The BuildersWhile most of us may just use a builder once or twice in a lifetime, architects work with builders all the time, so we asked architects specialising in domestic work to recommend a builder. Some supplied names that were 'okay', but the following four builders came with solid endorsements, says Emma Cullinan

Andre Britz, Britz Construction Management

Andre Britz is another builder who enjoys working for innovative clients. "After all, I'm a modern person," he says. He began his career as a builder in South Africa, where he grew up. When he first came to Ireland he worked as a project manager for a building company and then, two years ago, he set up his own company which has four directors and employs around 20 people. They also have their own joinery factory to make specific pieces, such as countertops and doors. "We saw a gap in the market for high-end, innovative work," says Andre Britz, who mainly does standard domestic work and buildings designed by architects.

"We are a growing company and will take on all sorts of work but we do specialise in quality rather than quantity." Having travelled the world extensively and seen many different types of architecture, Andre Britz believes that Ireland has pretty much stuck to the traditional way of doing things "but it is changing and architects are breaking away from normal designs", he says. He regularly attends exhibitions and courses to keep up with the latest techniques.

He's also willing to try out new concepts put to him by designers. "The other day I installed a shower with a wooden floor, which was an idea the architect had come up with. Our company is about having initiative and doing things differently."

Andre Britz, Britz Construction Management, Stratford Road, Blackrock, Co Dublin. Tel: 086-347.0074 or abritz@iolfree.ie.

Pat Barry, Barry and McGowan Construction

Perusing Pat Barry's portfolio of work is like looking at a magazine of high-end contemporary design. Much of this took place in London, where he set up a building company with Michael McGowan in 1992: both have now returned to Ireland. In London, the duo worked for architects on many contemporary projects including the London School of Fashion.

"We've worked with so many innovative architects. Our work has involved putting in glass floors, creating glass and thin concrete staircases, setting taps and other bathroom fittings into marble slabs, putting a polycarbonate, sail-like roof onto a children's play area and matching veins in marble tiling for exacting clients and architects, such as Niall McLaughlin who is a stickler for measuring and detailing," says Pat Barry. His father was a builder and he always wanted to follow in his footsteps. "I enjoyed making things when I was very young and my interest grew from there." The company mainly carries out domestic work and also did an office in Dalkey for Orla O'Callghan Architects. He likes working on contemporary buildings.

"The innovative jobs are more satisfying - the traditional work gets very easy. The more modern stuff looks simpler but is actually harder to do. You can't hide things behind skirting: everything has to line up."

Pat Barry cites a good relationship with clients and architects as the key to a successful building. "I have the ability to build what architects want and help them achieve the things that they're after. I take pride in the finished work. I like the building process and seeing a job finished gives me great satisfaction. It's also wonderful when all parties are happy, and where the client hasn't tried to compromise the design!"

Barry and McGowen Construction, Manor Kilbride, Blessington, Co Wicklow. Tel: 01-4582829/086-8504405.

Jim Goggins, Jim Goggins & Sons Construction Ltd

Jim Goggins says that he should really think about retiring but he has no intention of doing so. He began his career on building sites in England and the US and has been back in Ireland for 30 years. His construction company works on private houses and commercial buildings, and he is now building developments of his own. While there have been some changes in construction techniques over the years, he says that the basics have stayed the same.

"I keep up with new trends by attending building exhibitions and reading magazines. There are new materials coming on stream all the time and a lot of suppliers and reps will advise on them. I like to keep well informed." He thinks that he was recommended by an architect because of the care he takes. "We always try to maintain a good standard of finish, and don't skimp on materials. We also try to be competitive with pricing. It's a natural instinct to have pride in a job and there's great satisfaction to be had in looking back at a job well done, with everything looking good and right. It's especially important in a building because it will be there for a lifetime. It is awful to see bad workmanship: you can never really put it right because it will always look patched up."

Jim Goggins & Sons Construction Ltd, Westport, Co Mayo. Tel: 098-41305/087-259 6044.

Tommy Keane, Pat Keane Construction Ltd

Builder Tommy Keane thrives on innovative designs that tax the brain. He employs a full-time team of six builders and a regular, reliable team of sub-contractors to carry out the work which is mainly on domestic projects and includes refurbishments, extensions and renovating houses for people who buy-to-let.

As with many dedicated builders, Tommy Keane was taught by his dad: "He was a very good builder and I learnt a lot from him." He recognises the importance of treating his employees well and says that it's crucial to have a good team behind you.

"Keeping on the same sub-contractors - such as the joiner, plumber and roofer - can make it a bit more expensive, but I think it's worth it in order to get the right quality and it means that the work is consistent. Logistically, I can't be with everyone all the time and I need to know that I can trust people to carry on with the job. I'm easy to get on with and don't believe in shouting at people, which makes for a good working relationship with clients, the lads who work for me, and architects."

He really enjoys working on creative design with architects and is happy to investigate innovative ways of working. "If an architect says, 'I'm thinking of using this, what do you think?', I'll go off and have a look at it. I enjoy trying out new things. I could make more money building standard houses but I prefer the more unusual stuff, which requires a bit of thought. I get more job satisfaction from it. I like it when people comment on how unusual a new extension is."

Tommy Keane, Pat Keane Construction Ltd, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Tel: 087-2570123 or ajkeane@iol.ie.