Amy Murphy wins Overall Leader Award and Excellence in Senior Leadership at Women in Construction Awards 2026

Recognised for outstanding design leadership and professional influence last year, Amy Murphy of Henry J Lyons claimed the Overall Leader Award and Excellence in Senior Leadership – Architecture & Design at the Women in Construction Awards 2026, establishing a benchmark for design-led leadership as the sector advances toward 2027.

Amy Murphy's career progression to Design Director reflects consistent delivery of high-quality design within commercial constraints on some of Dublin's most significant commercial developments. Her leadership extends beyond individual project excellence to encompass mentorship, culture-building, and broader industry contribution. This multifaceted approach, balancing design innovation with business realities whilst fostering talent and advancing the profession, defines her exceptional standing within architecture and design practice.

Her submission demonstrated considerable influence across multiple spheres: on project teams through design direction and collaborative problem-solving, on clients through delivering solutions that balance aesthetic vision with functional performance, and on the wider profession through contributions including involvement with the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. This breadth of impact reflects leadership that transcends project delivery to shape organisational culture and professional standards.

Judges highlighted Murphy's distinctive leadership qualities. "Our judges recognised Amy Murphy for her outstanding leadership and impact in architecture and design," the panel said. "Her career progression to Design Director reflects consistent excellence, delivering high-quality design within commercial constraints on some of Dublin's most significant commercial developments. The submission clearly demonstrated her influence on colleagues, clients, and the wider profession, with strong evidence of leadership across projects and industry contributions, including her work with the RIAI. Beyond project delivery, Amy's mentorship and commitment to fostering practice culture set her apart as a leader in every sense. Her ability to drive innovation and design quality, while balancing business needs, makes her a truly exceptional figure in the field."

This dual award recognition underscores the Women in Construction Awards' commitment to acknowledging leaders who advance the sector through excellence, mentorship, and professional contribution. Murphy's achievement illustrates how design-led thinking, collaborative leadership, and organisational culture-building create lasting impact across projects, practices, and the profession.

For the full list of winners and category details, visit the official Women in Construction Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for exclusive insights and coverage from Ireland's construction sector.