THE JUDGES
INTERIOR FITOUT AWARDS SPONSOR
Mick McLoughlin
MANAGING DIRECTOR, BENCEE FITOUT & CONSTRUCTION
Mick McLoughlin started his career in Ireland in 1979 with an apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery, first on the shop floor and later building schools and commercial buildings. Due to a downturn in the industry in the mid-80s, Mick relocated to New Zealand, where he worked as a foreman on a commercial building site for four years before relocating once again, this time to Australia. His first Australian role was as a site manager for both residential and commercial projects, after which he took on the challenge of site manager for a high rise in Brisbane.
Wanting to reinvent himself in 2004, Mick purchased Les Wilson Detail Cabinet Makers. Les Wilson was a well-established shopfitter, with big-name projects across the country – McDonalds, Just Jeans, Wendys, to name a few – and a long-time member of IFA (then ASOFIA). It was through Les that Mick’s relationship with IFA took hold, and he has held numerous positions with the association over the years. He is currently on the QLD committee, and holds a position on the IFA Board.
Andrew Barrett
OWNER, BARRETT GROUP
Andrew takes an inclusive and collaborative approach to his work as Owner of the Barrett Group, a Brisbane-based fitout and bespoke joinery business established in 1983. For more than 21 years, Andrew has focused on building strong client relationships, developing new opportunities and helping the business continue to grow.
With a Bachelor of Business (Management) and qualifications in Contract Management and Building and Construction, Andrew brings a diverse skill set to his role, spanning business development, estimating, marketing and client relationships.
Andrew enjoys the diversity of the industry, where every project brings something different – from medical suites and commercial interiors to high-end bespoke joinery.
He is also an active advocate for the fitout industry, serving as a Director on the IFA Board and contributing to the IFA’s Queensland committee.
Chris Hookham
DIRECTOR, DIXON & SWANSON SHOPFITTERS
Chris Hookham’s shopfitting journey began in 1985, with a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship in Wauchope, building homes for a local housing commission. Following a lack of work in regional areas, he moved to Sydney where he continued his apprenticeship with Dixon and Swanson Shopfitters. It didn’t take long before he moved into a leading hand/foreman role at the company while completing his carpentry and joinery course.
In the early 90s, Chris moved from the factory floor to the office and became more involved in design and draughting, as well as learning about the management side of the business. In 1998, following the retirement of owners John Swanson and John Dixon, Chris purchased Dixon and Swanson.
Chris has overseen the careers of many designers and shopfitters over the years and continues to encourage and support the industry’s apprentices.
He has held various roles with IFA since 2001, including NSW State President and National President, and is currently serving on the IFA Board.
Louise Sidgreaves
MANAGING DIRECTOR, SIDGREAVES & CO
For over 105 years, the Sidgreaves name has been synonymous with exceptional retail spaces and shopfitting throughout Australia. As a fifth generation of the Sidgreaves family involved in shopfitting, Louise leads this family-owned company. With over 30 years personal experience in design and implementation of retail fitout, Louise has a wealth of knowledge and expertise that allows Sidgreaves & Co to partner with many of the best retailers in Australia and around the world, bringing their fitout projects to fruition.
The Sydney based team at Sidgreaves & Co is responsible for providing brands with expert design documentation and project management. Sidgreaves & Co’s local team are active in every aspect of the fitout process and have built some of the most detailed stores seen in Australia. At the same time, their team in Hong Kong and China is responsible for delivering the highest quality custom-made fittings and fixtures.
Paul Tavilla
CEO, EDGECORP CONSTRUCTIONS
Paul is the CEO and founder of Edgecorp Constructions, a leading fitout specialist delivering commercial, office, retail and hospitality projects across Australia and internationally.
With a career spanning construction, fitout and business management, Paul brings extensive experience across project delivery, commercial construction and the development of high-performing teams.
Paul’s approach to leadership is centred on empowering people to perform at their best, while building positive, honest and collaborative relationships with clients, suppliers and business partners. Under his leadership, Edgecorp has developed a reputation for delivering high-quality projects with a strong focus on communication, collaboration and client outcomes.
