4 Architecture was set up in January 2008 by Gordon Chrystal.

Graduating from UCD School of Architecture with first class honors, his thesis received the AGA Gold Medal in Architecture and was nominated for the RIBA President's Medals 2007.

In 2004 Gordon received the Bruce Shorrt award for best overall project in the School of Architecture and was nominated for the same award in 2006. In that same year he was commended in the RIAI Traveling Scholarship.