At the heart of the French Design Awards lies the prestigious Grand Jury Panel. Comprised of globally acclaimed experts, this diverse assembly displays the cause of design, specifically in the interior, architectural, product, fashion, landscape and packaging design sectors.
Stemming from a rich variety of backgrounds, these professionals provide balanced and holistic assessments of every entry. They look beyond aesthetics, evaluating functionality, sustainability, and societal impact, to celebrate designs that are transformative and enhance the human experience.
Explore the professional journeys and visions of eminent panellists that set global standards in design excellence, fostering a design culture that values aesthetics, innovation, and environmental respect.
Bulgaria
Moein Jalali
Founder at Moein Jalali and Partners, Moein Jalali and Partners
Moein Jalali, a Ph.D. in architecture, focuses on the development of pure philosophical concepts in architecture. He served as a Professor of Architectural Design in both undergraduate and graduate degree programs at the university. Moein Jalali's Palemos Villa was nominated for best "Concept Design" in the "Middle East Award 2014." He integrates philosophy and architecture in all designs, particularly evident in Palemos. Moein Jalali also utilizes hypertext and hypotext, emphasizing the intertextuality process in his designs.
United States
Jiayuan Wang
Design Director, VSDesign
Jiayuan Wang, a renowned designer specializing in digital media and product design, is based in Seattle. As design director at VSDesign, her diverse portfolio spans healthcare, education, and technology, with key projects at the University of Washington, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and more.
Recognized for her dedication to design excellence and innovation, she has earned over ten prestigious international awards. Her acclaimed work has been widely exhibited, including at the 2024 Kent Summer Art Exhibit, Aquarium - 2024, and the Anacortes Arts Festival, and was featured as the cover design for Issue 27 of "Landscapes in Process" at the University of Pennsylvania.
Jiayuan brings valuable experience from her previous roles as a web UI/UX designer and consultant, specializing in interaction design for cloud-based restaurant management, sustainable e-commerce, and enterprise software. Prior to joining VSDesign, she honed her leadership skills as a lead designer at a startup.
United States
Xiyao Wang
Associate Principle, KOHN PEDERSEN FOX ASSOCIATES PC
Xiyao Wang, a licensed architect and member of the AIA, is a distinguished professional known for his innovative and transformative contributions to the field of architecture. With a rich professional background spanning over eight years, Xiyao has honed his skills in some of the world's most prestigious architectural firms and institutions.
Currently serving as an Associate Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates in New York, Xiyao leads the design, detailing, and documentation of cutting-edge façade designs for high-rise buildings. His expertise in parametric design tools and advanced 3D modeling techniques has been pivotal in conceptualizing and developing architectural strategies for both domestic and international projects. Xiyao's work is characterized by a deep understanding of environmental regulations, urban constraints, and client needs, which he seamlessly integrates into his design process.
His academic credentials are equally impressive, with a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University and a Master and Bachelor of Architecture from Tsinghua University.
China
Yingfan Zhang
Co-founder and chief architect, Atelier Alter Architects
Yingfan Zhang is the co-founder and chief architect of Atelier Alter Architects. She graduated from the Urban Design program at the Graduate School of Architectural Design at Harvard University and the Cooper Union Architecture program in New York on a full scholarship. Yingfan studied under architectural luminaries such as Raimund Abraham, John Hejduk, and Peter Eisenman. She has worked at RMJM North America and Atelier Raimund Abraham Architects, where she specialized in exploring the unique cultural context of sites through artistic techniques and conveying care for humanity and society through abstract poetry.
One of her representative works, the Jing History Museum, showcases her ability to respond to nature with architectural language born from the site's context, reflecting her critical thinking on architecture, innovative pursuit of architectural language, and capacity to shape the cultural field of architecture. Yingfan has also contributed to the academic field, teaching at Tsinghua University and Tianjin University for many years.
China
Liu Jianhui
Founder , Matrix Design
Entering the interior design field in 2004, Liu established IDMEN Indoor China Network in 2007, solidifying his presence in the industry. In 2019, he was recognized among the "Top Ten Youths in China’s Decoration Design Industry," marking him as a leading figure among young Chinese designers.
Liu Jianhui has built his design career around the philosophy that nature is the ultimate source of inspiration, emphasizing the importance of adhering to natural principles in his creative work. With a strong focus on environmental sustainability, he leverages innovative ideas and industry expertise to enhance both design and societal development through collaboration.
