Profile

Welcome to the Department of Architecture at Waterford Institute of Technology, home to over 300 students and 16 staff with international design qualifications and experience.
The Department offers two honours degree programmes in Architecture and Architectural Technology. Whilst there are many overlaps between both programmes, there are distinct and unique differences.
The Architectural programme is running since 2005 and was the first professional degree programme in architecture in Ireland, outside Dublin to receive academic validation. Central to architectural education is design. In WIT we explore the design process and students develop a design methodology part of which necessitates a careful study of cultures, climates, constructions, clients’ needs, and context - all feeding into an overall sustainable architectural concept.
The Architectural Technology honours programme is running since 2000 and until 2006 was the only honours programme in Ireland. This is a relatively new profession much needed because of an increasingly complex construction world. Students explore specialisms within the design and construction process. Their skill is to be able to detail and specify and deliver the architectural product with a clear understanding of design. Many graduates of this course excel in design and may now progress onto the architectural course within the department. Many others prefer to become key players in the technical world of design & construction.Both courses are designed to international best practice and regular review systems ensure quality and progress.
Our department hosts many events for the college and the wider community. These include foreign trips, seminars, conferences, workshops, publications and exhibitions. Our thriving architectural society ensures many social and educational events. Combined with a dedicated and motivated staff, there is within the department a strong sense of community which creates a climate and a culture which nurtures learning.
Reading through the following pages you will discover more about us. Should you need more information please contact our school administrator, Claire Fitzpatrick at cmfitzpatrick@wit.ie.

Máire Henry B.Arch.(hons) MBA MRIAI Head of Department of Architecture.