Twenty shopfitters from around Australia were heralded for their extraordinary work against a highly competitive field at the 2014/2015 Laminex/ASOFIA Interior Fitout Awards presentation held in conjunction with the Australian Shop & Office Fitting Industry Association’s (ASOFIA) 19th National Conference in Hobart recently.

As the ultimate accolade for ASOFIA’s member’s projects completed within Australia over the past 18 months, the Interior Fitout Awards received a large number of high calibre entries across 30 categories.

Gerard Ryan, CEO of ASOFIA, praised the outstanding work of members across a wide ranging number of projects including health & beauty, pubs and clubs, food and restaurants, fitness & leisure and high end fashion fitouts.

“The Chanel Boutique Store in Melbourne, completed by Stag Shopfitting, took out the National Fitout Award; as it was an absolutely exceptional fitout in every way.

“Every company who walked away with an Interior Fitout Award this year presented judges with a stand out project deserving of recognition.

“The industry has come through tough times stronger. It is refreshing to see members not simply achieving the ‘same old thing’, but rather challenging themselves and the industry by venturing into new directions.

“We have seen greater levels of creativity and innovation from our members showcasing their award winning talents,” said Mr Ryan.

For the second time ever, the Awards program featured, The Australian Made Awards category, created to encourage individuals to use Australian materials, promote Australian manufacturing, and support local skilled resources. Transform Retail Projects took out the Australian Made Award for a Retail Fitout with their work on the Bowan Island Bakery / Café while Vos Construction & Joinery walked away with the Australian Made Award for a Commercial Fitout for their work on the Melbourne Park Redevelopment.

An additional category was developed for this year’s awards Outstanding Contribution by a Specialist Contractor within the Fitout process. This was awarded to two organisations – Arkade Interiors for their Joinery work on Bump IVF and Hills & Mason for their glazing work on Furla Emporium

“The 2015 Interior Fitout Awards created a new benchmark in the standard of fitouts that is set to only move higher with each ensuing year. “This elevated benchmark has been driven by a number of factors; client expectations; new technologies and the evolution of shopping centres into experiential environments.

“It is certainly a welcome shift for the profile of our industry. The ASOFIA members have done the industry proud,” said Mr Ryan.

Full winners list and images can be found at http://asofia.com.au/award-programsinterior-fitout-awards/