Sandham Symes was an Irish architect and painter who was born in 1793 in Dublin, Ireland. He was known for his work as a draughtsman and for his contributions to the architectural landscape in Ireland during the early 19th century. Symes was a contemporary of other notable Irish architects of the time, such as Francis Johnston and James Gandon, and he worked during a period when neoclassical architecture was prominent.
Symes began his career apprenticing under his father, Thomas Symes, who was also an architect. This early exposure to the field of architecture greatly influenced his future endeavors. Throughout his career, Sandham Symes was involved in various significant projects. One of his most notable contributions was his involvement in the updating and improvement of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, which is now the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
Aside from his architectural work, Symes was also a talented painter, although his artistic works are less well-known than his architectural contributions. His paintings often depicted landscapes and architectural subjects, reflecting his professional interests and expertise in the architectural field.
Symes' career was cut short by his untimely death in 1842. His exact contributions to specific buildings and projects are not well-documented, which is often the case with architects working during this period, especially those who did not achieve widespread fame. Despite this, Symes' work remains a part of the fabric of Ireland's architectural history. His legacy lives on in the structures that he helped to design and influence, which continue to be appreciated for their historical and aesthetic value.