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.
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
2025 Judging Panel
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
Sue Corcoran (Judging Coordinator)
Lecturer, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest / Limerick School of Art & Design
Sue Corcoran has been a Judge since 2019 and served as Judging Coordinator last year. She lectures in the Department of Design at Limerick School of Art & Design (TUS), where she stablished the BA (Hons) Interior Design programme. VIEW MORE
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
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
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
Liam Crowe
Senior Interior Designer, GDC Interiors
Liam is a highly skilled and professional Interior Designer with a keen eye for detail and design. Liam is extremely loyal, organised, punctual and is enthusiastic in his work ethic. VIEW MORE
Tracey Dalton
Design Lecturer, TU Dublin
Tracey Dalton is a lecturer on the BA Interior Design at the Dublin School of Art & Design, TU Dublin. She has a background in Interior Design practice since 1998. VIEW MORE
Paul Fitzgibbon
Manging Director, Ard-Ri Group
Paul Fitzgibbon is the Co-Founder of the Ard Ri Group, an international homeware manufacturing and distribution organisation comprising three leading brands: Deanta Doors, Henley Stoves, and Fitzgibbon Interiors. VIEW MORE
Bobby Gray
Managing Director, GDC Interiors
With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality design industry, I am passionate about creating and improving hotel bedrooms and public areas that reflect the brand identity and customer expectations of each property. 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
JUSTIN KINSELLA
Director, Harcourt Architects
As director of Harcourt Architects, Justin has successfully completed and led design teams on a wide range of projects including the fit-out of bars, restaurants and offices together with large one-off private houses and master planned communities. Projects have been predominantly located in the US VIEW MORE
Róisín Lafferty
Founder & Creative Director, Róisín Lafferty
Róisín Lafferty is an award-winning Irish design studio crafting immersive, detail-driven environments worldwide. Founded by visionary designer Róisín Lafferty, the studio merges art, architecture, and innovation to deliver unforgettable experiences. VIEW MORE
Davitt Lamon
Head of BIM, NSAI
Davitt is Head of BIM at the NSAI, leading the development of national BIM standards and certification. He supports the adoption of BIM across Ireland’s construction sector and ensures alignment with international best practices in digital construction and information management. VIEW MORE
Denise Lawlor
Head of Building Consultancy, Knight Frank
With a background in commercial building surveying and client-side project management, Denise combines technical, commercial and operational experience, to deliver commercial fitouts, building upgrades and refurbishment projects for a range of industry clients. VIEW MORE
Claire Lorusso
Programme Chair, Atlantic Technological University
Claire is a lecturer and the programme chair of Interior Architecture and Design at Atlantic Technological University Sligo. With over a decade of experience in industry and education, Claire contributed to establishing the BA (hons) in Interior Architecture and Design at ATU Sligo. 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
Paul McKenna
CEO, Mac Group
A seasoned Interiors professional with over 30 years experience working closely with leading international design teams and contractors to deliver best in class office interiors. mac-group is a multi award winning international contractor concentrating on Saudi Arabia market to deliver vision 2030. VIEW MORE
Roisin Ní Mhuruchú Ailtire
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
Mark O'Connor
Managing Director, Marcon Fit-out
Mark O’Connor is the Director and Co-owner of Marcon Fit-Out Ltd, a leading fit-out and specialist joinery company. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Mark has earned a reputation for delivering world-class interior projects across the UK and Ireland. 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 Thought Leadership, Interiors, HOK
With 40 years of experience, Kay is a workplace provocateur and an award-winning designer. Kay is Global Director of Thought Leadership and sits on HOK’s Board of Directors. 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
Gavin Wheatley
Director, Plus Architecture
Gavin Wheatley is a Director at Plus Architecture with over 25 years of experience across award-winning practices including Grafton Architects and O’Donnell + Tuomey. His leadership at Plus Architecture focuses on delivering innovative, context-drivendesign solutions across residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments throughout Ireland and beyond. VIEW MORE