RKD is an international firm driven by design thinking. We have a rich legacy dating back to our formation in Dublin in 1913 and since then, we’ve
established ourselves as one of the most diverse and effective architecture firms in Europe.
Today, RKD comprises 230 creative professionals working collaboratively from offices in Ireland (HQ), UK, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Italy, and Sweden. Our expert teams support a diverse range of clients developing built environment projects from commercial offices and interiors to residential schemes, and from universities and healthcare buildings to data centres and mission-critical facilities. We build on our brand pillars of Design, Leadership, and People, to provide our clients with design that works. And when we ask our people why they choose to work at RKD these are their reasons:
Our business reputation. RKD is 111 years in business. We are respected in the industry, trusted as team players with a reputation for quality and innovation, and we are always looking forward. Our clients stay with us and we follow them internationally, including global brands such as Microsoft and Diageo. 75% of our turnover comes from repeat business.
Our diversity of work types & geographies. RKD commands a comprehensive and diverse work portfolio across 7 key sectors. Our people have opportunities to specialise or diversify their knowledge and experience. We have an international office spread and our organisation is growing. We offer the flexibility of remote work, tailored work-life balance arrangements, and family leave policies including paid Maternity & Paternity Leave. Our diverse client base ranges from large multinationals to small local charities.
Our diversity of thought. Our ideas come from our diverse people, with 45% female representation across total staff and 24 nationalities speaking 19 different languages. We are 40% female owned, with females representing 23% of our Associate & Senior Associate management group.
Our sustainability focus. RKD was the first large Irish practice to sign Architects Declare register, demonstrating clear commitment to supporting sustainability & positive climate practices in Ireland’s construction industry. One of our 7 business verticals is dedicated to sustainability and research.
Our technology focus. We are ISO-certified leaders in BIM (Building Information Modelling), with highly developed internal structures for technical upskilling led by a dedicated Digital Delivery Lead with support from dedicated BIM coordinators, a dedicated Technical Director, and multiple technical groups including an AI task group.
Our culture. We are authentic, pragmatic, data-driven, people-centric, and friendly. Our growth mindset is closely aligned with business strategy and personal progression support. We value credibility, authenticity, growth orientation, and diversity. Ours is meritocracy-based high-performance culture, empathetic but with
relentless performance management. High employee engagement is indicated by low turnover (7% in 2023).
Our common purpose. At RKD, everyone understands the importance of their work. We make ourselves accountable and we take responsibility for using design as a powerful force for positive change. We share knowledge, we command technical skill, and we exert influence to create a better and more sustainable future through our ability to shape the built environment.
Dublin, Ireland
