ArchitecturalMerger: Two of the Republic's leading architectual firms have merged to form a company with offices in Dublin, Kilkenny Belfast and Cork. Anthony Reddy Associates and O'Riordan Staehli Architects have merged to create a new entity with international links to firms across the EU.

Following the merger, Dublin based Anthony Reddy Associates (ARA) will retain its name while O'Riordan Staehli, Cork, will become Reddy O'Riordan Staehli. The principal of the company, Donogh O'Riordan, will remain as managing director for two years and subsequently will become chairman for three years. Directors Michael Regan and Tom Hegarty become managing directors designate.

The founder of Anthony Reddy Associates, Mr P Anthony Reddy, current president of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), will remain managing director of Anthony Reddy Associates, supported by directors Ronan Smith and Brian O'Neill.

Anthony Reddy Associates employs more than 80 people in Dublin, Kilkenny and Belfast while O'Riordan Staehli employs just under 40 in Cork.

Established in 1982 by Tony Reddy, ARA has achieved international recognition for its work for public and private sector clients, particularly in residential and commercial developments. Its membership of the Aukett Europe Group, with offices in Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Paris and Milan, gives it an international presence.

Donogh O'Riordan founded O'Riordan Staehli in 1972 and since then the firm has built a reputation in the health, education, manufacturing and commercial sectors. "The merger will enhance both offices' ability to branch out into areas where we might not have had significant experience as separate companies", said Mr Reddy. "We look forward to pooling both offices' expertise and sharing our extensive skills, " Mr O'Riordan added.