Murray O'Laoire Architects is accredited Grade I in the RIAI Accreditation System for Conservation. There are three grades of accreditation, Grade 1 being the highest. This accreditation indicates that a practice is qualified to work on all protected structures of regional, national or international importance.

Conservation projects have been a significant body of MOLA’s work over the past 25 years. In addition to a significant number of new-build projects with a conservation element, MOLA has also completed pure conservation projects of national importance.

Of particular relevance is Lord Limerick’s House, which following total refurbishment received the prestigious Europa Nostra Award for Conservation and the Milk Market in Limerick, which was commended in the RIAI Silver Medal Awards for Conservation.
Work at Carton House in Maynooth and King John’s Castle in Limerick are among the most ambitious and complicated conservation projects on significant heritage buildings in Ireland.

Research
MOLA is familiar with all the guidelines and requirements for procedures in relation to protected structures and the needs for research and analysis. Where required, MOLA will manages various other specialist consultants, contractors and suppliers during investigative works. This has meant, that over the past 25 years we have formed relationships with many leading figures in the Conservation area. If required, we access and receive support, analysis and research from a range of specialists in the field, including historians and archaeologists.

Analysis
MOLA can provide site-building reports and collated inventories at the initial stage of a conservation project. In addition, our extensive experience of historic structures enables us to undertake Condition Reports and Appraisals.

In relation to specific issues: we have been involved in some projects, which have necessitated major intervention in the area of Mechanical and Electrical Services.
Through our research and experience we have a clear view on the appropriate introduction of these interventions to historic buildings. In all works, we adhere to the principles of reversibility and minimum intervention in so far as possible. In addition, we also regularly advise on strategies for the introduction of Fire Protection and Security measures in Protected Structures. These issues also require not only an understanding of conservation philosophy, but also a thorough knowledge of current conservation legislation, of which MOLA has an expertise in both areas.

Research
In our experience, among the greater challenges in dealing with the site and construction aspects of work on Protected Structures is the contractual complexity of dealing with specialist subcontractors in the climate of competitive tenders, Health and Safety and correct site procedures.
In order to meet this challenge and to ensure MOLA meets the highest standards we have drawn up and implemented internal Conservation Guidelines which have been written by experienced conservation staff and for part of a general Q.A. procedure.