Testimonials

“Mary Kerrigan is an architect with a wide range of experience who has achieved remarkable things. Her formative years in a celebrated Irish practice led to a remarkable community initiative in Derry where the broadest possible skills of an architect were needed to help deliver what many considered simply impossible.

Mary has a tenacity in problem solving which is matched by an ability to form a strategic overview of a particular position, task or environment.

These skills facilitate a solution framework - a road map for change and success.”

Brendan Kilpatrick

Senior Partner, PRP Architects,

London

“I have known Mary since she did the SPAB Scholarship in 1992. She and her [three] colleagues worked very hard with me for a week repairing and consolidating fragile structural brickwork on a fine house of c1700 in Worcestershire.  She kept a beautifully illustrated and written Scholar's Notebook.

In October 2013 I happened to tune in to Radio 3's Free Thinking programme coming from Derry: 'Derry~Londonderry's Cultural History'.  

I have just listened to the programme again. Mary was impressive as a speaker, seeing ways forward for the city. Three times during the programme she was spontaneously applauded. Her heart being right behind what she says is very compelling.

She has so much to give and she's gifted with the ability of communicating her ideas and passions.”

Rory Young

Artist, Sculptor, Stone Carver; Conservator; Building Limes Expert
Esher Prize Awardee 2022 from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, London

“With Mary Kerrigan's facilitation, I am able to be both authentic and vulnerable. She creates a space for dialogue, discernment and deliberation that is psychologically safe.”

Deborah L. Macon
Governance Consultant
Michigan, USA

“For most of the past year I joined Mary in a small secure circle of like-minded creative people, whom she drew together from across the globe.

Each fortnight she chose her starter material with thought and care in order to foster in us collaborative creativity.

We all brought to the circle something of our own life and work, and in turn took from it the best of what others had to offer.

Mary’s role in this whole process was pivotal and we are indebted to her.”

Liam Burns
Teacher of English as a foreign language
Ireland

“Mary designed and structured bi-monthly conversations to talk about building a new future while the world experienced a lockdown during the pandemic.

She brought together a diverse group of people and engaged everyone in inspiring thought provoking conversations.

She is a natural leader who brings out the best in people.

It was a fascinating journey and a pleasure to be part of this group and to participate in it.

I came to realize many possibilities and a transformation within myself and the group.

I am grateful to have taken part and feel I have gained knowledge, insight and inspiration to participate in projects that create better environments for our communities.

This change was made possible through the careful and well planned structure of the meetings though Mary's presence and design.

I have much admiration and respect for Mary as a person and a professional and am confident that she will be brilliant in whatever project in which she invests her time and energy.”

Mojdeh Memarzadeh. Architect
Design Cycles
Los Angeles, USA

“Mary can put humpty together again!

She facilitated two phenomenal sessions that allowed our group to process through challenging group dynamics and set our intentions for future success.

Her warmth and kindness created a space where each of us could truly listen to and be heard by everyone.

She skillfully listened and reflected back what we were saying in a way that allowed us to connect to each other and the purpose of why we were there.

Mary should be at the top of your list for any group facilitation needs!”

 Derby Sale
Youth Development Program Co-ordinator
USA

“When I saw that there was an opportunity to network and learn from other women in the construction industry, I jumped at the chance.

Mary's delivery was seamless and I thoroughly enjoyed our discussions, both of which were thought provoking, well after the session!

I look forward to more collaborations, world-wide and building my leadership skills with her masterclass. I would highly recommend joining her cohort, see you all there! 😊”

Dee Smith
Construction Worker, UK

“Mary's passion and respect for both the built environment and the communities that inhabit it shine through in every project she undertakes.

Her acknowledgment that it is from working together that the best outcomes are manifest, is a central pillar of her approach to both her practice, and her transformational leadership roles.

I was delighted to be able to attend her inspirational talk as part of a SPAB Ireland series, and look forward to meeting her along the road in the future.”

Ellen Cranitch
Director, Galway Jazz Festival
Galway, Ireland

“I sought Mary out as a coach, because I was excited by her record in building community and facilitating positive change.

I found her approach to supporting transformational leadership refreshing and exciting - it opened up fresh insights, and allowed others to be land more fully.

Mary's invitation to consider what possibility I stand for, and how I can meaningfully enable those, were initially challenging to sit with, but definitely rewarding.

I have a new appreciation of transformational leadership as leadership that enables something to happen that wouldn't otherwise have, and a deeper appreciation of how I can offer that type of leadership.”

Patricia Higgins
Ceremonies that Connect
Ireland

“Mary is a unique and expertly brilliant individual and I have been lucky to have spent time learning with her and sharing in the vision of creating a new future for change, for the chance to bring positivity and like mindedness amongst diverse individuals all with a common sense of purpose, in a non-judgemental way.

Mary has a motivating, high energy, challenging and outstandingly engaging manner.

I would strongly and highly recommend Mary and if you are looking, or perhaps not yet seen the need to, bring change to any aspect of your work and home life then look no further.”

Jamie Bomber
Business Development Manager at Armacell
UK

“I participated in Mary Kerrigan's conversation series. I met some great new people and we talked about quite a few issues -- government, life, personal, the human condition -- everything was on the table.

The underlying message was a question: What would we, as individuals, do to make the world a better place?

It's a challenging question because it's easy to feel powerless in a complicated and overwhelming world.

This "let's pause for a moment and talk about things" effort was uniquely made possible by Mary Kerrigan, who just has a certain "aura" about her.

Everywhere she goes, people want to be part of Mary's magic. The first time I met her, it was clear she has a higher purpose -- to connect people in a deep and thoughtful way.

As I've gotten to know Mary better over the years, my admiration for her rare talent has grown enormously. If she invites you to a meeting, go!”

Jeffrey Hall
Editor & CEO at The Latest.com
Los Angeles