Successful fire remediation

of over 4000 apartments in over 50 separate developments

Crawford Architecture are an RIAI Registered Architecture practice based in Sligo and Dublin, who specialise in Fire Remedial Projects throughout Ireland.

Since 2012 we have been involved in the successful fire remediation of over 4000 apartments in over 50 separate developments located throughout the country. Our clients include many of the largest institutional investors, private investors and management companies currently operating in Ireland.

Our experience ranges from large mixed-use developments with over 500 apartments to small scale developments of less than 10 units.

We work as part of a professional team that includes fire engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, specialist contractors and cost consultants.

We guide clients and property managers through the complexities of the fire remediation process to help ensure projects are completed on budget, within programme and in accordance with applicable standards at the time of the building’s construction.

John Crawford
DipArch BArchSc ARIAS MRIAI
Director

Requirements under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003

How can we help?

• We offer a comprehensive service from initial diagnosis to final resolution and certification that addresses the fire deficiencies in your building and follows the governments Code of Practice.

• As architects we are able to develop bespoke remedial solutions and technical details based on fire-stopping manufacturers guidance and testing.

• We appreciate that this is a costly process for owners and tenants, and we therefore always strive to reduce the scope to the essential works necessary to achieve compliance.

• We follow the Code of Practice for the Remediation of Fire Safety Defects 2023.

our methodology

Over the past 12 years we have developed a detailed project methodology which we constantly monitor and update to reflect current legislation including the Code of Practice for the Remediation of Fire Safety Defects 2023.

We, as an architectural practice are dedicated to applying appropriate processes and systems to ensure that our projects are both innovative and compliant. We have applied this thinking and our expertise to the Fire Remediation service where we plan projects on the basis of 14 dedicated stage

  1. Statutory Permissions

  2. Fire Safety Assessments

  3. Fire Safety Assessment Record

  4. Fire Safety Risk Assessment

  5. Interim Measures

  6. Tiered Approach

  7. Prioritisation of Works Items

  8. Remedial Works Plan

  9. Inspection Plan

  10. Engagement with the Fire Authority

  11. Notification and Commencement of Remedial Works

  12. Remedial Works Construction Stage

  13. Site Inspection Reports

  14. Completion of Remedial Works

A comment from a client

Because of a lack of fire stopping at the service providers through the compartment floors our surveyor reported in September 2017 that there was a serious fire stopping deficiency which could represent a fire safety life risk in the apartment block.

Having been chairman of the Management Company for nearly twenty years I believed that we had one of the safest and best maintained apartment blocks in Dublin City. On a critical assessment of the risk in the context of obligation our surveyor took the view that we would not have to empty the building if we decided to commence the works as soon as possible and if we retained Crawford Architecture as project managers. Little did I know that everything was about to change for the better and looking back all my worries dissipated at this point in time.

It is now two years later, and I am very proud to be associated with what has been achieved. Within twelve months of the surveyor’s initial report the apartment block was fully compartmented, among other fire safety works, and now is compliant with the Building Regulations and of most importance, the safety of the residents meets best standard.

I attribute the recovery of our building to John Crawford who has a vast, in-depth, practical knowledge of the relevant corrective construction works. Of equal importance is the excellent relationship which he has with the Fire Officer.

John recommended the contractors for tender and the workmanship of the preferred contractor corresponded with John’s professionalism. The remedial works were performed within time, within budget and without a whimper from the residents. Looking back, I wonder why I let myself get into a state when the bad news broke in September 2017.

I needn’t have and you won’t have to if you use the professional services of Crawford Architecture. Their commitment and discharge of their duty is best practice and they are a pleasure to deal with. I am honoured to be associated with John Crawford and to be writing this review. If any person reading this has questions you may contact me through my email address which is below.

Terence Liston
Solicitor (Retired)