Jack Fitzsimons (26 April 1930 – 4 November 2014) was an Irish chartered architect and surveyor based in Kells, County Meath.

[2] His contributions to debates such as the amendments to the National Monuments Bill[3] highlighted a well informed approach to heritage that was both practical and principled.

[5] He subsequently ran as an independent candidate for the 1994 European Parliament elections for the Leinster constituency, getting 6,752 votes (2.6%) based on a manifesto which included a strong anti-hunting and anti-hare coursing policy.

[6] He continued as activist against aspects of planning including the approach of Meath County Council to regulation of septic tanks.

There was a strong social context to this publication as at the time, architects' fees were high and the book was intended to make affordable designs available at a low cost.