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
2026 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
Jenny Coughlan
Founder & Creative Director, Studio Jenny Coughlan
Jenny Coughlan, Founder and Creative Director of Studio Jenny Coughlan, a Dublin interior design studio. She has 25 years' experience across high-end residential, commercial, hospitality and healthcare interiors. Jenny is currently President of The Interiors Association. VIEW MORE
Liam Crowe
Lead Senior Designer, GDC Interiors
Liam is a skilled Interior Designer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating functional, aesthetically refined spaces. Professional, organised, and dependable, he consistently delivers high-quality results while maintaining exceptional standards of client service and project execution. 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 Delahunty
Co Founder, Forma London
Paul Delahunty is Co-Founder of Forma London, a business he has helped build and grow over the past decade. He brings a wealth of industry experience and a sharp eye for quality and craftsmanship to his role. His insight reflects years of hands-on leadership and genuine passion for construction. 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
Jane Higgins
Founder, Jane Higgins Design
Jane Higgins Design was established in 2014 and has over thirty years of experience in interiors, developing a broad and refined understanding of spatial aesthetics, functionality, and client-focused design. Her work has won international awards and Jane is a proud member of the IDI and the IA. 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
Shiori Kanazawa
Senior Analyst, International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)
Shiori is a senior analyst and WELL Accredited Professional on the Client Success team at IWBI. With a background in sustainable architecture, Shiori carries a passion for resilient spaces. VIEW MORE
John Kelly
Director and Co-Owner, 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
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, National Standards Authority of Ireland
Davitt leads BIM standards and certification at NSAI, with experience across industry and academia, digital delivery and improving information management across the built environment. VIEW MORE
Claire Lorusso
Lecturer and 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 McEnroe
Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer, Mckeon Group
Aidan McEnroe is an Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer of McKeon Group. Having joined the company in 1997, he brings three decades of experience in construction and facilities management. Aidan provides strategic and operational leadership across the Group, with extensive experience in 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 Artist Lecturer and Broadcaster, 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
Karl Simity
CEO, Canopy Fitouts
Karl brings 21 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
Denise Smith
Owner, Denise Smith Interiors
Denise Smith is the founder and creative director of Denise Smith Interiors, an Irish interior design studio renowned for creating refined, highly personal spaces that balance elegance with everyday functionality. Her body of work spans domestic, industrial and churches. VIEW MORE



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