Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel

Rathfarnham's 1960s Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel was perceived as past its sell-by date when PKA was appointed to undertake a major remodelling of its interior in 2012.

On appointment, PKA engaged in consultations with the clergy and the parish council to draw up a vision and priorities for the remodelling - essentially to improve the overall presentation of the interior, so that it was welcoming, prayerful and more appropriate liturgically.

Following completion of PKA's outline design, a submission was made to the Dublin diocese's building and finance committees, and the works commenced on site in July 2013, with construction phased over a three month programme - to allow the church to remain open for services.

PKA were responsible for every aspect of the design and construction works, which included upgrading the sanctuary layout, lighting, flooring and colour scheme, as well as the design of a range of church furniture - altar, chairs, benches, lecterns and baptism font that were all made from European walnut and manufactured in County Kildare.

A further priority was to improve the church entrance, to create a more welcoming approach and an congregation space for after-mass social interaction. The entrance screen and porch interior by PKA also accommodates a number of stained glass artworks donated to the parish by the family of the artist Desmond Carrick.

The completed scheme was completed - on time and on budget - in October 2013. A further phase of work to provide a new parish resource and meeting room was designed and overseen by PKA in 2018.

Client: Ballyboden Parish

Value: N/A
Size: 460 sq.m.
Reference: Fr. John Hughes OSA PP
Design: 2012
Completion: 2013