PRETAX PROFITS at architects Scott Tallon Walker last year dropped by 81 per cent from €7 million to €1.2 million and the company is now looking abroad in an effort to boost turnover.

According to accounts just filed by the Dublin-based co-designer of the Aviva Stadium, revenues fell by 28.5 per cent to €15.5 million in 2009 from €21.7 million a year earlier.

Directors said the performance of the company “has been impacted by the significant decrease in construction activity in Ireland. The company has however performed well in comparison to the general trend in the industry”.

In their report, the directors state the decrease in profitability and activity was in line with their expectations given the downturn in the economy in 2009.

The company is designing the proposed €350 million redevelopment of RTÉ’s Montrose headquarters in Dublin.

Numbers employed by the company last year dropped from 156 to 142 and the directors’ state they feel the company is “well placed to take advantage of opportunities arising in the industry”.

Established in 1928, the practice designs buildings for clients from the public and private sectors in numerous areas: aviation and transport, civic and cultural, communication, education, healthcare, hotel and leisure, industrial, residential and retail.

The filings show that the company paid a dividend last year of €2.3 million following a payout of €3.5 million in 2008. At the end of last year, the company had accumulated profits of €8.3 million.

While revenues decreased by 28.5 per cent last year, net operating expenses fell by only 4.5 per cent to €14.2 million. Staff costs accounted for 68 per cent of operating expenses.

In spite of the drop in revenues and profitability, directors’ emoluments increased by 31 per cent from €2 million to €2.6 million at a time when staff costs, including executive directors, dropped by 11 per cent to €9.75 million.

“Scott Tallon Walker Ltd has secured a number of appointments to universities and hospitals in Ireland which will contribute to turnover in 2010,” said directors.

“In order to boost turnover . . . we are focusing on opportunities abroad by concentrating on the already established UK office and by partnering with established firms in other markets of interest.”