Portugal
Tiago do Vale
Senior Architect, Tiago do Vale Arquitectos
Tiago do Vale has contributed his remarkable skills as the senior architect at Tiago do Vale Arquitectos for a span of 15 years. As the senior architect, he oversees complex architectural projects from inception to completion. His extensive experience and creative vision contribute to the development of innovative design solutions that address clients' unique needs and aspirations. He plays a pivotal role in mentoring and guiding junior architects, fostering their professional growth and ensuring the successful execution of projects. He is a Senator and Member of the University Assembly and serves as an editor for the book "Urban Complex" published by Design Media Publishing, and its Chinese counterpart, "城市综合体," by Liaoning Science and Technology Publishing House. Vale’s published works have gained international recognition, and he has delivered lectures and authored articles on topics spanning architecture, urban planning, and rehabilitation in various locations.
Denmark
Frederick Rickmann
Co-Founder and CEO, DNgroup Aps
Frederick Rickmann co-founded DN Aps, a distinguished international design firm with operational branches in both Denmark and Taiwan. DNgroup has broadened the boundaries of design by embracing Enterprise Design, a discipline that encompasses the development of new enterprises and businesses. Rickmann belongs to a contemporary cohort of design visionaries capable of innovating across diverse fields. Whether tackling expansive urban projects in China or delving into the intricate details of industrial design, he demonstrates a remarkable aptitude for navigating shifts in scale, materials, processes, and temporal dimensions. He frequently takes the stage as a speaker at universities and corporate design events, imparting his expertise to audiences across Scandinavia, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Recognized for his exceptional strategic thinking, Rickmann is in high demand as a policy advisor, receiving regular invitations from a diverse array of international governmental bodies and private institutions, establishing him as a respected authority in the field.
Spain
Benjamin Calleja
CEO and Founder, Livit Design and Fast Fine Restaurant Group
Benjamin Calleja serves as the CEO of Livit Design, the founder of Fast Fine Restaurant Group and is also a Partner within the Passionality Group. As the CEO of the world's largest restaurant design company, his primary focus revolves around enhancing brand performance through the design of guest experiences. He has a global presence, actively working in 40 countries across five continents, where a new restaurant is created approximately every 8 hours. He is a recognized global authority in the field of hospitality design and technology, often sought after as a speaker at conferences, events, and masterclasses. Additionally, he holds prestigious memberships in organizations such as The American Institute of Architects and is a registered architect in multiple European countries including Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Luxembourg, and Sweden.
Germany
Ralph Christian Bremenkamp
Director of Innovation Strategy and Industrial Design, Fluid
With over 20 years of experience, Ralph Bremenkamp is a renowned product design specialist, known for developing innovative and award-winning design solutions for top global brands. His expertise spans medical design, consumer products and investment goods. Ralph excels in driving business success through innovation, both from previous leadership roles at international design consultancies as well as in-house teams.
Before joining FLUID, Ralph worked in key positions such as Principal Design Director at frog, Creative Director at BMW Designworks, and Director of Brand Experience for BEMER AG. He also ran his own award-winning design studio out of Munich, Germany for several years.
United States
Rituparna Simlai
Principal Architect and Landscape Architect, Studio Arth LLC
Rituparna Simlai is the accomplished individual who established Studio Art and serves as its principal architect. Simlai gained additional experience and expertise at renowned design firms in Delhi, California, and Florida, contributing to geographically diverse projects that ranged from residential design to large-scale master planning and infrastructure ventures. Under her direction, the studio extended its focus from landscape design for high-end residences in Coconut Grove, North Miami, and New Delhi to conducting research and analysis for ecologically-restorative and socially-just projects in various countries, including Vietnam, China, Mozambique, and Timor-Leste. Early in her career, she displayed an unwavering commitment to her craft, which yielded an impressive collection of design and service awards. Clients were not only appreciative of her work but also showered her firm with accolades. Within just two years of establishing Studio Art, her dedication and hard work resulted in a significant expansion of the studio's portfolio.
Indonesia
Erwin Hawawinata
Principal Architect and Interior Designer, Hawawinata & Associates
Erwin Hawawinata holds the role of lead architect and interior designer at Hawawinata N Associates, boasting a career spanning more than two decades in the architecture and interior design field.
Over the course of Hawawinata’s career, he has been extensively engaged in conceptualizing various accommodation projects. As part of his daily responsibilities, he is actively engaged in sketching architectural blueprints, meticulously selecting the materials essential for construction, and providing direct oversight throughout the architectural and interior design phases. This includes overseeing the placement of furnishings and the final touches that contribute to the overall aesthetics and functionality of the spaces.
