thank you to Níall for joining us in Belfast to deliver this lecture and to our partners Arup for their support of this event.

Bookings for this year's Ask An Architect initiative close in one week!Don't miss out on your chance to get some expert ...
23/09/2026

Bookings for this year's Ask An Architect initiative close in one week!

Don't miss out on your chance to get some expert advice from a participating architect, in exchange for a £75 donation to Simon Community Northern Ireland.

Architects can advise you on anything from getting more light into your space to designs for a new build home.

Get the ball rolling and book your commitment-free appointment before 11.59pm on Wednesday 30 September. You don't need to meet with your chosen architect before the closing date, so book with as many architects as you'd like!

Find out more and book here: https://rsua.org.uk/ask-an-architect/

Ask An Architect is supported by Progressive Building Society and NIE Networks.

‘Originality in building is rarely the way in which it is packaged and sold. A project can be incredibly original and be...
22/09/2026

‘Originality in building is rarely the way in which it is packaged and sold. A project can be incredibly original and beautifully built on account of the way the brick is bonded. Sometimes it’s the quiet thing within a project that’s original.’ - Níall McLaughlin

We’re looking forward to welcoming Níall McLaughlin, recipient of the RIBA Royal Gold Medal 2026, to the RIAI Gold Medal winning Lyric Belfast, this Friday 25 September 2026.

Níall's portfolio of projects spans across education, health, commercial, faith and housing. Housing projects include the pictured House at Goleen, Saltmarsh House and Peabody Darbisher Place. Photography by Nick Kane.

Book one of the last remaining spaces here: https://rsua.org.uk/event/rsua-building-inspiration-lecture-2026/

Address

2 Mount Charles
Belfast
BT71NZ

Telephone

+442890323760

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