The “Best in Heritage, Conservation & Sustainability” category in Cork’s Better Building Awards honours projects that skillfully preserve the city’s historical character while embracing sustainable practices. This award recognizes efforts to protect Cork’s architectural heritage through careful restoration and environmentally conscious design. It celebrates buildings that balance tradition with modern sustainability, enhancing the city’s cultural legacy. The category highlights leadership in conservation and the importance of integrating sustainability into heritage projects.

The “Best Retail” category in Cork’s Better Building Awards celebrates retail spaces that excel in design, presentation, and customer experience. This award recognizes shops that enhance the city’s commercial appeal through innovative storefronts, effective use of space, and high standards of upkeep. It honors retailers that create visually appealing environments while contributing to Cork’s vibrant shopping scene. The category highlights the importance of well-designed retail spaces in attracting customers and supporting the local economy.

The “Best in Tourism & Arts” category in Cork’s Better Building Awards honours buildings that significantly enhance the city’s cultural and tourism sectors. Buildings are recognised that showcase creativity, innovation, and a strong connection to Cork’s heritage. It celebrates venues, galleries, museums, and other spaces that attract visitors and enrich the cultural landscape. The category highlights developments that contribute to Cork’s reputation as a vibrant hub for tourism and the arts.

The “Best Commercial Business Frontage” category celebrates businesses that create exceptional and visually appealing storefronts completed or upgraded in the last 12 months. This award recognises commercial properties that enhance the streetscape through thoughtful design, attention to detail, and effective use of branding. The category highlights how a well-maintained and attractive frontage can positively impact both the business and the surrounding area, and overall honours businesses that contribute to Cork’s vibrant commercial environment.

The “Best New Development” category in recognises outstanding new construction projects that positively impact the city’s landscape. This award celebrates innovative design, sustainable practices, and thoughtful integration with the surrounding area. The category highlights developments that enhance Cork’s architectural diversity and contribute to its growth, and honours projects that set new standards for quality and functionality in urban development.

The “City Living” category in Cork’s Better Building Awards honours residential developments completed in the last 12 months that enhance urban life in the city. This award recognises projects that offer high-quality living spaces, prioritize sustainability, and contribute positively to Cork’s urban landscape. Emphasis is placed on innovative design, efficient use of space, and integration with the surrounding community. The category highlights developments that make city living more attractive and accessible, supporting a vibrant and thriving urban environment. Overall, it celebrates projects that elevate the standard of residential living in Cork, and encourage people to choose to live within the city.

The “Best Pub Front” category celebrates the most visually appealing and well-maintained pub exteriors in the city, focusing on work that has been completed in the last 12 months. This award highlights establishments that enhance Cork’s streetscape with creative design, vibrant colour schemes, and attention to detail. It recognises pubs that contribute to the city’s charm and heritage while creating inviting and welcoming spaces for customers to enjoy. Judging criteria include architectural style, upkeep, and how the pub’s façade complements its surroundings. This category honours the fusion of tradition and modernity in Cork’s vibrant pub culture.