Written by Swikblog News Desk
Ireland is mourning the loss of architect and television presenter Hugh Wallace, who has died suddenly at the age of 68. The news was confirmed by his husband, Martin Corbett, in a statement shared on social media, describing the loss as “unimaginably painful” and asking for privacy as the family grieves.
Wallace, one of the most recognisable faces on Irish television, was best known as a long-standing judge on Home of the Year, RTÉ’s hit property show that has reshaped how viewers think about Irish homes since 2015. According to reports from RTÉ and other Irish outlets, he died suddenly at home, shocking colleagues and fans across the country.
Architect who brought design into living rooms
Long before television fame, Hugh Wallace was already a respected figure in Irish architecture. He was a founding partner of Douglas Wallace Consultants, working on hotels, retail spaces and private homes around Ireland. His practice was built on the belief that good architecture should create joy, conversation and a sense of belonging in everyday spaces.
That philosophy translated perfectly to the screen. As the only judge to appear in every series of Home of the Year, Wallace became known for his colourful outfits, sharp eye for detail and gentle but honest critiques. He later presented programmes such as The Great House Revival and My Bungalow Bliss, championing restoration, reuse and thoughtful design over quick fixes. Irish public broadcaster RTÉ has led the tributes, praising his passion and ability to “help the nation fall in love with its homes all over again”.
In interviews with outlets like RTÉ Lifestyle , Wallace often spoke about his love of old buildings and the thrill of seeing an unloved property brought back to life. For many viewers, he made architecture feel accessible rather than intimidating.
Open about struggles, generous with hope
Wallace was also unusually open for a television personality about the more difficult parts of his life. He spoke candidly about alcoholism, depression and the decision to stop drinking, saying that moment had changed his life and career trajectory. His willingness to talk about vulnerability sat alongside the warm, upbeat presence audiences recognised on screen.
Friends and colleagues have described him as kind, funny and endlessly enthusiastic, someone who treated contestants with respect regardless of the size or budget of their homes. Social media has been flooded with tributes from fans recalling how his programmes inspired them to renovate, restore or simply look at their own houses differently. Newspapers including the Irish Times have highlighted his impact both on screen and in practice.
A legacy that lives on in Irish homes
Hugh Wallace is survived by his husband, Martin, and by a vast community of friends, colleagues and viewers who felt they knew him. His death leaves a noticeable gap in Irish broadcasting, but the houses he designed, the buildings he saved and the stories he told on television will continue to shape how people think about the spaces they live in.
As repeat episodes of Home of the Year and The Great House Revival inevitably return to screens, they will now also serve as a tribute: a reminder of an architect who believed that every home – no matter how small or modest – deserved imagination, care and, above all, heart.
