David Walshe is Director of Innovation and Development and a founding Partner of IN2 Engineering, having co-founded the practice in 2002. With over 30 years’ experience, he has contributed to more than 1,000 projects and is widely recognised for his expertise in conceptual design and advanced building simulation.
David is a leading figure in low-energy and performance-led design, with specialist expertise in dynamic simulation modelling (DSM), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and daylight and sunlight analysis. His work focuses on delivering buildings that are energy efficient, comfortable and responsive to their environment, with particular emphasis on passive design, natural ventilation and the integration of renewable technologies.
His interest in building simulation began early in his career, contributing to one of Ireland’s first energy and comfort models for The Green Building in Temple Bar in 1993. He went on to work with leading consultancies including Roger Preston & Partners, Battle McCarthy and Homan O’Brien Associates, where he developed expertise on landmark international projects such as the Commerzbank Headquarters in Frankfurt and Potsdamer Platz in Berlin. At Battle McCarthy, he also led simulation work on Peckham Library, which later received the RIBA Stirling Prize.
Since co-founding IN2, David has played a central role in embedding building physics and simulation-led design within the practice. He has led the development of performance modelling in planning, including daylight, sunlight and wind assessments, and has pioneered IN2’s decarbonisation approach through the use of calibrated “digital twin” energy models to accurately assess and deliver carbon reduction strategies.
His project experience spans a wide range of sectors, including commercial, residential, healthcare and aviation, with notable projects including the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, Trinity Business School, SAP Galway, Knock Basilica and Airfield Estate. Across these projects, David has consistently focused on aligning engineering performance with architectural intent.
Alongside his technical leadership, David is deeply committed to developing engineering capability within IN2. He oversees Continuous Professional Development and leads the IN2 Academy, supporting engineers at all stages of their careers in applying technical knowledge in a practical, project-focused way. He was instrumental in IN2 achieving Engineers Ireland CPD Accreditation in 2007, which the company continues to maintain.
David holds a first-class honours degree in Building Services Engineering, conferred by Trinity College Dublin, and is a Chartered Engineer with Engineers Ireland. He has contributed to industry knowledge through published work, including a design guide on wind towers, and regularly lectures at TU Dublin and UCD, as well as presenting at industry events.