Property awards launched

THE BUSINESS OF PROPERTY

LAST year’s inaugural INM Property Excellence Awards drew a full house, with over 750 attendees from across the sector in Dublin’s National Convention Centre to celebrate the contribution of individuals and organisations to conservation, community, infrastructure, design and more. Among the winners were Scott Tallon Walker Architects for Infrastructure, Savills took the Commercial Agency award, while Sherry Fitz picked up the residential prize. Hibernia REIT and Stephen McCarthy of Space Property Group also won awards.

The 2016 event is now open for entries at propertyexcellenceawards.com — the closing date is September 9. The judging panel boasts an impressive range of independent experts and industry heavyweights, including Clare McGrath, chair of the Office of Public Works, Terence O’Rourke of Enterprise Ireland, Pat Davitt of IPAV and Jim Clery of KPMG, who are also lead sponsors of the event.

In response to industry feedback and the changing market, two new categories have been added – one for Emerging Talent, aimed at the under-35 age group, for a potential future industry leader who has already shown the ability to contribute to the industry. The second acknowledges the importance of the industry outside Dublin, with a Regional Excellence Award for a person or firm who has played a pivotal role, providing high standards and excellence in their particular field. This award will be eligible to all sectors, including agents, architects, engineers, planners.

Even greater numbers are expected this year on November 12 at the Convention Centre when the awards are announced — and if last year’s party is anything to go by, it should be a night to remember.