His establishment of Hawawinata N Associates has paved the way for him to create a portfolio filled with exquisite residences, exclusive private offices, and captivating galleries, all catering to the discerning tastes of Indonesia's elite clientele. His impressive work garnered recognition and earned him multiple prestigious international awards.
United Kingdom
Mark Turner
Creative Director and Founder, Kre8ive Partners
Mark Turner, an industry veteran with a wealth of experience exceeding 30 years, holds the role of Founder and Creative Director at Kre8ive Partners.
As the leader of his creative team, Turner contributes an extensive wealth of experience in Art Direction, Typography, Point of Sale (POS) Design, Web Design, and Print. His established track record in the Graphic Design industry has had a pronounced influence, particularly within the retail and private sectors. His expertise in these domains has been instrumental in shaping the creative direction of his organisation.
With an ardent dedication to innovative and forward-thinking design, his passion for the field extends across all aspects of the creative process, but his deepest affection lies with packaging design, where he has consistently demonstrated a penchant for pushing the boundaries and crafting imaginative. This commitment to innovative design for packaging, has been the driving force behind Mark's contributions to the design industry.
India
Takbir Fatima
Director, DesignAware
Takbir Fatima is a renowned architect and educator, heading the innovative architecture and design studio DesignAware in Dubai and Hyderabad, along with the Fractals Workshop focusing on generative design and computation. Additionally, she initiated BuildAware, a project dedicated to fabrication and construction. Recognized in the RIBA-published "100 Women: Architects in Practice," Fatima has also showcased her work at the inaugural India Art, Architecture & Design Biennale 2023 in Delhi. With a MArch from the Design Research Lab at the AA School of Architecture, she boasts over a decade of experience in architecture. She maintains strong ties to the academic world, teaching at institutions such as the Boston Architectural College, CEPT University, DigitalFUTURES, and Meta Open Arts, previously known as the Facebook Analog Research Lab. Her dedication is reflected in her multifaceted roles as an architect, educator, and studio director, where she constantly pushes the boundaries of architectural design and education.
Netherlands
Misak Terzibasiyan
Founder and Principal Architect, UArchitects
Misak Tersibasiyan is the founder and principal architect of UArchitects (Urban Design and Architects). UArchitects is a global firm that embraces a diverse team of various nationalities. The founder, having studied at the Eindhoven University of Technology in The Netherlands, gained experience with several international architectural firms prior to establishing the company in the culturally and architecturally renowned city of Eindhoven. Terzibasiyan's professional and personal pursuits are deeply rooted in a global perspective and the exploration of cultural motifs, a focus influenced by his own ethnic heritage, having been born in Helsinki. He has established himself as an esteemed individual in his domain, with a career marked by an international outlook and a dedication to incorporating cultural diversity into his work. His recognition in the field is a testament to his commitment to embracing and understanding the interplay of different cultures in his professional endeavors.
South Korea
Joon Kwon
Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, LR Seoul
Joon Kwon, CEO and Co-Founder of LR Seoul since 2021, began his career in 2008 at GREY GROUP, Korea, progressing through roles at Geometry Global and Havas, where he served as Executive Creative Director for 16 years.
Throughout his career, Kwon played a pivotal role in crafting advertising campaigns for global brands like BMW, Budweiser, Pepsi, and Heineken, earning numerous prestigious awards. Beyond advertising, he is a dedicated creator committed to societal impact, recognized with international design accolades under the the Social Impact category.
His career reflects not only business acumen but also a commitment to using creativity as a force for positive change.
Hong Kong SAR
Stephen Chow
Managing Director, CAN Design Limited
Stephen is the Managing Director of CAN as an award-winning architect with over 20 years of architectural experience in the Asia Pacific. Stephen is a registered Architect and Authorized Person in HKIA, he is also a guest lecturer at the University of Hong Kong and a studio lecturer at the Hong Kong Design Institute. His diversified and awards-winning portfolio showcases his expertise in master planning, mixed-use, super highrise tower, retail, and urban regenerations scheme, etc. With an eye for quality and a superior sense of style, Stephen has been the chief designer on numerous iconic projects. As an open-minded, creative, and passionate architect, Stephen believes in the importance of a holistic design approach, and he also steps in the new trend research and absorbs new ideas from other industries. Stephen’s design manifests humanity and sustainability in the urban fabric and he strives to open the design realm into infinite possibilities, transforming clients’ visions into sustainable designs that encompass life, work, and play in the built environment.
