Judging Panel
An independent panel of recognised and expert judges, drawn from academia, business and broader related sectors will determine the winners of the Fit Out Awards.
We understand the importance of a fair and objective judging process. That's why we assemble a prestigious panel of industry leaders, renowned for their extensive knowledge, enthusiasm, and expertise in the fit out industry.
Our selection process is meticulous. Judges are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and declare any potential conflicts of interest. Entries with conflicts are reassigned, ensuring complete impartiality.
A comprehensive judging process has been developed to decide the winners of the Fit Out Awards.
This unwavering commitment to integrity is the foundation of our awards programme. Become a part of recognising industry excellence. If you're interested in joining the judging panel, email your details to judges@businessriver.com
2024 Judging Panel
Linda McNally (Judging Coordinator)
Owner, Clontarf Interiors
Clontarf Interiors was established in 2004. Since then, Linda has been renovating and designing retail & commercial properties by reconfiguring the existing spaces to optimum effect to create structures with a strong sense of light, balanced proportions, sustainability & harmony across every project VIEW MORE
Sue Corcoran (Judging Coordinator)
Programme Leader, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest
Sue Corcoran is a Lecturer at Limerick School of Art & Design and is Programme Co-Ordinator for the BA (Hons) in Interior Design. VIEW MORE
Ann-Marie Aguilar (Judging Coordinator)
SVP, IWBI
Ann Marie Aguilar represents IWBI across Europe, she is passionate about sustainable and healthy buildings globally and works to share the benefits of the WELL Building Standard across Europe VIEW MORE
Britt Berentzen
Programme Director, Interior Architecture & Design, Griffith College Dublin
Britt is currently working as a Programme Director for the Interior Architecture & Design programmes in the Design Faculty of Griffith College Dublin. VIEW MORE
Christopher Boylan
Director, Plantech
Christopher is managing Director of the one-stop-shop design and build firm Plantech. Working from their Dublin based state of the art showrooms and studio, Plantech provide a host of professional services including Architecture, Engineering, Planning, Interior Design and Construction services. VIEW MORE
Vanessa Brady
CEO & Founder, The Society of British and International Interior Design
Vanessa is an international award-winning interior designer and founder of the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID) with over thirty years experience in the design industry, championing standards and representing the interests of the interior design profession in Government. VIEW MORE
Yvonne Callan
Director, Creighan Contracts Ltd
Yvonne is currently a Director & Business Development Manager at Creighan Contracts Ltd, a rapidly growing commercial fit out company offering solutions across a variety of sectors. VIEW MORE
John Cunningham
CEO, Mivan
John Cunningham, Mivan CEO, is a Chartered Civil Engineer with over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. Mivan, founded in 1975, has grown into a global leader in the luxury market, renowned for its bespoke joinery and high-end interior fitouts across both land and marine sectors. VIEW MORE
Alison Grace-Gahan
Creative Director GGI & Senior Tutor NDA, Grace Gahan Interiors & National Design Academy
Alison Grace-Gahan is an Irish Interior Designer and Design Educator with over 23 years of experience including international exposure. Her work encompasses both residential and commercial projects, but her true passion lies in design education, where she continues to inspire and share her expertise VIEW MORE
Robbie Hamilton
Managing Director, CRM Interior Fit-Outs Ltd
Robbie is the Managing Director of CRM Interior Fit-Outs Ltd. With over 20 years experience in the fitout and construction industry, Robbie has gained a reputation for delivering innovative, quality, and functional spaces for his clients. VIEW MORE
Ronan Higham
MD, Pure Fit Out
Ronan is Managing Director of Pure Fitout, which he founded in 2015. Since then, Pure Fitout has become one of the fastest growing fitout firms in Ireland, with projects throughout the UK, Europe and North America. VIEW MORE
