Tony Horan founded his practice in 1973, which grew and evolved to become Horan Cotter Associates in 1978. The firm was involved in significant projects throughout Ireland and the UK, with particular expertise in housing. This is demonstrated by Tony’s winning of the RIAI Triennial medal for housing.
In 1992, the practice was further restructured by Tony, with the creation of Horan Keogan Ryan Chartered Architects (now commonly known as HKR Architects).
Brian Rainsford had joined that company as a junior architect in 1997, rising to Associate in later years, having been lead architect on numerous medium to large scale commercial, housing and retail developments. In recent years, that firm grew exponentially, and internationally, becoming one of the largest and most successful practices in Ireland and the UK.
In 2006, Tony decided that he would derive more professional satisfaction from his work in a more easily managed practice. Brian had made the same decision, independently but for similar reasons, and established his own practice in 2007.
Following a collaboration on a large mixed-use development, Tony and Brian, having worked closely together in Horan Keogan Ryan since 1997, both knew that their methods of working and ethos were compatible and complimentary. Consequently, it was decided to merge their respective firms: although the practice is relatively new (in its current form), it embodies a very substantial fund of experience.
In all, residential projects containing in excess of 1,550 dwellings have been completed, as well as a substantial body of work in the fields of urban renewal, retail, office, sport & leisure, industrial, education, hotels, fit-out/interior design and product design. Numerous projects have been honoured with major RIAI and RIBA awards.
Our residential and commercial developments have consistently been commercially successful. Thus, we are proud to have maintained many clients for over 25 years, through repeat business.