Portrait of Peadar McGrath Architect taken whilst on a trip to New York.

An Architect’s journey: from Barcelona to the World

Internal view of Bertha Park high school in Perth, Scotland. Peadar McGrath Architect worked on the design of this innovative secondary school which provides flexibility, and promotes self-learning and engagement between pupils.

Bertha Park Secondary School

External view of Wotton House dormer at Eton College, Berkshire. Peadar McGrath Architect worked on the complete refurbishment of this listed historic building which offers accommodation for oppidans at Eton.

Wotton House

Triptych Bankside multi-use development in Southbank, London. Peadar McGrath Architect worked on technical design and construction phase of this project containing luxury apartments, offices, retail space and cultural facilities.

Triptych Bankside

External view of Bertha Park high school in Perth, Scotland.

Bertha Park Secondary School

Empty theater auditorium with red seats, wooden walls, and overhead lighting.

Cumbernauld Academy and Theatre

Modern building with curved balconies, glass facade, landscaped garden, and parked bicycles in an urban setting.

Triptych Bankside

Peadar’s journey as an architect didn’t begin with a degree—it began with a deep curiosity and a passion for discovery. After studying at Barcelona’s innovative ESARQ school of architecture (UIC) and graduating in 2004, he received a piece of life-changing advice from his dean: “Forget work, go travel. Your architectural education has only just begun.”

And travel he did. From the architectural wonders found in Europe’s dense cities to the iconic buildings scattered across the vast landscapes of America, Peadar absorbed the genius of greats like Wright, Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Siza, all while capturing their work in his ever-growing sketchbook. But it wasn’t just the famous landmarks that inspired him—it was the everyday, the so-called "anonymous architecture" that fuelled his belief that true design wisdom lies in understanding how people interact with their surroundings.

This spirit of exploration continues to define Peadar’s approach to architecture today. He views each project as a new chapter, informed by a diverse portfolio that spans mixed-use developments, educational and cultural spaces, custom residential designs, and even furniture. His work crosses borders—both physically, with projects completed in Spain, the UK, and Canada—and creatively, drawing from a toolkit filled with rich experiences and deep-rooted theory.

With a Master’s from Barcelona’s ETSAB (UPC) in architectural theory and memberships with both the Catalan Architects Association (CoAC) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Peadar brings a blend of expertise, curiosity, and craftsmanship to every project. Currently based in Twickenham, London, his designs continue to embody a philosophy born from years of exploration, learning, and a relentless passion for architecture.

Peadar’s early career as an architect was shaped by his experience working within large design teams, collaborating with a range of architectural practices on high-profile, multi-million-pound projects. In 2015, he joined NORR in Glasgow as project lead for the Bertha Park Secondary School in Perth, a £21 million project. In 2017, he took on the role of lead architect for the Cumbernauld Academy and Theatre, a £35 million development.

In 2018, Peadar joined HJ Stribling & Partners, where he contributed to the refurbishment of Wotton House, a historic boarding house for Eton College, with a £5 million budget. From 2019 to 2022, he collaborated with TW-2 Architects on the design and construction of Triptych Bankside, an iconic mixed-use development in the heart of London’s Southbank. This £450 million project included 169 residential units, offices, retail, and cultural spaces, further cementing Peadar’s expertise in complex, large-scale developments.