TODD Architects Belfast buildings, Northern Ireland design office, Studio news

TODD Architects Northern Ireland

Contemporary Belfast architectural practice. Northern Irish design office news.

Post updated 23 January 2026

22 January 2026
Ulster University Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology Belfast Campus, Northern Ireland

image : Cyanotype Media

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TODD Architects Reshapes Ownership in Completion of Succession Plan

TODD Architects, a leading UK and Ireland design practice headquartered in Belfast has announced a significant leadership transition as it prepares to mark its 50th anniversary in 2026.

Existing directors Peter Minnis and Paul Crowe have formally stepped back from their executive roles, remaining with the practice as consultants to support continuity for clients. Ownership has now fully transitioned to directors Andrew Murray, Daragh Coleman, and Jim Mulholland (who led a partial management buyout in 2019) alongside newly appointed equity shareholders Michael Edwards (Finance Director) and Maria McKeown (Director). Maria and Michael’s inclusion at board level brings dedicated financial and operational expertise, marking a strategic evolution and generational shift grounded in continuity, stability, and a renewed ambition for growth.

Daragh Coleman, Managing Director, commented:
“This is a milestone moment for TODD. As we approach our 50th year, we’re building on a strong legacy with a leadership model designed for the future. The inclusion of Michael and Maria reflects the scale and complexity of the projects we now deliver, and our commitment to commercial and operational excellence.”

Michael Edwards, Finance Director and new equity partner added:
“Our inclusion in the shareholder group reflects the evolving nature of architectural practice. We’re here to ensure TODD is equipped for long-term growth; commercially, operationally and strategically, with strong outcomes for both clients and teams.”

With almost 90+ staff members across offices in Belfast, Dublin, London and Manchester, TODD Architects is consistently ranked in the Architects’ Journal Top 100 UK Practices. The firm is best known for its work on commercial, healthcare, residential, education and major civic projects, including landmark tourism attraction, Titanic Belfast.

Today’s announcement forms part of a wider series of personnel developments across the practice’s studios, which will be detailed in the coming months as TODD finalises a broader leadership and talent strategy to support future growth.

Peter Minnis commented:
“We’re proud of what TODD Architects has achieved since 1976 when it was founded by the late Barrie Todd. This transition has been carefully planned, and I am confident the business is in very capable hands. The next generation is ready.”

Paul Crowe added:
“Andrew, Daragh, Jim, Michael and Maria have the experience and vision to lead the practice forward, together they are a strong leadership group that reflects the multi-skilled nature of our business.”

The Practice has a wide spread of multi-sectorial projects across the Public and Private sphere throughout the UK and Ireland. Recent project highlights include the multi award-winning Student Hub for Queen’s University Belfast at Riddel Hall (Queen’s Business School), recognised in the 2025 RSUA and RIBA Awards, and the firm’s role as local lead design partner for Belfast Stories; a major civic project and tourism landmark.

The practice delivers a broad portfolio of public and private sector projects across the UK and Ireland. Recent highlights include the multi award-winning Student Hub for Queen’s University Belfast (part of Queen’s Business School at Riddel Hall), recognised in the 2025 RSUA and RIBA Awards, and its role as local lead design partner on Belfast Stories; a major civic and tourism landmark currently in development.

The practice reports annual turnover of approximately £8 million, having delivered steady growth over the past five years despite wider market challenges. The new board will prioritise investment in talent, digital design capabilities, and sector specialism while maintaining TODD’s commitment to local supply chains and community outcomes.

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About TODD Architects

TODD Architects is an award-winning architectural practice delivering major projects across healthcare, education, commercial, residential and masterplanning sectors. Established in 1976 and headquartered in Belfast with offices in Dublin, London, and Manchester, the firm employs 90+ people and is ranked among the Architects’ Journal Top 100 UK Practices.
www.toddarch.com

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TODD ARCHITECTS MANAGEMENT BUYOUT Q&A

Q: Who are the majority shareholders and what are their roles?
A: The new board consists of:
• Daragh Coleman (Managing Director)
• Andrew Murray (Director / Board Member)
• Jim Mulholland (Director / Board Member)
• Michael Edwards (Finance Director / Board Member)
• Maria McKeown (Director / Board Member)

Maria and Michael bring financial and operational expertise to the board for the first time in TODD’s history; part of a strategic move to strengthen governance and business planning.

Q: What happens to the previous majority shareholders?
A: The previous majority shareholders Peter Minnis and Paul Crowe are stepping back from day-to-day operations and will act as consultants to the business to secure a smooth transition and continuity for clients and ongoing projects.

Q: Why an MBO and why now?
A: The MBO completes a long-planned succession plan to keep ownership with an experienced leadership team committed to TODD’s culture and clients, while adding financial rigour to support growth across key sectors.

