Hugh Wallace — thank you for the laughter, lessons, and love

TV producer Larry Bass pays tribute: 'His legacy is enormous, in the buildings he designed, the people he inspired, and the warmth he brought into Irish living rooms week after week'

Architect and broadcaster Hugh Wallace who died earlier this week. Picture: Tom Honan

Hugh Wallace’s sudden passing on Monday has left all of us at Shinawil heartbroken.

Beyond the immense talent he brought to every project, Hugh was a dear friend to all who worked with him, a guiding voice and one of the most genuine people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. His kindness, humour, and deep humanity touched everyone who met him, both on and off camera.

Hugh came to television later in life, but he took to it, as if it had always been part of his story and life. 

It was our series producer, Debbie Thornton who first spotted that spark and cast him in the very first series of Home of the Year, Debbie saw in Hugh what we all came to love — the warmth, the colour, and the sparkle. 

Hugh Wallace with Kieran Cotter, whose renovation project in Knocknagoshel, Co Kerry, featured in Series 5 of 'The Great House Revival'. Picture: Miki Barlok

Their professional relationship flourished into a great creative partnership, one that continued when she later went on to run Animo Television and worked with Hugh on  The Great House Revival, creating television that captured hope, imagination and the power of a home to transform lives.

From the very beginning, Hugh brought empathy and authenticity to every frame. He had a remarkable way of putting homeowners at ease, listening to their dreams and offering advice that came straight from the heart and a place of huge experience. 

He wasn’t just assessing architecture, he was connecting with people, their stories and the emotions bound up in their homes. That sincerity shone through, making him a natural presence in front of the camera and a comfort to viewers across Ireland.

Hugh Wallace at his studio in Dublin 8 in 2020. See links at foot of this article for stories about just a few of his programmes that we loved — plus a tribute from Irish Examiner Weekend Home Editor, Eve Kelliher. Picture: Moya Nolan

Hugh's love of design was infectious. He could spot potential in the most ordinary spaces and describe it with such enthusiasm that you could already see it come to life in your imagination. He believed that good design wasn’t about expense or perfection, it was about joy, personality and care. 

Every episode he graced on Home of The Year, he brought positivity and warmth and behind the scenes, his laughter lifted the entire crew. Filming with Hugh never felt like hard work, it felt like spending time with a friend.

The Irish public also took Hugh to their hearts and saw in him what we saw every day, a man with charisma, compassion, and a genuine love for people. When travelling all over the country with Home of the Year, Hugh would often head off on his own to pop into the local coffee shop seeking out treats and looking to meet people. 

He could not wait to talk to people and would leave them happier than when he found them, calling out, “be good!” as he was chased back to set.

Celebrating Hugh's life

As we remember Hugh, we celebrate a life lived with colour, creativity, and care.  Hugh had his struggles like all of us, but he didn't become them; he helped many people by shining a light into his dark places, me included. 

His legacy is enormous, in the buildings he designed, the people he inspired, and the warmth he brought into Irish living rooms week after week. 

'RTÉ Home of the Year' and 'The Great House Revival' presenter Hugh Wallace. Picture: Andres Poveda

On behalf of all of us at Shinawil and from me personally, thank you Hugh for the laughter, the lessons, and the love. It was an honour to share part of your journey.

Finally, it is at this time we think of Hugh’s soulmate and husband, Martin, who is in all our hearts and thoughts.

• Larry Bass is founder and CEO of Shinawil, which produces Home of the Year.