Dr. Barry James Mc Carron joins the judging panel of the Building and Architect of the Year Awards 2026 as Managing Director of KORE Retrofit, one of Ireland's leading one-stop providers of deep retrofit solutions, bringing with him a depth of scientific, academic, and industry experience that places him among the most informed voices in the country on sustainable building performance.

A graduate of Ulster University and Queen's University Belfast, McCarron holds a PhD in indoor radon monitoring in passive buildings — research that sits at the precise intersection of building physics, occupant health, and energy performance. That academic foundation underpins everything he has built since: a career dedicated not merely to energy efficiency in theory, but to the measurable, evidence-led transformation of Ireland's existing building stock.

His professional profile extends well beyond the boardroom. As a Visiting Professor at Ulster University, McCarron maintains an active bridge between academic research and the demands of live construction practice. He has presented his research internationally and participated in major UN Climate Conferences, bringing Ireland's retrofit experience to global audiences at the highest levels of climate policy discussion.

Within the profession, McCarron has long served in leadership capacities that shape standards rather than simply meet them. As former Chair of the Passive House Association of Ireland, he played a central role in advancing passive house principles across the sector. He continues that work as a member of the RSUA Climate Change Committee and CIAT ROI region, ensuring that the technical, regulatory, and environmental conversations shaping Ireland's built environment are informed by practitioners who understand both the challenge and the solution.

His industry contributions have earned several awards, a record that reflects a career built on substance rather than profile.

On the judging panel, McCarron brings the rigour of a researcher, the perspective of an academic, and the hard-won pragmatism of an operator who has delivered retrofit solutions at scale. His presence strengthens the panel's capacity to assess entries not only for design ambition, but for the depth of their environmental thinking and the credibility of their sustainability credentials.

The Building and Architect of the Year Awards 2026 ceremony takes place on Thursday, 23rd April 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry.

Explore the full shortlist, secure your seat, and subscribe at the official awards website for the sector's exclusive insights and updates.