Born in Cork into a forestry family, Murphy’s lifelong relationship with wood was cultivated through a childhood spent immersed in Irish woodlands, formal studies in Wood Science at the University of Limerick, and early experience in timber structural engineering. Drawing artistic inspiration from the dramatic landscapes of Cork and Kerry, the atmospheric play of light and shadow captured by artist Norman Ackroyd, Jun'ichirō Tanizaki’s In Praise of Shadows, and the sculptural ethos of David Nash, his material-led practice honors the full life cycle of timber. Utilizing mindfully sourced wind-blown native trees—such as century-old Cork oak—as well as regional Irish stone like Kilkenny limestone and Kerry marble, Murphy harmonizes traditional joinery with structural engineering principles and sharp, faceted geometry. His works embrace intricate grain patterns and chiseled surfaces that capture dynamic light, bridging structural rigor, architectural form, and a deep reverence for the natural world.