Karen Hawkshaw

Senior Architect, Planning & Building Unit

An Roinn Oideachais | Department of Education

Biography

Architect with over 20 years experience in the public and private sector. As a Senior Architect in the Department of Education, Karen is responsible for Special Education Design Guidance and assisting in the delivery of new and extended Special Schools, Primary, Post Primary Schools and integrated SEN facilities delivered under the National Development Plan. Over her career in the Planning and Building Unit, she has designed and delivered numerous schools of varying scale and complexity, including Saint Patrick’s School in Enniscorthy completed in 2021, 5500m2 purpose designed exemplar Special School developed as a research project in the Department and a reference for new special school projects. She has developed her expertise in educational buildings through experience, research and a commitment to creating inclusive, sustainable and effective learning environments that support the needs of educators, students and communities now and into the future.