Q: Company size and financials?
A: TODD employs 90+ staff across its Belfast, Dublin, London, and Manchester studios. Turnover is circa £8 million, with steady growth achieved over the past five years despite external market pressures.

Q: What projects demonstrate TODD’s expertise?

A: Northern Ireland

TODD Architects is behind some of Northern Ireland’s most significant projects, including Titanic Belfast (lead consultant), Belfast Stories (design partner), and the RSUA’s ‘Building of the Year 2025’, Queen’s University Student Hub at Riddel Hall. Their broad healthcare portfolio includes the multi-award-winning Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Centre. Other notable projects include Bangor Marina’s regeneration, Ebrington masterplan in Derry/Londonderry, Strule Shared Campus in Omagh, and commercial developments like Titanic Studios, Erskine House, and ‘The Boat’.

Republic of Ireland

In Ireland, TODD is leading several major healthcare projects for the HSE, including Finglas Primary Care Centre and St James’ Hospital in Dublin. They are also delivering fast-paced hospitality and commercial fit-outs nationwide.

England

The practice has a strong presence in England with high-profile projects such as London Luton Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport (under construction). Other key work includes the award-winning City Square House in Leeds, the Brinell Building in Brighton, and the refurbishment of London Business School’s Plowden Building. They’ve also delivered large-scale residential schemes at Royal Wharf and Goodluck Hope in East London.

Q: What will be different for clients or partners?
A: Clients can expect continuity in leadership, design ethos, and project delivery with strengthened financial oversight and operational agility to support more complex commissions and partnerships.

Q: What is the immediate strategy?
A: TODD Architects is focused on delivering its growing pipeline of work while driving the overall growth of the business across the UK and Ireland. Building on its proven success in Northern Ireland, the practice is actively expanding its presence in key regional markets including London, Manchester, and Dublin. Strategic priorities include investing in people and digital design capability, deepening sector expertise in healthcare, education, residential, and civic architecture, and continuing to lead on high-profile regeneration projects across both public and private sectors.

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Board Member Bios

Daragh Coleman – Managing Director, Board Member

Daragh Coleman has been appointed Managing Director of TODD Architects in keeping with the Practice’s long-term succession plan. With more than 20 years’ experience delivering complex design projects across the UK and Ireland, he has played a central role in TODD’s growth strategy and client portfolio. Daragh will oversee the practice’s operations across its Belfast, London, Dublin and Manchester studios, with particular a focus on civic, residential and commercial sectors.

Andrew Murray – Director, Board Member

Andrew Murray remains a board director, drawing on his extensive technical experience in healthcare, residential and commercial design. Andrew has played a key role in award-winning projects and ensures project continuity for clients and sector insight at board level.

Jim Mulholland – Director, Board Member

Jim Mulholland continues as a board director, providing creative and design leadership and client relationship expertise across the practice. He has led some of TODD Architect’s most high-profile civic, cultural and education projects and brings a deep understanding of architectural quality and client engagement.

Maria McKeown – Director, Board Member

Maria McKeown joins the board as one of two new equity partners with finance backgrounds; a first in TODD’s history. With over 20 years’ experience in financial management and practice operations, Maria brings vital expertise to support the long-term growth of the practice.

Michael Edwards – Finance Director, Board Member

Michael Edwards also joins as an equity partner and board member, bringing strong experience in financial strategy, corporate governance, and compliance gained over the last 35 years in practice and industry. He will lead the financial strategy and delivery of the business plan as TODD enters a new phase of growth.

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TODD Architects News

TODD Architects News arranged chronologically:

23 Sep 2021
The Loft Lines, Queen’s Island Home, Queen’s Island, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, Northern Ireland

image from architecture office
Planning application submitted for 780 new homes at Queen’s Island in the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. On approval, the multi-million-pound scheme known as The Loft Lines would become one of the largest new residential construction projects in the UK and forms part of Belfast’s wider ambition to deliver over 31,500 new homes in the city by 2035.

21 Oct 2020
Bedford Yard Belfast aparthotel and office Building, Northern Ireland

image courtesy of architects office
Planning permission won for Bedford Yard, an aparthotel and office development in the heart of Belfast City centre, opposite the BBC’s HQ on Ormeau Avenue. The project involves refurbishing a vacant four-storey red brick former warehouse and adding a newbuild structure behind.

6 Aug 2019
New Waltham Cross Flats, Hertfordshire, England, UK

image courtesy of TODD Architects
Totaling approximately 8,800 sqm, the mix of one and two bed units, alongside a number of three bed family homes, will sit above The Pavilions Shopping Centre in the heart of the town.

28 May 2019
New Principal to expand TODD Architects’ London office

TODD Architects makes Parfitt fit for London office

TODD Architects, one of the UK’s leading 100 practices, is delighted to announce the appointment of Katie Parfitt as Principal of its London office. Katie will head the team at the practice’s premises in Fitzrovia, developing new clients as well as running the office and working with colleagues on individual projects.

