Mr Wallace died suddenly on Monday at the age of 68. The well-known architect was the long-time judge of RTÉ’s Home of the Year, and was the only judge to appear on every series of the show since it first aired in 2015.
A funeral service for him will be held on Friday, December 5 from 11am in St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. He was predeceased by his parents Susan and Ken
“Wonderful, adored husband and soul-mate of Martin. Loved and remembered always by his family, cherished and valued friends, colleagues and all who knew him,” a notice on RIP.ie reads.
Award-winning architect Hugh Wallace.
Today’s News in 90 – Wednesday, December 3
A statement was released by Mr Wallace’s representatives and on behalf of his family following the news of his death on Monday.
“It is with deep sadness and shock that we announce our beloved friend and client, architect, Hugh Wallace, RIAI passed away suddenly at home last night,” it read.
“Hugh was a director and co-founder of architecture firm, Douglas Wallace Consultants and was widely known and admired for his work as the presenter of RTÉ’s The Great House Revival and as a judge on Home of the Year. His passion, creativity and warmth touched colleagues, audiences, and his many, many friends across the country.
“Hugh’s husband, Martin Corbett has called for privacy at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Martin and Hugh’s family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Tributes were paid to Mr Wallace on Monday, including by Taoiseach Micheál Martin who said his advocacy for good architecture and “wonderful communication skills” performed “a wonderful public service”.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said: “I’m really saddened to hear of the passing of Hugh Wallace.
“He was character larger than life with a booming voice who made such an important contribution to Irish life by providing entertaining programmes but also in teaching us the importance of restoration and architecture.”
In a post on Instagram, broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan described Mr Wallace as a “truly beautiful, super talented, great fun and incredibly kind man”.
“Thinking of his beloved husband Martin at this terribly sad time. Codladh sámh Hugh.”
Larry Bass, the CEO of production company Shinawil said Mr Wallace was “a natural on television” and a “star”, who had huge empathy and possessed the ability to critique design “in the most friendly way.”