Israel
Ilana Seleznev
Owner, Inventor and Industrial Designer, Studio RDD
Illana Seleznev is the owner of Studio RDD, the inventor of the ‘Math of Design – Thinking Inside the Box’ methodology, and a well-known industrial designer.
Seleznev leads the creative direction and strategic vision in her award-winning design firm. With a focus on client collaboration, she guides a talented design team in delivering innovative solutions. Beyond creativity, she manages business aspects, ensuring efficient operations and adherence to budgets. She stays abreast of industry trends, fostering a dynamic work environment that prioritizes excellence. As both a visionary leader and hands-on contributor, she aims to create impactful designs that resonate with clients and users.
She specializes in crafting high-quality promotional smart gifts from a diverse range of materials, customized to meet individual budgets and needs. Renowned for excellence, the design firm creates premium promotional merchandise, ensuring a tailored approach to suit the distinct preferences and financial considerations of each client.
China
Lichen Ding
Founder and Chief Designer, DLCA Architects
Lichen Ding is an award-winning designer with experience spanning across multiple disciplines and industries, and is dabbled in architecture, interior space, the field of art installations, and service areas throughout culture, hotel, commercial, office, real estate and brand planning sectors. He has a passion for art since childhood and has always aspired to design for spatial comfort and simplicity. His designs are well received by clients as a blend of inspiration and functionality. With solid knowledge in architecture and interior designs, he started his career working with land developers after getting professional qualifications in his early twenties. Ding's unwavering tenacity in the realms of architectural and interior design stands as a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. His portfolio is adorned with groundbreaking projects that showcase not only his creative prowess but also his dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Malaysia
Jae Leong
Judging Committee Chairperson, International Awards Associate (IAA)
Jae Leong is the accomplished chairperson of IAA’s extensive judging committee.
As the chairperson, Leong assumes a leadership role, guiding the organization and spearheading initiatives to uphold quality and creative excellence in critical areas such as design, creative advertising, marketing communications, video production, and business. Additionally, she serves as a key award representative at IAA, consistently demonstrating success in overseeing assessments throughout her career.
She prioritizes the coordination of strategic arrangements among various jury panels, establishing herself as a standout figure in the industry. Demonstrating a keen sense of management, Leong has executed her role with precision, ensuring that each participant receives fair evaluations and unbiased assessments, underscoring the significance of integrity in maintaining the credibility of the judging outcomes. Furthermore, her collaboration with professionals globally has positioned her at the forefront of specialization, enabling the development of exceptional communication and relationship management skills.
China
Wang Zhike and Li Xiaoshui
Founders, TOPWAY SPACE DESIGN CO., LTD (FOSHAN)
Established in 2002 by Wang Zhike and Li Xiaoshui, FOSHAN TOPWAY DESIGN specializes in high-quality commercial spaces and luxury residences, providing comprehensive services that include project planning, architecture, interior design, landscaping, and furnishings. Rooted in modernist design principles and a naturalistic approach, TOPWAY SPACE DESIGN CO., LTD (FOSHAN) crafts spaces that are relevant to contemporary needs while also exploring future spatial trends. The firm skillfully blends Eastern artistic elements with Western structural design, achieving a harmonious mix of functionality, human-centric design, and artistic expression to create spaces that are both unique and poetically resonant. They also place a strong emphasis on commercial viability and operational strategies in their designs, prioritizing the effective implementation and realization of their creative visions to enhance the commercial value for brands. They exhibit an unwavering dedication to elevating the standards of architectural and interior design. Their passion is reflected in their commitment to merging aesthetic modernism with naturalistic principles,
Thailand
Somchana Kangwarnjit
Executive Creative Director, Prompt Design
Somchana Kangwarnjit holds an industrial design degree from King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. In 2007, he established Prompt Design, assisting both local and international clients in developing their brands and businesses through innovative strategies and design solutions. Kangwarnjit plays a pivotal role in steering the creative vision and strategy for the agency. He leads a team of talented designers and strategists, inspiring them to push the boundaries of innovation and design excellence. Under his guidance, Prompt Design has become a powerhouse for creative solutions, setting industry standards and achieving client objectives with ground-breaking design executions.The clientele of Prompt Design spans notable companies such as Nestlé, Pfizer, CP, Singha Corporation, Kimberly-Clark, L’Oréal, Yuasa, and BJC, among others. Frequently, he is asked to join as a committee or jury member in design contests and contributes as a guest columnist and lecturer at leading publishers and universities.
