A contemporary practice grounded in the craft of building and the creation of joyful, well-made places.
Founded in 2020, OC+C is a Dublin-based architecture studio defined by a pragmatic approach to the built environment. We see the reuse of existing structures as the most effective form of sustainability, and approach each project by looking closely at what can be retained, repaired, and extended.
Our work spans adaptive reuse and new construction, carried out with the same discipline and care. We focus on making buildings that are robust, well-resolved, and technically sound - ensuring they are as durable as they are considered in their impact.
We create beautifully crafted, joyful places that are deeply rooted in their context. Our process balances professional project delivery with a tactile approach to materials and detail, producing spaces that are functional, durable, and a pleasure to inhabit.
Cora Carbajo
MRIAI, MEng, Director
Cora studied engineering in Spain, the United States and Eindhoven completing her masters in 2011. Cora then moved to Ireland to pursue her studies in architecture graduating with honours in 2015.
Cora began her professional career in practice with Mccullough Mulvin Architects, becoming an Associate and the practice BIM Manager. During her time in this practice, she collaborated closely with the directors in delivering a number of national and international award-wining projects such as the Military Archives building recent winner of The Plan Award for Renovation.
Cora is a lecturer in TU Dublin where she teaches new technologies (BIM). She is also a Studio tutor in 4th year Architecture.
Ronan O’Connor
MRIAI, Director
Ronan graduated with honours from UCD School of Architecture in 2007. He joined McCullough Mulvin Architects, later becoming a director.
In his time at McCullough Mulvin Ronan helped to deliver a number of national and international award-winning projects including the Beaufort building for University College Cork and the Medieval Mile Museum in Kilkenny City, which was shortlisted for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture - the Mies van Der Rohe Award - in 2019.
Accredited by the RIAI as a Grade 2 Conservation Architect, Ronan has extensive experience in the assessment, careful conservation and restoration of some of Irelands most important buildings and has lectured nationally and internally on conservation practice.
James Smaul
MRIAI, Director
Over more than 15 years of practice, James has delivered numerous projects from inception to completion across the residential, retail, commercial, hospitality and healthcare sectors.
He has a strong track record in securing planning permissions and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams on large-scale developments, guiding projects from early feasibility and planning through statutory approvals, BCAR compliance and construction.
His work combines design leadership with sensitive technical delivery. James is a registered architect with the RIAI and the RIBA. Having worked in Ireland and internationally, he brings broad design experience and a collaborative approach to project delivery. James has also contributed to several award-winning projects and successful competition entries.
Brendan Redmond
MRIAI, Director
Brendan graduated with honours from UCD School of Architecture in 2007 and is a registered architect & member of the RIAI. Over nearly two decades, he has worked with many of Ireland’s most respected practices — including Paul Keogh Architects, McCullough Mulvin, Henry J Lyons & Walsh Associates before joining OC+C Architects as a director in 2025.
Brendan has played a central role in the delivery of major public and private sector projects across housing, education & masterplanning.
These include the Church Fields Masterplan & Part 8 Housing Developments, Cherrywood Town Centre Masterplan and the Adapt 2 Special Schools programme. His work demonstrates a consistent ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept through to completion, maintaining design quality while meeting programme and budgetary goals.
Collaborators Past & Present:
Chloe Cattan,
Thomas Connolly,
Rawan Dablouk,
Ruben Gallego Anta,
Alec Hannigan,
Kevin McSherry,
Alexander Mordaunt,
Shona Quigley,
John Quinn,
Cian Reid