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WELL KNOWN TO viewers of RTÉ’s Heat My Home, Kieran McCarthy graduated from UCC as a Civil Engineer in 1996 going on to establish KMC in 2003. Here, he speaks to Ruth O’Connor about coming from a long line of engineers, architects and builders; establishing his own business and his TV appearances.
What inspired you to start your business? Tell us more about yourself.
I have always loved construction. I come from a family of architects, engineers and builders and even my own father was a quarry manager in Cork. It was nearly inevitable I would go into engineering but I later decided to specialise more in project management and building. I was never happy with the customer service end of construction where clients often ended up having to manage a lot of their projects themselves with great uncertainties in terms of quality, timelines and budgets. I found this frustrating so I set up my design and build company, KMC Homes where we look after all aspects of bespoke luxury new home building including design, planning permission, building and of course project management.
What have you learned so far in business?
For me the greatest lesson was choosing the right people. From hiring our own direct team, our subcontractors and suppliers, our consultants and indeed choosing the clients we work with. This is a team sport and every member is key to the success of the project and our company.
What has been the most challenging time for you in business?
Like most companies it was during the recession. There a were many years where we had to struggle through with little money and a fledgling team. Some of the people we were working with really weren’t working out and it was a tough journey. My children were very young and my wife lost her father unexpectedly around this time so it was a tough few years.
What sets your service apart from others in the Irish market?
We offer a full design and build service and we specialise solely in the new build luxury home market. This sets us apart from most builders in that we offer a full end to end service including design by an architect, planning permission, engineering and building. This allows us to design your new house to your budget, get planning permission for you then build your new home for a fixed price and guaranteed end date. It takes all the risk and stress out of the process, particularly for clients who are too busy with careers or home life and want one professional company to look after everything. Most builders only specialise in general building and design is by a separate architect or engineer.
How has the Irish consumer responded to what you do?
We are over 20 years in business and we strive to offer an excellent professional service. We get a lot of word of mouth referrals so I guess that speaks for itself.
How to you manage to combine your own work with your TV and Media work?
This is undoubtedly due to my great support team both at work and at home.
Describe your workspace.
I have several! My tiny home office, my living room, my car, a building site or our company office.
Describe a typical working day.
I get up and have a quick coffee. Walk our new puppy, Enzo. Work from home for a couple of hours, have a quick late breakfast, drive to Cork for a series of meetings, hit the swimming pool on the way home. Then a half hour planning the next day after dinner.
How important is collaboration to what you do?
Everything I do involves a team. Whether its at work with KMC Homes or on TV with AV3/ Cameo Productions. The only solo work I do is surfing.
If you weren’t doing this what would you be doing?
I always wanted to be a pilot as a child so I’d probably revisit that idea.
What has been your proudest moment or favourite project so far?
The proudest moments are the milestones of my two teenagers. I guess my proudest moments at work are ten year milestones which we now celebrate with my father and my son who have both worked with us.
What’s next for you and your work?
I’ve been enjoying the airing of my new TV show, Heat My Home on RTÉ 1 and on the RTÉ Player. Beyond that, we are building some amazing new homes at the moment and preparing to start another flagship project in Cork so I don’t have any real time to sit back or reflect too much just yet.
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Planning to upgrade your home’s efficiency in 2026? Watch Heat My Home on RTÉ 1 on Tuesday nights at 8:30pm or catch up on RTÉ Player.
Contact KMC Homes at kmchomes.ie.
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