New Zealand
Jeremy Smith
Design Director and Lecturer, Irving Smith Architects
Jeremy Smith is the Design Director of Irving Smith Architects, a research-based design practice working in sensitive environments throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad. His involvement with Architecture New Zealand not only entails writing but also underscores his active role in shaping critical perspectives within the field. Having served as a judge in diverse global contexts, including India, Singapore, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Lisbon, he brings a wealth of cross-cultural insights to the evaluation of architectural excellence. His dedication extends to regular lectures worldwide, offering a platform to disseminate the practice's innovative work and research, contributing to a broader discourse in the international architectural community. Smith's articulate writings not only enrich architectural dialogues in New Zealand but also reflect his commitment to promoting excellence in design worldwide, as evidenced by his role as an esteemed judge in diverse international settings, where he actively shapes the trajectory of architectural innovation and recognition.
China
Wu Wei
Founder and Creative Director, IN.X Design
As the founder and creative director of IN.X in Beijing, interior architect Wu Wei excels in designing spaces for Chinese cuisine. He is the go-to designer for several renowned restaurants in China, including Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant and Hu Da Restaurant. His role involves blending traditional aesthetics with modern design principles to create dining experiences that are both visually stunning and deeply rooted in Chinese culinary traditions. Under his guidance, IN.X has become synonymous with innovative and memorable designs that elevate the dining atmosphere in some of China's most celebrated restaurants. His passion for interior architecture is evident in the way he harmoniously merges contemporary and traditional elements, creating spaces that are functional and tells a story. This commitment to excellence and his love for cultural storytelling through design have established him as a distinguished figure in the field of Chinese catering space design.
Italy
Paolo Cappello
CEO, Paolo Cappello Design Studio
Paolo Cappello completed his Industrial Design degree at the Politecnico di Milano. Following a three-year stint working alongside Ludovica+Roberto Palomba in Milan, he established his own studio in Verona in 2007. There, he works with a team of experts in architecture, communication, and graphics. In his role as CEO of Paolo Capello's Design Studio, Capello is instrumental in guiding both the strategic vision and creative endeavors of the studio. His involvement extends to all facets of the studio's operations, ranging from the initial conception of distinctive design projects to managing their implementation. Capello's approach to leadership emphasizes a dedication to innovation, a pursuit of design excellence, and the cultivation of a team-oriented atmosphere that promotes both creative thinking and experimental approaches. He contributes to Rolling Stone magazine by writing a design column for its online edition. Paolo's creations have garnered attention from major global publications, including the New York Times, Herald Tribune and more!
Taiwan
Peng Hsu Chen
Design Director, Aesthetice of space design Co., Ltd.
Peng Hsu Chen is the design director of Aesthetice of space design Co., Ltd. As the Design Director at Aesthetics of Space Design Co., Ltd., an interior design studio, Chen plays a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic and conceptual direction of the company's projects. He oversees the creative process, ensuring that each design reflects both innovation and functionality, tailored to the unique needs of each space. Chen's expertise in blending contemporary trends with timeless design principles has significantly contributed to the studio's reputation for creating engaging and harmonious interiors. The team consistently delivers designs that not only meet but often exceed client expectations, reinforcing the studio's standing in the interior design industry. Chen's commitment to the field of interior design is unwavering, demonstrated through his meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of spatial aesthetics. His tenacity is evident in his relentless pursuit of design excellence, constantly exploring to elevate each project.
Singapore
Ronn Lee
Creative Partner, BEAMY
Ronn Lee is a versatile brand and design expert with two decades of experience in the field, spearheading projects in concept development, branding, graphic design, interactive media, and product innovation across various sectors. As the co-founder and creative lead of BEAMY, a creative and branding agency with its main office in Shanghai and additional locations in Singapore and New York, she has showcased remarkable initiative. Her journey took her from Singapore to Shanghai, where she was inspired by the growing demand for creative and branding services in China, leading to the establishment of BEAMY. Before her time in Shanghai, Ronn served as an Art Director in Tokyo. Her professional path through Singapore, Japan, and China has provided her with a deep understanding of diverse work cultures and design approaches. Ronn's contributions to the field have been recognized with over 100 international awards for design and creativity.
