Camille O’Sullivan Wins RIAI Conservation Award for Dublin Home
Singer and actor Camille O’Sullivan has received the 2025 Conservation Award from the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) for the renovation of her Georgian home in Dublin. The four-storey property, which O’Sullivan designed in collaboration with Elizabeth Burns Architects, overlooks the Grand Canal and serves as both a residence and a curated art piece, The Irish Times reported.
Former Architect Adds Whimsical Elements to Historic Home
The residence features high ceilings, lavish cornicing, and stained glass, reflecting a decade of renovation work. O’Sullivan, a former architect, integrated whimsical elements into the historic structure, including a hidden room accessible via a bookshelf on the first-floor landing. This secret space contains cut-outs from The Wizard of Oz and snow-covered pine trees. Other custom details include an old-fashioned bell-pull at the front door and a jukebox in the basement curated by her partner, actor Aidan Gillen.
Career Shift from Architecture to Performance
O’Sullivan’s transition from architecture to the arts followed a serious car crash at age 25. The event prompted her to leave her architectural career to perform cabaret in Dublin coffee houses. She has since become known as an interpretative artist, performing works by Nick Cave, Kirsty MacColl, and David Bowie.
ADHD Diagnosis Explains Lifelong Professional and Social Struggles
O’Sullivan recently received an ADHD diagnosis, which she says explains her lifelong struggles with social anxiety and executive dysfunction. She noted that the condition has impacted her professional life, claiming she lost major film opportunities because she was unable to open emails. In one instance, she stated she could not open an email from musician Gilbert O’Sullivan for six years until her sister intervened.
O’Sullivan Shares Home with Aidan Gillen and Daughter
O’Sullivan purchased the Dublin property in 2015 with Aidan Gillen, who is known for roles in Game of Thrones, The Wire, and Love/Hate. The household includes her 13-year-old daughter, Leila, from a previous relationship with Waterboys founder Mike Scott. O’Sullivan described herself and Gillen as both shy, though she manages her anxiety through constant talking, while he is more defined in his actions.
Camille O’Sullivan Profile
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Professional Background | Former Architect; Singer and Actor |
| Notable Award | 2025 RIAI Conservation Award |
| Collaborator | Elizabeth Burns Architects |
| Partner | Aidan Gillen |
Common Questions About Camille O’Sullivan’s Home and Career
Why did Camille O’Sullivan leave architecture?
O’Sullivan shifted her career path after a serious car accident occurred when she was 25 years old, leading her to pursue singing in Dublin.
What specific award did her home win?
The property won the 2025 Conservation Award at the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Awards.
How has ADHD affected her professional work?
O’Sullivan reported that her ADHD caused significant difficulties with tasks like opening emails, which resulted in the loss of roles in major films.
“I’m fighting against myself to be more reserved, and then I go: don’t let that part of your spirit go.”
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