Níall's Lecture in Amsterdam
November 2025
On the 12th November Níall gave a lecture as part of the Design-by-thinking-of series by Office Winhov in Amsterdam. ‘Design by thinking of…’ is a lecture series, offering architects a stage to share their world of thought and design with peers. For every architect, this ‘design-by-thinking-of’ is different. It contains the essential aspects of the run-up to, the actual design itself, the built result and the reflection afterwards. Since 2021, the lectures are held five times a year at Tolhuistuin in Amsterdam. More information can be found here.
Auckland Castle Competition Win
February 2014
Niall McLaughlin Architects and Purcell have won the competition to transform Auckland Castle in County Durham into a national museum of religion and religious art. The former historic home of the bishops of Durham, the castle is considered to be the third most historically significant ecclesiastical complex in Europe, after the Vatican and Avignon. Auckland Castle was bought by businessman and philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer who aims to turn it into a major visitor attraction and heritage site in the North East. The client hopes to receive funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund in support of the project and set up the Auckland Castle Trust to oversee the restoration and development of the castle and grounds. The central attraction will be the rare paintings by Spanish artist Francisco de Zurbarán, considered to be some of the most significant religious treasures in Europe and part of the castle’s history for more than 250 years.
Auckland Castle Website