In continuation to our 'Meet the Team' posts, I will introduce myself. My name is Emma Kennedy and I am another one of the Architectural Technologists and an Associate at McKevitt King. Working in the office, no two days are the same and we can find ourselves working on a variety of different projects in any given week, such as renovations/extensions, one-off rural houses or multi-residential schemes, commercial buildings, schools, churches and community-based projects. The majority of these projects require planning permission. I co-ordinate and oversee most of the applications that pass through the office. I really enjoy this stage of a project, as planning law and regulations are very comprehensive and there is always something new to learn.

I am also a Drogheda native and for those locals in the know, I grew up on the 'far side'. As a child I had always shown a great interest in construction, DIY and home improvement shows. Instead of watching cartoons, I could be found watching programmes such as Grand Designs with Kevin McCloud, Norm Abram 's New Yankee Workshop or Duncan Stewart on About the House! When I wasn't watching TV, I could also be found in the former band rooms of the Drogheda Brass Band on George’s Street, where I remained until my middle teen years.

In my early years I attended St Brigid's N.S., Presentation Primary School and Our Lady's College, Greenhills, all clients of the office at some stage or another. My link to McKevitt King Architects dates back as far as 2002, where I applied to the office for my Transition Year work experience. Unfortunately, there was no availability that week! However, this did not deter me from pursuing my interests. After completing my Leaving Cert in 2005, I was accepted into a 3-year Diploma course in Architectural Technology at Waterford Institute of Technology, however in true home bird style, I made the commute home every Friday without fail to see my family and boyfriend (now husband!).

In 2007, I started in McKevitt King Architects (formally McKevitt Architects) as a studying student, I had just completed second year of my course. It was the best work experience that I gained. It made all the hard work from the previous two years in college worth it and I felt completely set up for my third year ahead. It was also suggested to me that there would be work for me on a Saturday if I wanted it. Happy days, I had my foot in the door now! I continued to work in the office every Saturday, mid-terms and seasonal holidays. It was a hard slog as third year in college was definitely the most challenging. There was plenty of tears and all-nighters to get college projects complete, along with the commute home for work, but I knew it would be worth it in the end. At McKevitt King we are a teaching practice and continual learning is important. After completing my 3 years, I was encouraged by the company, to continue my studies and I graduated in 2009 with my Honours Degree in Architectural Technology. In May 2009 I started in the office on a full-time basis.

I have met many people during in my time in the office, a few faces that have come and gone. We have seen many hard days, especially working during the recession, but gradually over the years our office is bustling once again. The team in the office are like my extended family and I've shared many of my life experiences with them. I have gained a wealth of knowledge, values and work ethic that comes from working within a family run business. It is a very enjoyable work environment to be in, but we also know when to get the head down and get the job done.

My homelife plays a big part in my downtime and with two small children there's never a dull moment. When I'm not at work I love to switch off by giving the house a good clean, baking (a hobby acquired pre-Covid!) reading a good book or doing a bit of gardening! I also love going for a good drive, something I've definitely inherited from my Mam and Dad!!