Judges | Interior Fitout Awards

OUR JUDGES

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.

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.

His company Bencee Fitout & Construction has won numerous industry awards for quality and excellence, and has indentured several award-winning apprentices.