Patrick Hilley
Director, Hillmac Fitouts
Patrick has over 15 years’ experience in commercial interior fitout management with experience leading projects in the office, retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors. Patrick has worked internationally in Dubai and Canada broadening his knowledge and expertise in the fitout industry. VIEW MORE
Eoin Joy
Chief Property Officer, Iconic Offices
Eoin is the Chief property officer, and Head Of ESG for Iconic offices. With over 18 years’ experience in the property industry, Eoin places a keen focus on good quality and high performing design combined with a background on cost and project management. VIEW MORE
John Kelly
Director, Furnishing Distributors
John has over 30 years of experience in the interior furnishings industry. He is currently a director and co-owner of Furnishing Distributors, a wholesaler and supplier of fabrics, wallcoverings and flooring to the commercial and domestic sectors. He joined the company in a sales role in 2006. VIEW MORE
Jason Lawless
Interior Architect, Darkley Lodge
Jason Lawless is an interior architect with over 20 years in home and hotel design. Now working independently after time with Dublin agencies, his home was a runner-up in RTE's Home of the Year 2020. VIEW MORE
Darrán Lennon
Founding CEO & Creative Director, HYDE
Darrán Lennon is a recognised thought leader in design. As founder of HYDE, one of Ireland's most renowned design and PRS apartment fit-out firms, Darrán has been behind the design of some of Ireland's highest profile residential developments. VIEW MORE
Lawrence McFarlane
Studio Principal, SLMD LTD
With a career spanning 27 years, across the fields of Design Engineering, Project Management and Interior Architecture, Lawrence McFarlane founded S-L-M-D in 2009. S-L-M-D is most notably involved in designing and delivering commercial office projects. VIEW MORE
Aidan McGovern
Chartered Engineer, OPW
Aidan is currently serving as a senior Engineer and Project Manager on Capital Projects within OPW. He has extensive experience in all types of construction projects and construction procurement. VIEW MORE
Roisin Murphy architect
Architect artist and Lecturer, Griffith College
Architect artist broadcaster and lecturer , in interior design urbanism & architecture across several platforms including radio and television VIEW MORE
Mark O Donovan
Managing Director, Tony O Donovan Office Interiors Ltd
Managing director of Tony O donovan office interiors, with experience of 24 years in the office interiors sector. VIEW MORE
Cathal O'Hare
Director, OHMG Construction
Cathal O'Hare is a Director with OHMG Construction. During his 25 years of delivering diverse projects across Ireland, UK and the Isle of Man, he has helped build a reputation for delivering high-end finishes in a variety of spaces, leading to a long established and loyal client base. VIEW MORE
Kay Sargent
Director of WorkPlace, HOK, HOK
With 38 years of experience, Kay is a workplace provocateur and an award-winning designer. Kay is Global Co-Director of HOK’s WorkPlace team and sits on HOK’s Board of Directors. VIEW MORE
Karl Simity
CEO, Canopy Fitouts
Karl brings 18 years of experience as a qualified shopfitter and registered commercial builder. As the leading force at Canopy Fitouts, a premier fitout company in Melbourne, he has successfully completed over 6,000 fitouts globally to distinguished clients. VIEW MORE
Keith Somers
Head of Design & Product, Lioncor
Keith Somers is the Design & Product lead for Lioncor, with over 16 years' experience in commercial & residential interior fitout, design strategy/management, and (hospitality) lifestyle brand creation. VIEW MORE
Andrew Weadick
Director, Andrew Weadick Carpets Ltd
AW Carpets Ltd. are Ireland’s Leaders in the Design & Manufacture of Bespoke Axminster & Wilton Carpets. Offering you High-End, High-Quality & Luxury one off a kind Carpets and a unique design experience. VIEW MORE
Patrick Wilding
Senior Interior Architect, CBRE
Patrick is an interior architect who strives to create and elevate spaces and people's experiences of them. He possesses a keen eye for detail, a dedication to sustainability, and a track record of surpassing client expectations. VIEW MORE