Belfast-based Kennedy FitzGerald Architects has announced a significant strengthening of its senior leadership team as part of a planned transition designed to support continued growth and expansion across the business.
The practice, which has been delivering award-winning architectural projects for more than 60 years, has announced that long-standing Senior Associates Damien Day and Gareth McKnight will join existing partners Feargal Harron and Mark Finlay as partners.
The move follows the retirement of Keith Major from the partnership in March 2025, with Keith continuing to support the practice in a consultancy role, ensuring continuity of knowledge and experience within the business.
Damien Day and Gareth McKnight both joined Kennedy FitzGerald Architects in 2003 and have played a key role in shaping the practice’s portfolio over the past two decades. Their promotion reflects a long-term commitment to developing talent from within and reinforces the firm’s reputation for delivering high-quality, design-led architecture across a range of sectors.
The strengthened leadership team comes at a time of sustained growth for the practice, with a strong pipeline of work and a series of significant project wins across healthcare, education, leisure and public sector infrastructure.
Kennedy FitzGerald Architects
Current and recent projects include the Strule Shared Education Campus in Omagh, Birch Hill Centre for Mental Health in Antrim, Cityside Health and Care Centre, and a new Learning and Development Centre for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. The practice is also involved in major education and leisure schemes across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, reflecting its expanding geographical reach.
Current Partners Mark Finlay and Feargal Harron at Kennedy FitzGerald Architects, said: “This is an important and positive step in the continued evolution of the practice. Damien and Gareth have made a significant contribution to the success of Kennedy FitzGerald over many years, and their appointment to the partnership reflects both their talent and their commitment to the business.
“We have always taken a long-term, considered approach to leadership succession, and this transition ensures continuity for our clients while positioning the practice strongly for the future. With a robust leadership team in place, we are well positioned to build on our recent successes and continue delivering high-quality projects across all sectors.”
Kennedy FitzGerald Architects has built a reputation for delivering complex, large-scale projects for both public and private sector clients across the UK and Ireland, combining innovative design with technical expertise and strong project delivery.
Newly appointed Partners, Damien Day and Gareth McKnight added: “It’s a privilege to join the partnership at such an exciting time for the practice. Having been part of Kennedy FitzGerald for over 20 years, we’ve seen first-hand the strength of the team and the quality of work we deliver.
“We are working on a number of significant and impactful projects, and there is a real opportunity to continue growing the practice, both locally and in new markets. We are particularly focused on strengthening our expertise in areas such as healthcare, education and sustainable design, while continuing to invest in digital workflows and innovation across the business.”
The new leadership structure is expected to support the firm’s ambitions to expand its presence across existing and emerging sectors, while maintaining its strong local base in Belfast.
With a strengthened senior team, a proven track record of delivery and a growing portfolio of high-profile projects, Kennedy FitzGerald Architects is well positioned to enter its next phase of growth.
