Co-living project selected as best in class at Fit Out Awards 2025

Total Fitout‘s work on a new co-living development in Dublin 8 has been named overall fit out project of the year at the Fit Out Awards 2025.

Liberties House, developed by Grayling Properties, offers a range of fully furnished studio apartments. The judging panel said Total Fitout had delivered a standout example of thoughtful design and flawless execution.

“The project showcased a confident blend of craft, practicality, and modern character,” said the award citation. “Every detail reflects disciplined planning and strong on-site leadership. The result is a space that elevates the experience for everyone who uses it. This benchmark project reinforces Total Fitout’s reputation for quality and vision.”

Part of the Elliott Group, Total Fitout is based in Cavan and operates from offices in Dublin, London, and Birmingham. Managing director Joanne Reilly explained that the recognition gives the company credibility on projects, noting that their award-winning scheme serves as “a shining example of what co-living can be”.

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The Fit Out Awards are Ireland’s premier celebration of exceptional fit-out projects and the talented teams behind them. The 14th annual awards ceremony took place at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road in Dublin. Hosted by Hector Ó hEochagáin, the event attracted 933 attendees and saw 33 trophies presented. A total of 99 companies entered 245 submissions across the competition categories.

Judging coordinator Ann-Marie Aguilar noted that submissions for the 2025 awards programme demonstrated not only technical excellence and creative ingenuity but also a deep understanding of the evolving needs of people and places.

“What stands out most is the profession’s growing commitment to designing responsibly, with a clear focus on sustainability, wellbeing, and long-term impact,” she said.

Among the award winners, Antonia Sandulescu, creative director at Della Interiors, said the firm was proud of its award win in the small office category. “Working extensively in construction, renovation and interiors, we value how these awards champion quality, innovation and the continued evolution of Ireland’s design and building sector,” she stated.

Noel Haverty, financial director at gold sponsor T & I Fitouts Ltd, stated: “We were delighted to be a sponsor again at this year’s Fit Out Awards and for three of our projects to win a trophy gives a real sense of pride to everyone at T & I Fitouts.”

Judging coordinator Sue Corcoran said the quality, craft and design evidenced in award submissions highlights a sector that shapes meaning, function, and human experience.

Manning & Buckley Electrical was presented with the subcontractor award. Director Cathal Manning remarked that the fit-out industry is grounded in excellence and trusted relationships. “This recognition affirms the important role subcontractors play in delivering spaces that genuinely work for people and highlights our sector’s continued leadership in elevating standards across the industry,” he said.

Hilda Hamilton, director at gold sponsor CRM Interior Fit-Outs, commented: “The Fit Out Awards 2025 was a superb event and a true industry highlight. These awards elevate standards and celebrate excellence, so we proudly support them. Winning designer of the year for CRM was fantastic. This event was exceptionally organised, great food, and a fantastic MC.”

Judging coordinator Linda McNally commented that the annual Fit Out Awards serve as a mirror to the remarkable creativity, professionalism, and technical skill that define Ireland’s design and construction community.

Kevin O’Driscoll, director partnership programmes at awards organiser BusinessRiver, said: “Events like this are made possible through the support of sponsors. We are thankful to our 2025 sponsors which include W2W & Optima, Zip Water, SAS International, T & I Fitouts Ltd, MJF Interiors, Etag Fixings Ltd, CRM Interior Fit-Outs, Sig Workplace and Tarkett, Ardmac, Whiteriver Group, The Interiors Group, Rockfon, Structure Tone, Vescom, Solutions, DCON Safety Consultants, Walls Construction, FKM Fit Out, Lumen Search, Total Fitout, Havwoods, Stacked, Vibe by Vision Acoustics & Sensory Solutions, Texfel and Johnston Fit Out. I also want to recognise our supporters, Cronin Group and Amárach Research. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business area.”

Awards judges

Ann-Marie Aguilar (judging coordinator) – senior vice-president, International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)
Sue Corcoran (judging coordinator) – lecturer, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest / Limerick School of Art & Design
Linda McNally (judging coordinator) – owner, Clontarf Interiors
Britt Berentzen – programme director, interior architecture and design, Griffith College Dublin
Vanessa Brady – chief executive and founder, The Society of British and International Interior Design
Liam Crowe – senior interior designer, GDC Interiors
Tracey Dalton – design lecturer, TU Dublin
Paul Fitzgibbon – managing director, Ard-Ri Group
Bobby Gray – managing director, GDC Interiors
Eoin Joy – chief property officer, Iconic Offices
Shiori Kanazawa – analyst, IWBI
John Kelly – director and co-owner, Furnishing Distributors
Róisín Lafferty – founder and creative director, Róisín Lafferty
Davitt Lamon – head of building information modelling (BIM) for the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)
Denise Lawlor – head of building consultancy, Knight Frank
Claire Lorusso – programme chair, Atlantic Technological University
Aidan McGovern – chartered engineer, OPW
Richard Mulvenna – technical director, Portview Fitout
Roisin Ní Mhuruchú Ailtire – architect, artist and lecturer, Griffith College
Mark O’Donovan – managing director, Tony O’Donovan Office Interiors Ltd
Mark O’Connor – managing director, Marcon Fit-Out
Cathal O’Hare – director, OHMG Construction
Kay Sargent – director of thought leadership, interiors, HOK
Keith Somers – head of design and product, Lioncor
Gavin Wheatley – director, Plus Architecture