COHN was awarded the Building of the Year – Retail at the 2025 Building & Architect of the Year Awards earlier this year for its Armatile Dublin Design Centre in Baldoyle.

The accolade recognises the firm’s innovative approach to showroom design, combining architectural elegance, functional versatility, and a seamless integration of technology and materiality.

The Armatile Showroom features a modern entrance, optimised parking, a versatile display area with mobile tile installations, a café, offices, and warehouse spaces, creating a dynamic environment suitable for events, professional use, and client engagement. This thoughtful integration of form and function elevates the retail experience while demonstrating meticulous planning and design excellence.

“This entrant set a new benchmark for showroom design, showcasing an exceptional transformation of an industrial warehouse into a sophisticated and inviting space. Our judging panel was impressed by the design team’s ability to seamlessly blend innovation, functionality, and architectural elegance, creating a showroom that enhances both experience and usability. The synergy between advanced technology, refined materiality, and a thoughtfully crafted central display was key to achieving this outstanding result,” the judges said.

COHN’s recognition reflects the rising standards within the awards, highlighting how careful planning and architectural innovation are reshaping retail and commercial spaces across Ireland.

Building on the success this year, the Building & Architect of the Year Awards 2026 continue to spotlight pioneering projects defining the sector, setting a strong precedent for the next cycle of innovation and excellence. Who will set the benchmark in 2026, driving further advancements in retail and commercial design?

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