The 2023 KPMG Irish Independent Property Industry Excellence Awards winners were announced at the “Oscars” of the Irish property industry at the Convention Centre Dublin last evening. Over 900 stakeholders gathered in what is recognised as the premier networking event of the property calendar.
Sustainability permeated throughout all entries and demonstrated the targeted actions undertaken by industry stakeholders to improve environmental credentials and address local and global sustainability challenges. Two outstanding projects were awarded the Judges Overall Award - Sustainable Ireland Property Award 2023.
Jim Clery, Partner, Head of Real Estate at KPMG congratulated all winners and spoke to the Judges Overall Award - Sustainable Ireland Property Award 2023 “In celebrating excellence in sustainable development both Kennedy Wilson's Clancy Quay and van Dijk Architects' Beyond the Trees are very deserving recipients of their awards. The Clancy Quay project is a testament to regeneration and community harmony, while Beyond the Trees is a unique blend of history and innovation, transforming Avondale House into a gem in Ireland’s Ancient East and creating a tremendous tourism asset for the region. Together, they epitomise sustainability stewardship and visionary developments of the Irish property industry.”
Ireland’s longest-established property awards program, now in its eighth edition, is unique in that it awards players from all industry sectors, is non-commercial whereby no sponsor is allowed of any category, and any benefit is invested in Ireland’s only property research academia at Ph.D level. Most vital, is that the awards highlight the outstanding achievements and commitment demonstrated by each contender.
Kathryn Meghen, CEO, of RIAI and Chairperson of the Judging Panel, remarked, "The judging process presented a formidable task, as all of the shortlisted entries were of an extremely high standard and reflected the excellent work being delivered across the industry. Our responsibility was to review all of the entries to the awards and to identify winners in each category. These were selected for their delivery of client and community-centred projects and work, all focused on quality and entrepreneurial excellence."
Winners of the Ten Category Awards are:
1. Contractor Award
John Paul Construction has solidified its reputation for uncompromising quality and service. 2022 was its most successful year to date with turnover up by over 10% to €605m. The company sees every project as an opportunity to Go Further and Build Smarter for clients.
2. Public Space Planning Award
Cork County Council - Cobh Town Centre Urban Design Plan is the result of a local authority-led, multidisciplinary design team, and co-design process resulting in a high-quality, holistically designed, transformational urban design plan. It is a people-centered design that maximises accessibility, inclusiveness, placemaking, and wellbeing
3. Architecture Award
Henry J Lyons - Tropical Fruit Warehouse, is a stunning example of sympathetic restoration of a protected structure, allowing the public to fully appreciate the internal character of the beautifully restored historic fabric.
4. Built Heritage & Conservation Award (Joint winners)
John Paul Construction & Kennedy Wilson - 20 Kildare Street, is a stellar example of how Georgian heritage can be preserved with the right team and their passion for restoration and respect for traditional building integrity, while also enhancing the appeal of any modern office development with their retained charm and historical significance
5. Residential Agency Award (Joint winners)
Hooke & MacDonald: A sustainability trailblazer, committed to reducing carbon emissions and pioneering green solutions for residents.
Owen Reilly: Redefining property marketing with a creative twist—the "Doors of Dublin" campaign.
6. Commercial Agency Award
QRE Real Estate Advisers: A dominant force since 2015, QRE is a thought leader in sub-€20m markets, recognised for its voice and expertise, becoming one of Ireland's largest independent commercial real estate firms.
7. Technology Innovation Award
Symphony Energy: Smart Optimisation at 1 Cumberland Place, achieving a remarkable 75% improvement in HVAC efficiency.
8. Property Fund Manager Award
IPUT: Prioritising quality over short-term returns, IPUT has a 55-year track record and stands out with Ireland's first net-zero logistics building at Quantum Logistics Park.
9. Irish Housing Award
Dominick Hall, Cotter and, Naessens & Denis Byrne Architects: An ambitious regeneration project providing quality, energy-efficient and accessible homes for 72 households. Dominick Hall is the first step in delivering a long-term ambition for the social, economic, and environmental regeneration of this inner-city neighbourhood.
10. Young Property Professional Award
Ryan Hanly of Rooney Real Estate & Blackthorn Property. From recent graduate to Co-owner of two property industry offerings, he exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to shaping the future of the property sector.