Walls & Ceilings has selected companies that the magazine feels demonstrate some of the best work to emerge in recent years. All ten contractors come from different parts of the world, with other ways of approaching the vastly diverse field of construction and interior design. Among this array of contractors, all have won awards for the projects that brought them to our attention. From 19th century art galleries in the United Kingdom to energy-efficient hospitals in Abu Dhabi, this list is sure to impress any reader.

There were many extraordinary contractors that were considered for this list but our top ten—in addition to being innovators—overcame many key challenges. Among these challenges were: noise protection standards, environmental concerns, complex artisanal work, and as most contractors have had to face, a tight work schedule. So, please join us in recognizing the incredible talent exhibited here from all over the globe. 

Interiors Designers Decorators PVT Ltd (India)

Mr. Divyesh Shah has more than 25 years of high end interior designing experience and is a specialist in drywall and ceilings, offering complete services to execute offices, corporate and retail interiors (i.e. restaurants, residential and showrooms).

CW Solutions Ltd (U.K.)

CWS is a contractor who specialize in drywall, plastering, partitions, ceilings and much more. With 20 years of experience at delivering small to large projects in the residential, housing, schools, and office fit out sectors of construction, the company is able to offer a professional project team that is committed to the requirements of each and every project it undertakes.

The company is now CHAS/Construction Line health and safety accredited and is currently working towards ISO 9001 management systems and PAS 2030 in the near future.

Isolation 2000 (France)

Isolation 2000 was founded in 1985 and is currently one of the leading plasterboard contractors in the Paris region. Thanks to 30 years of experience, the contractor is highly qualified to execute technically complex projects, requiring high level performances in sound insulation, thermal insulation and fire resistance. It is also one of the pillars of the “Club Entreprises Placo,” a real innovation partner for Placo, since the contractor is always keen to test and evaluate Placo’s latest product innovations—quite often in the run-up to the launch. Given its willingness to try new and different products, the company cuts the mustard for among the top contractors out there.

Lieb Bau Weiz GmbH & Co KG (Austria)

The family company Lieb Bau Weiz is one of the largest construction companies in Austria. Awarded the State Emblem of Merit, the core business of Lieb Bau Weiz is interior construction projects in the public and private sectors, as well as projects of industrialized interior construction.

Because of a stable network and a strong team, the company is ready for the challenges of a sustainable future. For special services in interior design when high-quality, innovative capacity, utmost care, punctuality and professionalism are required, they are reliable partners. For decades, the contractor’s drywall department has been among the market leaders. Though based in Austria, the team of site managers, technicians and skilled workers are mainly Syrian.

Accompli Afbouw BV (Netherlands)

Accompli Afbouw, located in Zuidland in the Netherlands, was founded in 1998. Since then, the company has grown into a renowned specialist in metal stud construction and systems. Perhaps the biggest reason for that is that the company approaches each project as if it was their own home.

Accompli has been a trusted partner for years in the field of metal stud construction. Lately, the contractor has grown to offer services in the field of partition walls and ceilings. Accompli Afbouw works mainly for builders and project management bureaus. Given its pursuit of growth and branching out to new technologies, W&C recognizes this contractor as one of Europe’s most progressive.

C.C. Contractor A/S (Denmark)

C. C. Contractor A/S primarily works as a turnkey and/or general contractor. For the company, the starting point is finding the best form of collaboration to suit each individual project. The contractor has a flexible and solution-oriented approach to construction projects that ensures that a common goal is met on time and within the agreed financial framework. A deal is a deal, as the company says.

CCC A/S focuses on creating the foundations for a reliable and trustworthy cooperation internally and externally by focusing on value creation, sustainability and quality through their management, values and the people they work with. Its focus is to create financial and human value, and to always focus on making the best work for their customers, suppliers and themselves. 

Genisol (Belgium)

KAA Gent’s new football stadium hosts football and corresponding facilities, offices and commercial activities. Polish architect “Mac” Stopa (of Massive Design) designed the concept for the interior with various entrances, a lobby, ticketing areas, bars, restaurants and VIP lounges. The handsome design plays off of the the geometric shapes of a football and the club’s blue color. The goal was to create an environment that intensifies the experience of football fans. When visitors enter through the VIP entrance, they are guided past organically shaped Gyproc ceiling islands and reflective GypArt columns. The use of the Saint-Gobain materials shows that a designer look can go hand in hand with functionality. This soccer temple deservedly won the interior prize in Contract Design magazine’s sport category award.

The stadium seats 20,000 and replaced the Jules Ottenstadion, which had been Gent’s home since 1920. 

Throughout the year, businesses can rent parts of the stadium to host a variety of events.

Joint-Venture: Al Massa & International Décor (United Arab Emirates)

Al Massa Contracting has developed to become a specialist contractor in healthcare and education projects. In recent years they have completed Zayed University, Oasis Hospital, following a full Gyproc specification and Mafraq Hospital. With expertise in all aspects of gypsum board including partitions, wall linings and ceiling systems.

Since its founding in 1983, International Décor Co. LLC has carried out numerous successful projects including residential, commercial buildings and offices, hotels, hospitals, palaces and villas for reputed customers all over the UAE. During this period, the company has developed expertise in gypsum products including suspended ceiling and drywall partitioning alongside interior decoration, furnishing and other works enabling them to fully meet customer requirements and carry out projects to the highest professional workmanship standards.

The team consists of a technical team, managers, engineers, QA/QC engineers, designers, surveyors, safety officers, supervisors and foremen with over 200 skilled workers.

Abbeycon (PTY) LTD (South Africa)

Abbeycon (PTY) LTD was founded in February 1994 in Gauteng as a ceiling and partitioning company. Primarily carrying out commercial ceiling and partitioning in offices, shopping centers, hotels and casinos. Projects are mostly Gauteng based but work in other provinces providing size of contract warrants it. There have been installations in numerous Southern African countries and they have offices in Jetpark, South Africa and Luanda, Angola.

Joint-Venture: ACADINSA & OPERSIS (Spain)

Acabados de Interiores, S.A. (Acadinsa) was founded in 1984. The company produces industrial, acoustic and decorative ceilings and construction systems with drywall. The most emblematic works the company has recently performed are: The City of Justice in Barcelona, Pontifical Seminary in Tarragona, Barcelona Airport, Hotel Vela in Barcelona, and the WTC office buildings in Barcelona and Cornellà. Acadinsa has based its success on direct customer service at all times, on the capacity of its resources, and constant updating of its installation systems and knowledge of products in the international market.

Opersis was established in 1999 as a company that installs plasterboard. The company specializes in large-scale projects with complex logistics or special geometric shapes. The number of employees has varied greatly over the years, from the 22 current members of staff to 153 in 2009. The emblematic works the company has performed in recent years are: The Bridge Pavilion at Expo 2008 in Saragossa (Architect: Zaha Hadid) and the Arenas Shopping Mall in Barcelona (Architect: Richard Rogers).