A passionate advocate for the fitout and construction industries, Paul is actively involved in industry leadership and representation, and has served as Victorian President of the Interior Fitout Association.
Ron Clarke
DIRECTOR, STOREBUILD AUSTRALIA
With over 35 years of hands-on experience, Ron brings a wealth of knowledge, technical expertise, and vision to the industry. Ron holds national commercial and domestic building licenses, enabling him to oversee and deliver projects across all Australian states. His strength in understanding of building methods, compliance, and quality is matched by his strong industry relationships.
Throughout his career, Ron has successfully delivered thousands of retail, commercial, and hospitality fitouts across Australia for a broad spectrum of brands, from boutique stores to major national rollouts. His experience also extends internationally, having managed and delivered shopfitting projects in the United States, giving him a global perspective on construction standards.
As a Victorian Committee Member of IFA, Ron actively contributes to shopfitting industry development. Ron’s leadership style is a friendly can-do attitude, personalised, and solution-oriented. He is committed to the positive growth and development of the fitout community, and is pleased to assist in judging the amazing contributions that industry members are delivering.
Josh Kelly
MANAGING DIRECTOR, WINKLE GROUP
Josh is IFA’s National President and a passionate advocate for the shopfitting industry at both state and national levels, bringing decades of leadership and hands-on experience to his work.
One of IFA’s longest-serving Divisional Presidents and a committed board member, Josh has given so much of himself to the industry and to IFA. His dedication to the success of the association has been unwavering, and his leadership continues to shape its direction and influence.
A strong believer in nurturing the next generation, Josh is known for taking apprentices under his wing—offering hands-on guidance, support, and real-world experience to help them grow into skilled professionals. His passion for mentoring young talent has made a lasting impact on many entering the trade.
Josh also leads The Winkle Group, a family-owned shopfitting and joinery company established in 1978. With over four decades of industry experience behind him, he continues to uphold the company’s reputation for quality and reliability while championing the future of the trade through education and mentorship.
Greg Abbott
IFA WA ICON
With a career spanning nearly five decades, Greg was a respected leader and trailblazer in the interior fitout industry. Beginning his journey as an apprentice in Carpentry & Joinery in 1976, Greg quickly advanced through roles in project management, estimating, and operations, culminating in his appointment as Managing Director of a major interior fitout firm. His strategic oversight has encompassed everything from sales and site supervision to systems implementation and financial control—demonstrating both technical expertise and a forward-thinking approach to business growth and innovation.
Greg’s influence extended well beyond his own company. He played a pivotal role in shaping the industry through his long-term involvement with IFA. Over two decades, Greg served as a WA Division committee member, rising through the ranks to hold the positions of Junior Vice President, Senior Vice President, and ultimately WA Division President from 2005 to 2008. He was a valued member of the National Council, helping to drive national initiatives, promote excellence, and support the evolving needs of members across Australia.
Glenn Ryder
MANAGING DIRECTOR, RYDER SHOP AND OFFICE FITTING
Glenn is the Managing Director of Ryder Shop & Office Fitting, a second-generation, family-owned business with more than 40 years of experience delivering retail, hospitality and commercial fitouts across Australia.
With more than four decades in the construction and fitout industry, Glenn brings extensive practical and commercial experience to his leadership of the business. His career began as an apprentice carpenter and joiner before progressing through roles in residential construction, estimating, purchasing, sales, project management and shopfitting. He joined Ryder as a Director in 1993 and has led the business as Managing Director since 2000.
Under Glenn’s leadership, Ryder has continued to evolve while maintaining its focus on quality, craftsmanship and client service. Today, the company provides end-to-end fit-out solutions, from design and planning through to manufacturing, project management and installation.
IFA is a leading authority in the interior fitout industry, providing insights, resources, and connections for professionals across Australia. Through events, publications, and industry initiatives, IFA supports innovation, best practices, and excellence in design, construction, and project delivery.