With a focus on public audiences and established in 2005, the Irish Architecture Foundation is Ireland’s independent organisation that fosters and advances the culture and communication of architecture. Based in Dublin, but with a national remit and an international network, the IAF is core funded by the Arts Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Office of Public Works, and Dublin City Council. Across an increasingly broad range of events, programmes, and exhibitions, the IAF partners with individuals, organisations, government agencies, education institutions and civil society groups to ensure that our work builds civic pride and action, and outcomes are impactful and transformative.

As we approach our 20^th birthday, we are embarking on a new era of work. To date an engaged, skills-based Board has been essential to the growth and development of the organisation. Now, more than ever, the IAF Director and team will draw on the independent support and guidance a great Board can provide. We believe architecture plays a role in all lives – it impacts on where we live, work, play and learn. When it comes to the built environment, lived experience has value equal to professional knowledge. So, to meet audiences on an increasingly diverse island, the IAF requires a Board that can give voice toward our shared, built future.

We know you have something to offer, and we would love to hear from you.

Board Values

The Irish Architecture Foundation is committed to maintaining a board that broadly reflects the diversity of Ireland.  We therefore seek to identify candidates’ suitability in relation to a range of protected characteristics, including age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background.  To that end candidates are invited to support their letter of application with a brief statement outlining their life experience. The IAF also encourages candidates located outside of Dublin and/or Ireland to consider applying.

Role Description

Being an IAF Board member involves the following:

• Attending quarterly Board meetings and an Annual General Meeting.
• Supporting the Director and staff team regarding strategic issues facing the organisation throughout the year.
• Attending a reasonable number of IAF events across Ireland.
• From time to time advising 1:1 with the Director on strategic aspects of the IAF.
• Taking an active role in ensuring sustainability and growth of the organisation by supporting fundraising efforts.
• Participating in one of the IAF sub-committees, e.g., Finance & Admin, Governance & HR, Education, and Strategic & Capital Development, and (from 2024) Audience Inclusion.
• Championing the organisation and its programmes across your national and international networks.

Following a skills audit of our current board and considering the strategic and audience development envisioned over the next decade, we are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Community based or socially engaged architecture or cultural practice.
• Strategic and/or digital communications.
• Fundraising, particularly regarding capital projects.
• Exhibitions and Curatorial practice in architecture or related fields.

However, if your own experience is not reflected in this list but you have complementary skills or a fresh perspective, we still encourage you to apply.

Application Process

Applicants should complete the online form and email a short letter of application to info@architecturefoundation.ie.

Deadline for application: Friday 8 March, 18.00 GMT

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet representatives of the IAF Board to discuss the work of the charity and their background. 

Further Information

Further information is available in the Board recruitment document (pdf download). We strongly advise candidates to read this document, explore our website further, and read our strategic plan, Shaping Our Future (pdf download).

If you have any questions about the role, please write to info@architecturefoundation.ie.

Photo: IAF HQ, 15 Bachelor’s Walk. Photo by Christian Richters, used with permission from McCullough Mulvin Architects.