"During my time in London I have benefited from opportunities to meet and socialise with fellow alumni as a member of QUAL, an established network that has maintained a long-standing association with the University. It is a privilege to be recognised as part of the Queen’s Leaders 18-45 initiative."

Dónal Mc Mullan is a chartered architect whose portfolio of work draws upon formative lessons at Queen’s that helped shape his design philosophy and professional outlook. 

"Studying architecture at Queen’s was a challenging and rewarding experience that broadened my horizons and played a pivotal role in my early career path. The course enabled me to develop a range of transferrable skills, combining creative, technical and theoretical aspects of design with a holistic approach to sustainability and sensitive response to context. Field trips, workshops, collective dialogue and interaction with practitioners across related disciplines promoted exploration, craft and innovation as part of a supportive studio culture.” 

In his placement year, Dónal observed the restoration of a listed church building near his hometown of Omagh and travelled to Zambia to volunteer on community housing and education projects in Kitwe. The following summer, he collaborated with a team of art directors on set designs for a Universal Pictures feature film production in Belfast.  

Dónal moved to London in the spring of 2015, joining Squire & Partners where he contributed to substantial mixed-use and prime residential schemes in Westminster including The Broadway and One Palace Street. 

"After graduation, I enrolled on the professional practice programme at Queens, whilst attaining the requisite experience in London. Returning to complete my qualifications in Belfast provided a welcome opportunity to reconnect with peers, share insights to a variety of industry sectors and reflect on future endeavours."  

As a student, Dónal proudly represented Queen’s Hurling Club. Today, he remains true to his roots, pursuing interests in sport and music, having recently served on QUAL Council. 

"Throughout my time in London, QUAL presented opportunities to meet and socialise with fellow alumni as part of an established network that has maintained a long-standing association with the University. It is a privilege to be recognised as part of the Queen’s Leaders 18-45 initiative."  

In his previous role at Eric Parry Architects, Dónal was involved in the delivery of landmark civic and commercial projects, such as The Salisbury Square Development which forms a new justice quarter in the heart of London’s historic Square Mile.  

Upon his return to Belfast in October 2025, Dónal joined Ostick + Williams as a project architect. Here his initial focus has been on Momentum One Zero; a Queen’s University led cross-disciplinary digital innovation hub currently under construction in Titanic Quarter.