Our Business Lives: Kruger and Lyons

Barry Lyons and Leon Kruger, founders of Kruger Lyons Architecture, share their life and business lessons.

Founded in 2017, Kruger Lyons Architecture is a boutique architectural practice set up by Barry Lyons and Leon Kruger.

With more than 60 years of experience between them, Barry and Leon have created a firm that stands out for its hands-on approach and a commitment to delivering innovative, client-focused solutions. Their diverse backgrounds, which spans continents, industries and projects, have shaped a practice that blends technical precision with creative vision.

In this candid interview, Barry and Leon share their journey, from navigating economic recessions to embracing digital transformation, and offer valuable lessons for aspiring architects and business owners alike.

Tell us about your backgrounds. What journey did you each take to arrive at where you are today?

Barry: I started my journey in Cork RTC, now Munster Technical University, back in 1988, where I qualified with a diploma in architectural technology. My career has been a bit of a patchwork of experience. I first worked with John Thompson and Partners and then Monaghan County Council, and eventually after working in several other practices, including A+D Wejchert, Cantrell Crowley and Dalton + O’Donnell, I started my own practice in 2009 after the crash. It was tough, but it was also the push I needed to go out on my own. By 2017, I was ready to expand, and Leon and I joined forces to create Kruger Lyons.

Leon: My path started in South Africa. I qualified at the University of Pretoria in 1989 and worked in a small town called Swakopmund in Namibia for a few years. It was a great experience, but the town felt too small, so I moved back to Pretoria for a while. In 2001, I relocated to Ireland and worked with Tom Kelly Architects, where we worked on projects like the Grand Canal Hotel. Later, I joined Dalton O’Donnell, which is where Barry and I first met. After a stint running my own firm, Origin Architects, back in South Africa, I decided to return to Ireland. That’s when Barry and I reconnected, and we started Kruger Lyons in 2017.

Why did you decide to set up Kruger Lyons, and what sets your firm apart?

Leon: We both bring very different yet complementary skills to the table. Barry’s expertise in architectural technology and my background in design mean we can handle everything from the conceptual to the technical. What really sets us apart, though, is that we’re completely hands-on. When you work with us, you work directly with us. There are no intermediaries. Clients get all our experience and attention.

Barry: I’d add that our experience covers so much ground. Between the two of us, we’ve pretty much seen it all over the last 30 years. Our combined expertise allows us to handle a wide range of projects, and that’s something clients appreciate.

How did you fund and start the business? What are your growth plans?

Barry: When I started my own practice in 2009, I had almost no funds. I was let go during the crash, and my redundancy was close to zero. I started from my attic with nothing but determination. By the time Leon and I partnered, I had built up enough to reinvest in the new venture.

Leon: I sold my business in South Africa before returning to Ireland, so I was able to contribute my share of funding. Between the two of us, we had the resources to get Kruger Lyons off the ground. Our growth plans now focus on attracting high-quality clients and projects. We don’t just want to take on more work. We want work that excites us and challenges us creatively.

Who or what has helped you most along the way? Do you have any mentors or sources of inspiration?

Barry: I wouldn’t say there’s one specific mentor, but everyone we’ve worked with over the years has contributed something. Word of mouth has also been huge for us. Most of our projects have come through recommendations. From my first house extension in 2009 to larger projects like Dunnes Stores, it’s all grown organically from people recommending us to others.

Leon: I’d agree. We’ve picked up insights from so many different people along the way, from colleagues to other architects. The RIAI Conference always leaves me feeling inspired and energised, but it’s not just one person or moment. It’s the accumulation of many small lessons.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?

Leon: For me, it’s about treating people well. Whether things are going well or badly, you need to look after the people you work with; your team and your clients.

Barry: Mine would be about valuing your time. Don’t work for free. Doing a favour is fine, but if you discount your fees too much, that becomes your baseline, and people will expect it every time. Your time has value, and you need to set that expectation.

What’s the difference between success and failure in business, in your opinion?

Leon: It starts with delivering exceptional service to your clients. But beyond that, it’s about being able to look inward and make changes when necessary. Recently, we restructured the business to position ourselves for growth. You have to recognise when things need to evolve.

Barry: I’d say decisiveness is critical. Once you’ve decided on a course of action, you have to commit to it. Indecision can be as damaging as making the wrong decision.

What was the most challenging aspect of starting the business, and what’s been the biggest challenge in growing it?

Barry: Starting the business was straightforward because we both had some experience and clients to build from. Growing it is harder. Finding new clients and the right kind of projects is a constant challenge. Architecture isn’t a repeat-business industry; you often need a new client for every project.

Leon: I’d add that staying current with technology is also a challenge. Clients expect faster, higher-quality results, and having the right tools makes a big difference. Starting out, we were fortunate to have the resources to set up properly, but growth requires continuous investment in technology and skills.

How did you navigate your business through the pandemic, and what lessons did you learn?

Leon: We transitioned to working from home fairly easily since our work is computer-based. Most of our projects were in the design or documentation stage, which allowed us to keep going. If more projects had been on-site, it would have been much tougher.

Barry: The biggest lesson was how critical collaboration is in our field. Architecture is very interactive. You need to sit together, mark up drawings and discuss ideas. Remote working doesn’t fully replace that, especially for junior staff who need more supervision.

How has digital transformation influenced your work? Do you think Irish firms are adopting it effectively?

Leon: Digital tools like BIM have been game-changers for collaboration and design. We use them extensively, but I think Ireland is still catching up in some areas. There’s a lack of integration across systems, and that’s something the industry needs to improve.

Barry: Technology has also democratised a lot of things. We can now produce 3D models, CGI images and walkthroughs in-house, which used to require outsourcing. It makes design more accessible to clients, especially those who struggle with understanding 2D drawings.

If you had to start over, what would you do differently?

Barry: I might have started my practice earlier, but honestly, I needed the push of the crash to take the leap. You don’t realise what you’re capable of until you’re forced to try.

Leon: I’d probably spend a few years at a big practice early on to learn how they operate. But overall, I’m happy with the path I took.

What advice would you give to young professionals starting out in architecture?

Leon: Figure out what kind of architect you want to be early on. There are so many niches in this field, and focusing on one can help shape your career.

Barry: Don’t be afraid to reach out for help or advice. That initial fear of making a call or asking a question is something everyone deals with, but getting over it makes all the difference.

Who inspires you in business today?

Barry: I find the Collison brothers impressive. They identified a gap in the market and built something incredible with Stripe. That kind of vision and execution is inspiring.

Leon: I don’t have a specific person, but I’m constantly inspired by innovation across industries. Seeing how others solve problems motivates me.

What business books would you recommend?

Leon: Good to Great by James Collins is a fantastic book. I also enjoy anything around the idea of mastering your craft, like Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000-hour principle.

Barry: I don’t read many business books, but I’ve enjoyed Michael Lewis’s books, like The Big Short. They’re more about learning from failures than successes.

What tools or systems do you use to stay organised?

Leon: We use a software package called Fresh to track time and fees on projects. It helps us ensure we’re pricing jobs accurately and not overextending on time.

Barry: We also rely on old-school methods; spreadsheets, whiteboards and regular Monday morning meetings to plan the week ahead. Communication and collaboration are key.

What advice would you give your 21-year-old selves?

Barry: Stop worrying about what people think. They’re not thinking about you as much as you think they are. Just be brave and go for it.

Leon: Take on the world. No one is going to hand you opportunities. You have to create them yourself. The sooner you realise that, the better.

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