Marc Ó Riain

Marc Ó Riain is a Lecturer in Architecture at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT). He holds roles such as President Emeritus of the Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI) and Director of Design Enterprise Skillsnet. His academic background includes a PhD in Net Zero Energy Building Retrofit from University College Cork (2017) and an MSc in Architecture (2013). He is a Registered Designer in Ireland and a Fellow of the IDI.

His research focuses on sustainable building design, energy efficiency, and retrofitting of historical structures, particularly precast concrete buildings from the 1960s. Notable projects include the Zero2020 retrofit initiative, which aimed to achieve net-zero energy performance in commercial buildings. He has authored numerous papers on topics like passive house design, Brutalist architecture critique, and the socio-political context of educational buildings.

Awards include the IDI Grand Prix, World Interiors Awards, and multiple sustainability accolades. He has held leadership positions in design organizations and contributed to national initiatives like Irish Design 2015. His work bridges theoretical research and practical solutions, emphasizing the urgent need for low-energy building practices in the face of climate change.

Key areas of expertise include net-zero energy design, building envelope retrofitting, and the historical legacy of architectural movements. His publications span academic journals, conference proceedings, and industry articles in Passive House Plus Magazine, highlighting both technical innovations and broader sustainability challenges.