GCAL ARCHITECTS LTD.
Delivering thoughtful designs and services to public works, residential, commercial and conservation projects.
ABOUT US —
Founded in 1960, Gaffney & Cullivan Architects Ltd (GCAL) has been practising in Cavan for over 60 years, adding an office in Navan in 1996. GCAL has remained rooted in our original commitment to thoughtful and purposeful architecture in response to Client needs.
Having originally specialised in public housing, schools and ecclesiastical works, today GCAL is more focused on public works, conservation and heritage. This has also led to urban planning projects that seek to marry the challenges of modern building within historic settings and town cores. As accredited Conservation Architects we work with historic buildings, and we also collaborate with many other architectural practices. We are committed to this collegiate approach which we believe promotes and encourages an exchange of ideas leading to improved quality and better design solutions for all of society.
Our interest in conservation and the adaptation of existing sites and buildings is also the foundation of our philosophy on environmental issues. The careful, sensitive and successful repurposing of existing buildings and serviced sites is an efficient and responsible approach to the use of land, materials and resources.
Within our practice we seek diversity of projects to stimulate creativity and encourage constant development of our thinking and skillset. We believe that the most successful projects are the result of good communication and cooperation between Client, Designers and Contractors. We focus on the “team” within all projects for this reason and enjoy dynamic nature of the building process through each distinct phase.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF GCAL
THE BEGINNING
Gaffney & Cullivan Architects traces its origins to 1960, beginning what has become a continuous tradition of architectural practice. Over the decades, the practice has developed a broad portfolio spanning public buildings, commercial projects, residential work and the conservation and adaptation of historic structures. Pictured above at the signing of the contract for the Holy Rosary Convent, Cavan are the original founders Patrick Gaffney and Philip Cullivan along with Patrick E Gaffney who joined the practice in 1970. (back row left to right).
DAVID CULLIVAN JOINS THE PRACTICE
David P. Cullivan joined Gaffney & Cullivan Architects in 1995, having gained experience in both London and Dublin specialising in general architecture and historic building conservation. He became a partner in 2000, contributing to the practice’s growing expertise across conservation, public and commercial architecture.
GCAL IS ESTABLISHED
Gaffney & Cullivan Architects Ltd. was incorporated in 2016, with David Cullivan becoming Managing Director, leading a team of 10 dedicated construction professionals. Building on decades of experience, GCAL continued to expand its work across public, healthcare, education, commercial, residential and conservation projects throughout Ireland.
CONTINUING A LEGACY OF AWARD-WINNING WORK
The practice’s commitment to thoughtful architecture, conservation and adaptive reuse continues to be recognised through award-winning projects. Cootehill Branch Library and the Patrick Kavanagh Centre, Inniskeen each received international recognition. In 2024, the Castleblayney Library and Market Square regeneration received Public Building of the Year at the Building & Architect of the Year Awards, alongside recognition from the RIAI. St Patrick's Classical School Navan, was shortlisted for the BAYA awards 2025.
DAVID CULLIVANB.Arch FRIAI AdvDip PMgt Grade 2 Conservation Architect
David P. Cullivan graduated from University College Dublin with a B.Arch in 1992 and was admtted to the RIAI in 1999, receiving Fellowship status of the Institute in 2025. He began his career with Craig Hall & Rutley Architects in London before joining WH Hastings Conservation Architects in Dublin, where he specialised in the recording and conservation of historic structures, working on projects including Collins Barracks, Castletown House and the Walls of Limerick Castle.
David joined Gaffney & Cullivan Architects in 1995, becoming a partner in 2000 and Managing Director of GCAL – Gaffney & Cullivan Architects Ltd in 2016. He has undertaken extensive postgraduate training, including an Advanced Diploma in Project Management, a Certificate in Energy Efficient Buildings and RIAI conservation training. He achieved Grade 3 conservation accreditation in 2004 and Grade 2 in 2017, qualifying him as an Accredited Conservation Architect.
During his career, David has worked across education, healthcare, public realm, commercial and conservation projects. His work includes healthcare developments for the HSE at St Brigid’s, Ardee; Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan; and St Joseph’s, Trim, as well as over 20 years working with the OPW and projects for Cavan, Monaghan, Kildare and Meath County Councils. He has also led the refurbishment of multiple Top Shops and over 120 retail bank branches.Recent projects include the Patrick Kavanagh Centre, shortlisted for a Europa Nostra Award, Hope Castle Library and Public Realm works, which received RIAI, ICE and BAYA awards, and the adaptation of the former courthouses in Belturbet, Dowra and Ballyjamesduff. He has also delivered public realm schemes in Kells and Navan.With a particular interest in adaptive reuse and traditional construction methods and materials, David sees conservation as a fundamental part of architectural practice in Ireland. He is currently a member of the RIAI Historic Buildings Committee and is committed to promoting conservation as an opportunity for the environment, society and the architectural profession.
The Team
GCAL human resources include architects Iana, Anna, Conor and Aylin supported by Techologists/Surveyors Shane, Clint, Andrew, Rolands, Claudia and James. Kathleen, Deirdre and Ally manage administration and social media respectively Cody the golden retriever provides moral support to all the team!