About Kildare Construction
Before Nova Scotia
Built on experience. Grounded in trust. Focused on performance.
Kildare Construction was established in 2015 by journeyman carpenter Mick Doran. Originally from County Kildare, Ireland, Mick moved to Nova Scotia in 2009 during a global economic downturn, bringing with him two decades of experience in carpentry, joinery, and residential construction.
After several years working in Nova Scotia’s residential building industry, Mick saw an opportunity to build something of his own—rooted in quality, trust, and a full-service approach to general contracting. What started with a pickup truck and a tight crew of carpenters has since grown into a well-respected company serving clients across Halifax and Nova Scotia’s South Shore.
Today, Kildare Construction focuses on high-performance, energy-efficient, and multi-unit residential projects. We work with homeowners, architects, designers, and developers to deliver detailed, professionally managed builds from excavation to final finish.
Mick’s passion for building started early. He grew up on a working stud farm in County Kildare—well known for its thoroughbred racing and the historic Curragh Racecourse. At a young age, he found himself drawn to the workshop of a neighbouring carpenter, and that interest quickly became a career path.
He formally trained in both carpentry and joinery starting in 2000, completing his apprenticeship and receiving journeyman credentials through FÁS (now SOLAS), Ireland’s national training authority. He went on to run his own business, Mick Doran Carpentry, before making the move to Canada.
Our Approach
We’re not project managers—we’re builders. We self-perform much of our work in-house, and manage a tight network of skilled, reliable subcontractors. From forming the foundation to the final trim, we oversee the full construction process with precision and care.
We believe in clear communication, clean job sites, and crews who respect both the space and the client. Clients often comment on how friendly and professional our team is, and we don’t take that lightly. We operate with a high level of trust—on site, and with the people we work for.
Our Leadership Team
Mick Doran
President & Principal Carpenter
A Red-Seal equivalent journeyman carpenter with over 25 years of experience in carpentry, joinery, and residential construction in Ireland and Canada. Mick oversees project execution, subtrade management and site standards. From working on estate homes in Ireland such as Castlemartin House and Harristown House, to building custom, architectural homes in Canada, Mick is a true craftsman in every sense.
Nora Doran
Project Manager & Operations
Nora is an experienced project manager, having spent 20 years working in the engineering consulting sector leading environmental projects, prior to joining Kildare full-time. Nora is Kildare’s client-facing project manager and leads all aspects of Kildare’s project communications and coordination. Nora is detail-oriented and tackles the back end of Kildare’s business through managing our project and financial delivery systems. Nora is the link between our clients, the project design team, and Kildare’s technical team.
Affiliations & Memberships
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Mick at Kildare is one of the best contractors I have used. Really high quality work from start to finish. 5 star service.
- Eoghain Carroll
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Mick and his crew are very conscientious, professional, hardworking and honest. The only downfall is Mick's jokes- we love em all.
– Anthony Welsh
Let’s Talk
Have a project in mind? We’re happy to connect, answer your questions, and provide a clear path forward—whether you're ready to go or just exploring options.
