Our Timeline
GEM Joinery was established by Brian Loughran and Pat Fay to serve the internal joinery needs of its parent construction company. Operating from a purpose-built 10,000sq ft factory, the company quickly gained recognition for its high-quality bespoke joinery work.
Marking a significant step, GEM Joinery took on its first external project—delivering the internal joinery for Sligo Hospital. This expansion demonstrated the company’s growing expertise and reputation beyond its original scope.
Following the Stardust tragedy in 1981, which heightened national awareness of fire safety, GEM Joinery responded by expanding its operations. In 1983, the company constructed an advanced 18,000sq ft facility dedicated to the production of certified fire-rated doors. This move aligned GEM with the highest standards in safety and regulatory compliance.
GEM Joinery secured its first major high-profile job: the internal joinery works for the government buildings in Dublin. This landmark project marked the company’s entry into prestigious, large-scale contracts and cemented its reputation as a trusted industry leader.
GEM Joinery was appointed to deliver key joinery elements for the restoration and redevelopment of Collins Barracks into the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History. This prestigious project combined heritage sensitivity with technical precision, reinforcing GEM’s capabilities in complex, historically significant works. It marked a turning point in the company’s involvement in cultural and public-sector developments.
GEM Joinery completed its first major external joinery project at SAP Ireland, expanding its expertise beyond interiors. This successful delivery marked the beginning of a long line of high-quality external works and demonstrated the company’s versatility and craftsmanship on all fronts.
GEM Joinery undertook its inaugural international project with the LSE Saw Swee Hock Student Centre in London. This venture marked the company’s debut outside Ireland, showcasing its ability to deliver on prestigious, high‑profile contracts beyond national borders. The project received significant acclaim and was awarded multiple honours, including the RIBA London Building of the Year Award and the RIBA National Award in 2014, and was the Supreme Winner at the 2014 Brick Awards. It was also shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize and received the Roeam & Triennial Gold Medal shortlist recognition. These accolades underscore the exceptional quality and impact of GEM Joinery’s craftsmanship on an international stage.
GEM Joinery delivered a standout joinery package for Facebook’s London offices, marking another milestone in its UK portfolio. Working with one of the world’s most recognisable brands, this project reinforced GEM Joinery’s versatility and ability to meet the demanding standards of high-end corporate fitouts. The successful completion further established the company’s reputation as a trusted partner for complex, design-led commercial interiors.
GEM Joinery supplied bespoke joinery for the Ninety 90 development in New York, marking its first project in the United States. Though supply-only, the job showcased the company’s ability to deliver premium-quality craftsmanship internationally. This milestone highlighted GEM’s growing global reach and its commitment to maintaining exceptional standards, regardless of location.
