ENTRY GUIDELINES

Download a PDF version of the Entry Guidelines here.

CATEGORIES

IMPORTANT: Choose a category based on your total contracted value for works carried out as part of your contract. DO NOT choose a category based on the total value of the entire project.

BEST RETAIL INTERIOR FITOUT
(Grocery, Convenience Stores, Department Stores, Speciality Stores, Clothing and Apparel, White Goods, Sporting Stores, Cosmetic Stores, General Merchandise Stores, Kiosks, Pop-Ups)

  • Projects up to $250,000
  • Projects $250,001 to $500,000
  • Projects $500,001 to $750,000
  • Projects $750,001 to $1,000,000
  • Projects $1,000,001 to $2,500,000
  • Projects over $2,500,001

BEST HOSPITALITY INTERIOR FITOUT
(Food and Beverage, Pubs and Bars, Accommodation/Hotels, Travel and Tourism, Entertainment and Recreation, etc.)

  • Projects up to $250,000
  • Projects $250,001 to $500,000
  • Projects $500,001 to $1,000,000
  • Projects $1,000,001 to $2,500,000
  • Projects over $2,500,001

BEST HEALTH SERVICES INTERIOR FITOUT
(Beauty/Spa, Medical, Dental, Hospital, Pharmacy)

  • Projects up to $250,000
  • Projects $250,001 to $500,000
  • Projects $500,001 to $1,000,000
  • Projects $1,000,001 to $2,500,000
  • Projects over $2,500,001

BEST COMMERCIAL FITOUT AWARD
(Office Premises, Educational Institutions, Creche & Nurseries, Industrial, Warehouse)

  • Projects up to $500,000
  • Projects $500,001 to $1,000,000
  • Projects $1,000,001 to $2,500,000
  • Projects over $2,500,001

ENTRY FEES

ENTRY FEE FOR FIRST ENTRY
IFA Premium Member $350.00 +GST
Non-member $1,000.00 +GST

ENTRY FEE FOR EACH ADDITIONAL ENTRY
IFA Premium Member $175.00 +GST
Non-member $500.00 +GST

LATE ENTRY (RECEIVED AFTER 31 MAY 2025)
IFA Premium Member $500.00 +GST
Non-member $1,500.00 +GST

JUDGING CRITERIA

The judging process is complex and thorough, with every aspect of the fitout carefully assessed. However, only the components that form part of your fitout contract will be scored. To ensure a fair and accurate evaluation for all entries, it is essential that the Project Components section is completed accurately and in detail.
Tick a response on each component listed. If you tick Part of Fitout Contract, you must provide an explanation in the Explain what work was carried out section. If the component did not form part of the fitout, simply tick Not Part of Fitout Contract.
If a component is not listed but forms part of the fitout, click on the +Add More and a new field will allow you to add the component to the list.
The judges rely on this information to fully understand the scope of work and assess your craftsmanship effectively. Providing a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the fitout ensures that your entry is judged to its fullest potential. Incomplete or vague responses may result in lower scores due to a lack of sufficient detail.

Key considerations for completing the Project Components section

To maximise your scoring potential, use the Explain what work was carried out column to address critical details. The judges assess each entry methodically, considering factors such as:
  • What components of the project are new, and what elements are existing
  • Are the ceilings new, existing, or modified? If modified, what specific changes were made?
  • Is the flooring new or existing?
  • Are racks, shelves, and furniture new? If so, were they locally made or imported?
  • What elements were supplied by the client?
  • How much of the joinery was custom-made by the shopfitter?
This list is not exhaustive but provides insight into the level of detail judges expect. Ensure each project component is clearly explained to avoid any ambiguity in scoring. A well-documented submission gives your entry the best possible chance of achieving a high score.

The level of workmanship will be judged in areas selected by the entrant, such as:

INTERNALS

  • Internal bulkheads
  • Ceilings
  • Plasterboard Walls & Ceilings
  • Floor coverings & floor tiles
  • Wall tiling & feature tiling
  • Partitions & Glazing
  • Internal Signage & Graphics
  • Painting
  • Wallpaper & Special Finishes
  • Lighting & Electrical
  • Joinery & Benchtops
  • Solid surface materials
  • Metalwork
  • Special finishes
  • Site installation & complexity

SHOPFRONTS

  • Frames & glazing
  • Cladding
  • External signage & graphics
  • Special finishes & materials
  • Entry doors/systems.

ACCESS APPROVED LETTER

An access approved letter from the project owner must be included.   

The letter cannot be signed off by the entrant or an employee of the entrant company.  It must be signed off by the client/project owner.  

If this letter is not completed and signed correctly the entry will be disqualified and will not be judged.

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