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