Dermot Bannon's trip to Cork: 'I just fell in love with the lads in Ballinadee. They are amazing'

For his new renovation TV series, architect Dermot Bannon has ‘downsized’ from ‘Room to Improve’ to tiny spaces and DIY projects

Dermot Bannon: “I’d stop at this van in Innishannon on every trip, and I’d blab to her about where I was going and what I was doing and I’m surprised, really, that it didn’t get around quicker.”

The way to disarm architect Dermot Bannon is to tease him. So, I point out that the star of his new, two-part series, Dermot Bannon’s Super Small Spaces, is his footwear, which is front and centre in the opening scenes.

“Are you talking about the white runners?” he asks, sharply. I know I am on to something here. “Yes, Dermot. The white runners. The ‘cool’ trainers.” He starts talking rapidly. “The producer said, ‘Would you casual it up a bit, and get a pair of white runners’.” Oh, I see, it’s ‘the producer’s’ fault.