Private house · Exterior, plan & elevation
DOD Construction Technical Services Ltd.
Construction technical advice, from planning to completion.
Independent technical support for homeowners, architects, developers and contractors. Based in Carlow, working throughout Leinster and beyond.
Discuss your project Explore services ↗Carlow · Leinster · Surrounding counties.Services
From the first question
to the finer detail.
Planning and extensions, statutory application queries and practical technical support for homeowners and project teams.
Planning permission and early project advice
Proposal drawings, application information and early advice on the planning route.
Explore service ↗House extensions and alterations
Extensions, attic conversions, layout changes and coordinated construction details.
Explore service ↗Fire Safety Certificate application support
Project-specific FSC queries, application information and technical coordination.
Explore service ↗Disability Access Certificate application support
Part M access considerations, drawings and DAC application coordination.
Explore service ↗Building control and commencement notice support
Practical advice on BCMS information, commencement documentation and professional roles.
Explore service ↗Renovations, vacant properties and change of use
Technical advice for older buildings, vacant homes and proposals for a new use.
Explore service ↗Architectural technology and technical consultancy
Construction details, NBS Chorus specifications, reviews and project support.
Explore service ↗Selected residential work
Homes, thoughtfully developed.
Private houses, extensions and refurbishment projects. Explore the views, plans and interiors behind each proposal.
Refurbishment & extension · Exterior & interiors
House extension · Proposed views & plan
Private dwelling · Exterior & interior studies
Watercolour illustrations show design proposals, plans and interior studies.
The technical work
From a sketch to a resolved detail.
Clear construction information helps a project team understand how the parts come together. Des works through junctions, interfaces and the information needed for the next stage.
Portfolio studies · Illustrative information, not for construction.
View technical drawingAbout Des
Experience you can
build on.
Des O’Donnell · Founder & Managing Director · B.Arch. Tech
With around 35 years’ experience in architectural technology and construction, Des works with homeowners, architects, developers and contractors to turn design intent into clear, coordinated and buildable information.
He established DOD Construction Technical Services Ltd in 2021 as a personal, specialist consultancy. You work directly with Des, whether you need help with a particular construction challenge or ongoing technical support.
His background spans individual homes and extensions, large residential developments, student accommodation, offices, retail, hotels, education, industrial facilities and data centres, in Ireland, the UK and internationally.
Professional backgroundProfessional experience
Across practices,
sectors and scales.
Des’s career includes technical leadership and design coordination with Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, HKR Architects and C+W O’Brien Architects.
Selected experience includes 8th Lock at Royal Canal Park, Citywest residential developments for Cairn, Embassy Gardens in London, MacDonagh Junction in Kilkenny, Google’s Dublin offices and UCD student accommodation.
Explore previous project experience
This experience was gained while working with the respective practices and project teams. These illustrations are presented as Des’s professional background, rather than DOD CTS commissions.
A few common questions
Before you begin.
How do I know if I need planning permission?
The answer depends on the property, proposal and planning history. Share those details for an initial discussion; any exemption or application route should be checked for the specific works.
Can I get advice before buying or renovating a property?
Yes. Describe the property and your aims, including any known issues. Des can discuss an appropriate review and whether surveys or specialist inputs are needed.
When might a Fire Safety Certificate be needed?
An FSC may be relevant to non-domestic buildings, apartments and specified works. Ask for a project-specific review rather than assuming the requirement applies to every extension.
What is a Disability Access Certificate?
A DAC concerns access requirements under Part M for buildings and works within its scope. The relevant Building Control Authority assesses the application and issues the certificate.
Do all house extensions require these certificates?
No. FSC and DAC requirements depend on the building and proposed works. Building Regulations still need to be considered, and planning permission is a separate matter.
What should I share initially?
The town and county, current and proposed use, a short description and the project stage. Mention any drawings, previous approvals or authority correspondence you have; Des can arrange to review them after the initial enquiry.
Which counties does Des cover?
Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Kildare, Wicklow, Wexford, Dublin and Waterford, with nearby parts of Offaly, Tipperary and other surrounding areas considered by project scope and travel time.
Your next step
Discuss your project.
Share the location, a short outline and the stage you have reached. Des will review your enquiry and get back to you.
Tell Des about your project