Dominic McAndrew of Ruumi Studio has been named winner of the Fit Out Designer of the Year at the Fit Out Awards UK 2026, recognised for exceptional design talent combined with strong technical and entrepreneurial leadership in commercial interior design.

When a global firm closed its UK and Ireland design team, McAndrew bought it out and founded Ruumi Studio. In twelve months he has personally led three completed fit-outs, for Motorola, Airbus, and Liberty IT, across workplace, aviation, and technology. Each pairs technical complexity with elegant, place-rooted interior design.

Judges particularly valued his work on the Motorola Solutions headquarters, where complex R&D infrastructure was integrated into a calm, human-focused workplace. His ability to deliver €15.5m in completed fit out work while establishing Ruumi Studio demonstrated the breadth and ambition that made this a standout entry.

Judges said: "Dominic McAndrew's submission demonstrates exceptional design talent, combining sophisticated thinking with strong technical and entrepreneurial leadership. The judges particularly valued his work on the Motorola Solutions headquarters, where complex R&D infrastructure was integrated into a calm, human focused workplace. His ability to deliver €15.5m in completed fit out work while establishing Ruumi Studio further demonstrates the breadth and ambition that made this a standout entry."

The Fit Out Designer of the Year category recognises individuals working in a fit out or interior design firm, architecture practice, or in-house design team who have played a key design role on a top-class fit out project completed over the past 12 months. Judges look for clear evidence of career highlights, project details, challenges overcome, and innovation, supported by facts and client testimonials.

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

Entries were assessed by an independent judging panel coordinated by Ann-Marie Aguilar, SVP at the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The panel included design and industry leaders such as Vanessa Brady of the Society of British and International Interior Design, Kay Sargent of HOK, Andy Carter of E E Smith Contracts Ltd, and Giuseppe Parito of Studio Seilern Architects.

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