Thomas Joseph Cullen was born in Dublin, Ireland on 9 December 1879*. He articled john Leslie O'Hanlon (c.1824-1904) in Dublin in c.1901 and, following O'Hanlon's death, transferred his articles to George Coppinger Ashlin (1837-1921) of Ashlin & Coleman in Dublin. He also attended the Metropolitan School of Art in Dublin during these years. He completed his articles in January 1907 and established his own architectural practice in Dublin the following year. He was architect to the Dioceses of Galway, Kimacduagh and Kilfenora and architect in charge of the reconstruction of Cork.
Cullen was a Member of the Society of Architects (MSA) and was admitted a Licentiate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (LRIBA) in 1925. He was also elected a member of the Architectural Association of Ireland (AAI) in 1901 and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) in 1908. By 1926 he had been elected a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland (FRIAI). Throughout his career as an architect the address of his practice was 25, Suffolk Street, Dublin. He died in Dublin on 22 January 1947
* Note: Cullen's year of birth is given as 1881 in Who's Who in Architecture 1923, however, Ireland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1620-1911 gives it as 1879 as does the Dictionary of Irish Architects 1720-1940
The Loreto College, North Georges Street, Dublin; the Loreto Abbey, Dalkey; Father Griffin Memorial, Galway; chapel at Rochfort Bridge, Westmeath; "The Freeman's Journal printing works, Dublin; Emerald Buildings, Abbey Street, Dublin; 1, Eden Quay, Dublin; the All-Ireland Cripples' Home, Westmeath; the Parish Church, Tobar, Westmeath; the National Land Bank, College Green, Dublin; Kinnarra Parish Church, Galway; Miltown Church, Westmeath; Gallen Priory, King's County; additions to the Loreto Abbey, Rathfarnham; Empor Church, Westmeath; the Botanic House, Dublin, etc. [Source: Who's Who in Architecture 1923]
For a detailed list of architectural projects by Thomas Joseph Cullen from 1911 to 1946 see the Dictionary of Irish Architects 1770-1940
Who's Who in Architecture 1923. edited by Frederick Chatterton. London: Architectural Press, 1923