Grace Eley of Claremont Group Interiors has been named winner of the Fit Out Designer of the Year – Rising Star at the Fit Out Awards UK 2026, recognised for impressive progression since joining the practice in 2022, combining creative ability with strong technical understanding and growing project leadership across major workplace interiors clients.

Eley graduated with First-Class Honours and has moved quickly from graduate to project lead within Claremont's fast-paced interior design environment, contributing to significant commercial fit out projects for clients including Softcat, MHA, and N-Able.

Her work on Softcat London drew particular attention from judges, with the project delivering measurable improvements in workplace attendance — a tangible outcome that speaks to the connection between thoughtful workplace design and the way people actually use and engage with the spaces created for them.

The trajectory of her development within Claremont is as notable as any individual project. Increasing responsibility, direct client engagement, and consistently positive feedback from clients and colleagues paint a picture of a designer building the full range of skills that define a strong long-term career in commercial interior design, not just creative capability but the leadership, communication, and delivery disciplines that make that creativity count in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Judges were clear in their assessment. "This entrant showcases impressive progression for an early career designer, combining creative ability with strong technical understanding and growing project leadership. Her increasing responsibility, client engagement and positive feedback demonstrate a designer with clear talent and a very promising future," the panel stated.

The Fit Out Designer of the Year – Rising Star category recognises exceptional designers in the United Kingdom with five years or less of experience in the fit out profession who have made a significant contribution to their organisation or the industry beyond what is normally expected at their career stage, assessed across career summary, key achievements, project delivery, and supporting testimonials from clients or senior colleagues.

The Fit Out Awards UK 2026 ceremony took place on 24 September 2026 at the Park Plaza London Riverbank.

For the complete 2026 winners list, category insights, and judges’ profiles, visit the official Fit Out Awards UK website.