Leading planning and architecture practice, CWPA, is at the forefront of mentoring and supporting students in their educational and professional development. The practice has facilitated a significant number of third-level and Transition Year (TY) students, ensuring the continued growth and success of the planning and architecture professions.
CWPA has a long relationship with TU Dublin’s planning and architectural programs facilitating work placement students. Its mentorship program includes structured and unstructured learning which involves hands-on experience with architectural design, technology, planning permissions, fire certification, tendering processes, and other key aspects of the profession as well as practical, real-world experience and learning on the go. Additionally, CWPA actively encourages TY students with an interest in planning and architecture, recognising the importance of nurturing future talent in these fields.
Currently, CWPA is facilitating two third-level students from TU Dublin, along with a Transition Year student from Educate Together Secondary School, Malahide-Portmarnock. A testament to the program’s success, CWPA Architectural Technologist Brad Whyte O’Hara transitioned from student placement to a permanent team member following his studies and graduation.
“My placement at CWPA was an invaluable experience, providing exceptional support from the expert team here. It allowed me to apply my practical skills in a real-world setting, significantly enhancing my development as a student architectural technologist. Becoming a permanent team member at CWPA after my studies was the icing on the cake,” said Brad Whyte O’Hara.
Bría Corr, a third-year student in Spatial Planning and Environmental Management, also highlighted the value of her placement at CWPA. “Learning in a live practice environment is critical to my studies. The CWPA planning team is incredibly supportive and challenge students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios, providing me with a better understanding of the complexities of the planning profession.”
Educate Together Secondary School student, Mridhula Kishore, who is passionate about architecture and design, was very excited to do her work placement with the practice. “I am delighted to gain hands-on experience with CWPA, which has deepened my understanding of architecture and design in practice. The opportunity to be mentored at this stage is incredibly generous and invaluable for students like me.”
CWPA remains committed to fostering the next generation of planning and architecture professionals, offering students practical exposure and expert guidance as they embark on their careers.
CWPA offers a complete range of planning and architectural professional services under one roof, catering to developers across Ireland. The firm comprises over 20 highly qualified professionals specialising in architecture, urban planning, and project management. Established during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, CWPA has since managed a diverse portfolio of projects valued at over €2 billion in 2024 alone.
Among its notable projects, CWPA has been entrusted with the design and planning of Terminal 3 at Dublin Airport on behalf of the McEvaddy brothers.
Pictured above (LtoR): Brad O’Hara Whyte(former TU Dublin student), Bría Corr, Ciarán Murphy (currently 3rd year students TU Dublin), and Mridhula Kishore, TY student with Educate Together Malahide-Portmarnock.