Fit Out Conference 2026 Speaker Graham O'Donnell on Why 2026 is a Defining Year for Irish Fit-Out

For Graham O'Donnell, Founder and Design Director of O'Donnell O'Neill Design, the timing of the Fit Out Conference 2026 could not be more relevant. Speaking ahead of his appearance at the 11 June forum, O'Donnell is unambiguous about what is at stake this year.

"2026 is a significant year for the Irish fit-out sector," he said in a pre-event interview. "Whilst there is a cautiousness in all commercial markets as a result of global instability, particularly around fuel costs and labour costs, decisions made by our clients this year around planning and future-proofing their business models is critical."

The hospitality sector, in his view, offers a useful benchmark. The operators who consistently perform understand their niche and build forward-looking investment plans around it rather than pulling back when conditions tighten.

A conference that brings clients, contractors, and designers into the same room, for him, matters for a different reason too. "We can all be guilty of sometimes working in a bit of an insulated bubble in each of our own specialist sectors," O'Donnell said.

"The reality is we all face similar business difficulties and challenges, and an event like the Fit Out Conference is an opportunity to bring like-minded stakeholders together to discuss not only the problems but also the opportunities."

O'Donnell hopes the day sparks honest debate on costs, staffing, technology, and sustainability, and leaves the sector more confident in its ability to invest and deliver.

During the upcoming conference, O'Donnell will join the closing Fit Out Leaders Award Winners Panel, Future-Proofing Project Delivery, alongside Justin Treacy of Perkins&Will, Conor MacCabe of Henry J Lyons, and Ronan Holohan of Millimetre Design, with June Koh of Cushman & Wakefield moderating.

Hear more from O'Donnell and other speakers at the Fit Out Conference 2026 on 11 June from 09:00 to 15:00 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry. Visit the official event website to explore the full programme and book your place at fitoutawards.ie/conference/book-your-place.