2024 Economic Impact Awards 21-35 Years in Business: Ireland Architects Inc.

Small but mighty is one way to describe Ireland Architects Inc., and boutique firm with a personal touch is another.

The five-employee architecture firm produced $2.4 million in 2023 revenue, with a tailored approach favored among clients, says owner and CEO Stephanie Ireland.

“We truly do care about our clients and their projects,” she says. “People usually come to architects because they’re either starting a business or growing a business. That business is usually their baby.”

Ireland adds, “We treat their investment as our own.”

Ireland Architects’ approach also helps inform and improve the company’s work for clients, she says.

“You kind of become part of their work family. You really get to know people well,” Ireland says. “If we understand more about their values, it helps us to design a better building for them.”

Ireland says an example of the company’s approach is currently in action with Springfield nonprofit The Kitchen Inc.

Ireland Architects has conducted work for The Kitchen for nearly 20 years, including the nonprofit’s campus and shelter at Glenstone Avenue and Chestnut Expressway.

The firm also designed a medical clinic renovation in 2005, followed by a dental clinic remodel in 2007 and greenhouse project in 2011, according to past reporting.

Ireland notes the company is now designing a second shelter for The Kitchen, which helps support the city’s homeless population.

“The city and taxpayer have to pay more for the homeless if they’re on the street than for instance if The Kitchen uses their resources,” Ireland says. “It saves everybody money, which is always helpful.”

With its five employees, Ireland says the architecture firm must be prudent with its resources, and a recent innovation is helping.

A personal assistant service is now available for employees to help relieve stress and support work-life balance. Ireland says if employees spend less time worried about picking up groceries, for example, they can spend more time focused on projects.

“It seems so small, but it’s a huge help,” she says. “Retaining staff right now is a huge thing.”

Ireland Architects additionally prioritizes staff well-being and professional growth by employing flexible work schedules for those pursuing further education. Other support is offered when necessary, such as one summer when the firm hired a nanny to assist with child care.

Being a small firm has its advantages, Ireland says, and one is that clients can know the full focus of the company, including its owner, is involved with every project. And while it’s a differentiator, it hasn’t impeded the firm’s growth over the last 24 years.

“I don’t think being small should define us,” Ireland says. “It hasn’t. I’m not scared to go after projects.”

Ireland says the firm’s efforts are paying off, as its largest projects now reach up to $14 million in constructions costs, up from $1.4 million when the company started. Revenue during that time has increased by nearly 400%, and the firm was recently a finalist for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award.