JDA Architects, a leading commercial architecture firm with over three decades of design excellence, announces the appointment of Mr. Douglas Ahern as Managing Director. This strategic leadership transition marks a new chapter for the firm, following the distinguished tenure of founder Joseph Doyle.
A registered architect in both Ireland and the UK, Douglas Ahern brings 15 years of award-winning experience across Europe, the UK and Ireland, in the areas of retail, food & beverage, residential, industrial, and mixed-use sectors. His career spans high-profile projects in London and Ireland, with a reputation for delivering innovative, sustainable, and client-focused design solutions.
Recent projects under JDA’s leadership include two major developments for Tesco Ireland: a €20 million purpose-built superstore in Fermoy, Co. Cork, which introduced a state-of-the-art retail experience and created 100 new jobs and a €5 million refurbishment of the Ballina store in Co. Mayo, transforming the site with energy-efficient upgrades, modernised interiors, and enhanced accessibility. The firm’s client portfolio includes leading brands across multiple sectors, such as Starbucks, The Ivy Group, NCBI, Trend Technologies, Howdens, and Ipsen—reflecting its breadth of expertise in hospitality, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, and consumer retail.
“JDA is built on a foundation of creativity, technical rigour, and meaningful relationships with our clients, our collaborators, and our team,” said Ahern. “I’m honoured to lead the practice into its next evolution, where design excellence and cultural integrity remain at the heart of everything we do.”
JDA Architects has a longstanding reputation for delivering high-impact projects across residential, commercial, manufacturing, leisure, conservation and mixed-use developments. With over three decades of expertise in the retail sector, the firm has partnered with institutional investors, developers, and major retail operators. JDA was previously recognised with the Best Retail Outlet/Supermarket award by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the Good Neighbourhood Awards.
Under Douglas Ahern’s leadership, JDA will continue to champion a culture of collaboration, innovation, sustainability, values that have earned the firm accolades from the RIAI and the Department of the Environment.
“Architecture is a civic act,” Ahern added. “As Ireland faces transformative challenges in housing, infrastructure, and climate resilience, JDA is uniquely positioned to contribute solutions that are both visionary and grounded. Our role is not just to design buildings, but to foster communities and elevate everyday experiences.”