Katie Parfitt TODD Architects London:

photo courtesy of architects

Explains Katie: “Although TODD Architects have had an office in London since the late 1980s when Barrie Todd was one of the first architects to set up in Clerkenwell, we’ve remained relatively small, using resources from across the practice to support our clients. Whilst that’s allowed us to offer a huge breadth of experience across all sectors and throughout the UK, my role is to expand our presence in the capital and develop the London office team.”

Previously an Associate at Stride Treglown, Katie is a qualified Architect and has worked on a range of projects including several schools in London, student accommodation schemes in Brighton and Southampton, and challenging mixed use residential and retail developments in London and across the UK. In addition to her architectural qualifications, Katie also holds a masters in Project Management.

Continues Katie: “I was attracted to architecture from my first work experience placement at a practice in Cardiff. I love listening to people, what they want from a building, and using my skills to meet or indeed exceed their expectations. At TODD Architects, the quality of their designs and their focus on creating user centred buildings, really fitted into that view. And working with a lively, energetic and imaginative team also makes my job immensely enjoyable and rewarding.”

TODD Architects London office currently supports a range of clients in a variety of sectors, with existing projects including the continuing redevelopment of Bristol Airport, a 70,000sqft office building in Brighton and the delivery of some 600 apartments for leading London developer Ballymore at Royal Wharf in East London.

Concludes director Peter Minnis: “Katie’s appointment will drive our London office growth, further enhancing TODD Architectss offer of technical expertise and innovative design across the UK. With the continuing confusion attendant on the UK’s exit from the EU, we believe our structure, with offices in Dublin, Belfast and London, puts the practice in an ideal position to support our clients during the process and whatever its outcome.”

20 May 2019
The Mercantile office development Belfast Building, Northern Ireland

image courtesy of architects office
Construction work is about to commence on The Mercantile office development following approval by Belfast City Council.

18 Feb 2019
Omagh Integrated Primary & Nursery School Building, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland

photo courtesy of TODD Architects

31 Aug 2018
Rathview Mental Health Facility, Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland

photo © Chris Hill Photography
Completed for the Western Health and Social Care Trust, the architects carefully designed Rathview to break down traditional, preconceived ideas of mental health facilities, offering a fresh, residential approach in a peaceful countryside setting.

21 Jul 2017
Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
Design: TODD Architects with Hall Black Douglas

photograph © Chris Hill Photography
Sitting on a greenfield site on the outskirts of the town, this innovative scheme replaces the previous 118-year old Tyrone County Hospital, delivered under a three year contract by local contractor McLaughlin & Harvey.

AJ International Practice of the Year 2017
This design firm is named International Practice of the Year 2017 by the Architects’ Journal (AJ).

16 Mar 2016
431 Architecture – Architects Alliance

Stride Treglown, Keppie Design and Todd Architects have announced they are to form a unique Alliance that they believe will help them win significant new business.

Heartlands Cornwall by Stride Treglown Architects:

The new venture, named 431 Architecture, will offer clients access to 18 studios and a team of over 500 staff covering the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland.

431 Architecture

TODD Architects – Key Designs

23 Mar 2012
Titanic Belfast
Architect & Lead Consultant: TODD Architects
Concept Design: CivicArts / Eric R Kuhne & Associates

photo : Christopher Heaney
The Titanic Belfast project is viewed as the iconic centrepiece of the Titanic Quarter Regeneration Project which encompasses approximately 75 hectares of waterfront, former industrial brownfield lands to the south side of the River Lagan in Belfast City Centre.

25 Jun 2012
Public Records Office of Northern Ireland

photo from RIBA
This is a civic building with a public face and a clear and direct internal organisation that relays the narrative of the past and the security in which it is being preserved for the future. The records are held within a concrete citadel that is wrapped by well day-lit spaces containing the reading rooms and circulation.

25 Aug 2011
The Boat Belfast, Northern Ireland

photo : Chris Hill Photographic

Knockbreda Centre, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Architect: Penoyre & Prasad LLP with TODD Architects
Client: South & East Belfast Trust
Location: Belfast
Completion: 2009
Awards: 2009 RIBA Award Winner, 2009 Design & Health International Academy Awards, Winner of Best International Health Project (under 40,000sqm)

More architecture projects by TODD Architects online soon

Location: Titanic House, 6 Queens Road, Belfast, BT3 9DT.

Belfast Architects Practice Information

Architect studios based in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and England, UK.

This architects practice was established in 1976 and operates from offices in Belfast, Dublin and London. It has a wealth of experience in healthcare, residential, education and commercial projects, and offers space planning and interior design in addition to its core services of architecture and planning. Projects include the new Belfast Waterfront Exhibition and Conference Centre and Bristol Airport East Terminal Extension.

Irish Architects

Website: www.toddarch.com