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