Sir, – Jack Fitzsimons was described by Frank McDonald as an “amateur architect” (Opinion & Analysis, February 13th). In his lifetime, my father was a member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Faculty of Architects and Surveyors, the Construction Surveyors Institute, the Faculty of Building, the Irish Architects Society and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. As to the substance of the article, Frank McDonald ignores, as he has done on previous occasions, the particular context for the publication of Bungalow Bliss: very poor quality housing stock across rural Ireland and high professional fees, beyond the reach of most, not to mention a looming housing crisis. My father had experienced first hand the degrading and deplorable conditions in which many people had to live. My father always responded to criticisms made of him and his work by Frank McDonald, with a view to engaging in constructive dialogue.

Source: The Irish Times February 16, 2018 00:00 UTC