Royal Irish Academy Signage

The Royal Irish Academy, housed in Academy House on Dawson Street, Dublin, is a landmark building with architectural roots dating back to 1756. Steeped in neoclassical details, ornate plasterwork, and period features, the Academy serves both as a cultural institution and as a working building for its staff and members.

Designing a wayfinding and signage system here required sensitivity to heritage whilst ensuring clarity for visitors and usability for staff. The goal was to create a dual-layer system: one that serves the public with orientation and accessibility, and another that discreetly supports internal staff navigation.

Design Approach
The signage was designed to sit in harmony with the architecture. The richness of the interiors meant the design needed to be contemporary yet understated, complementing the building rather than competing with it. Brass plaques were introduced for key rooms such as the Council Room and the Gold Room, adding a sense of permanence and formality that reflects the Academy’s heritage.

Elsewhere, wall vinyl was used for orientation and directional information. This lightweight approach allows information to be changed easily without disturbing the historic fabric, ensuring the system remains flexible as the building evolves.

Visitor Experience
For visitors, the priority was clarity and legibility. All signage is in Irish and English. Orientation boards at key junctions guide visitors floor by floor, whilst directional panels point towards important spaces such as the Library, Meeting Rooms, Council Room and toilets. Bespoke icons aid understanding, and information on accessible routes is consistently included.

Accessibility is built into the system, with Braille and tactile signage provided to ensure inclusivity for visitors with visual impairments.

Staff Navigation
Staff needed a parallel system that was more discreet. Vinyl lettering was used for offices and service areas, placed in locations less visible to visitors. This allows the building to function smoothly without distracting from the visitor experience. As room uses change, vinyl signage can be easily updated, supporting day-to-day operations.

The Result
The signage scheme forms part of a broader body of work with the Royal Irish Academy, reinforcing a consistent identity across brand, website and environment. Visitors benefit from a clear, accessible system that enhances rather than competes with the historic setting. Staff have a functional, adaptable layer of support. The project demonstrates how brand, design and heritage can work together to create a cohesive experience across physical and digital spaces.