United States
Hsiao-Han Chen
Senior Art Director, Motto
Hsiao-Han Chen is an award-winning Senior Art Director at Motto, a global strategic branding agency. Chen possesses expertise in the realms of branding and packaging design. Her unique blend of practical, adaptable creativity pairs seamlessly with a strategic, methodical mindset. Her diverse educational background, encompassing product, packaging, and graphic design, combined with her extensive work experiences, has cultivated her into a multi-disciplinary professional with a comprehensive understanding of brand development across various industries. In her role as a Senior Art Director, she has worked in collaboration with esteemed companies such as Google, Hershey's, GoodNotes, Reckitt Benckiser, Ninjas In Pyjamas, Noovie, and many more. Her diverse range of projects, recognized by international design awards and featured in prestigious publications, serves as a testament to her versatility as a creative individual. Her ability to excel in a multitude of projects across various industries highlights her adaptability and creativity.
United States
Shuang Guo
Fashion Design Director, Fame Fashion House
Shaly Guo is a distinguished designer based in New York, educated at the School of Art Institute of Chicago, known for her distinctively creative and visionary style. She holds the position of Design Director at Fame Fashion House, is a Co-founder of Varena de Bella, serves as an ETFashion Couture Enlightenment Instructor, and is in the midst of launching her personal brand. Before venturing into her own fashion label, Shaly Guo, she gained valuable experience with globally acclaimed brands like Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Club Monaco, among others. Guo's fascination with vintage toys allows her to blur the lines between the tangible world and fantastical realms. Guo's designs are celebrated for her inventive edge and boldness, and have been featured in prestigious events such as New York Fashion Week, Austin Fashion Week, and Chicago Fashion Week, in addition to appearing in international fashion publications like Vogue, Sanction, Soleil, and others.
United States
Alice Li
Director, Cultural Strategy and Innovation, sparks and honey (Omnicom Group)
Alice Li is the Director of Cultural Strategy and Innovation at sparks & honey (Omnicom Group), a consultancy that uses tech-driven cultural intelligence to help organizations understand and stay ahead of global shifts. Li is the trusted authority on future frameworks and spearheads the majority of future projects at sparks & honey. As a quantitative futurist with a proven track record in foresight and innovation strategy, Li has advised numerous Fortune 100 C-suite executives, aiding in their decision-making endeavors. Beyond her role in management consulting, she holds a distinguished position as a judge for international design awards. Her goal is to provide the design community with a rich array of cultural perspectives, empowering the next generation to make informed, forward-thinking design decisions. This, in turn, prepares them to be responsible and thoughtful contributors to society, making impactful contributions to the world.
Japan
Daisuke Nagatomo
Founder, Director and Assistant Professor, MisoSoupDesign
Daisuke Nagatomo serves as the talented founder and director of MisoSoupDesign, and he is a Japanese designer and an assistant professor. His educational background at Meiji University in Tokyo and subsequent architectural studies at Columbia University have equipped him with a strong and pronounced foundation in design principles and a global perspective, allowing him to infuse innovative and culturally informed elements into the projects undertaken by MisoSoupDesign. He participated as one of the invited researchers in the FabLab House project at IaaC in Barcelona from 2009 to 2010, earning a research diploma during his tenure. In his various teaching positions at these diverse institutions, Nagatomo has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational experiences of students. Beyond imparting valuable design and architectural knowledge, he actively fosters an environment for cross-cultural exchanges and the sharing of innovative ideas among students from different backgrounds and perspectives.
United States
Yiying Tang
Architectural Designer, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF)
Renowned in architectural circles, Yiying is a standout candidate for a judging role, backed by a robust background and a global perspective developed at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates PC (KPF). Armed with a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor's from Zhejiang University, she combines academic prowess with real-world adaptability. As a LEED AP, BD+C, Yiying champions sustainability, aligning her design philosophy with environmentally responsible practices. Noteworthy industry recognition and features in international publications validate her innovative thinking. A diverse portfolio, spanning intricate installations to iconic skyscrapers, showcases her ability to transform visionary concepts into functional structures. Yiying's forward-thinking mindset, exploring architectural regionalism and AI integration, positions her to bring fresh perspectives to the judging role.
China
Jing Lv
Founder and Design director, Damai Interior Design, Damai Interior Design
Jing Lv, senior interior designer and architect, the founder and design director of Damai Interior Design. He graduated from the interior design major of Zhejiang Shuren University in 2002. Focusing on interior design for more than 22 years, he has led over a hundred large-scale and high-complexity design projects, and won the unanimous praise of the industry with professional ability and rigorous attitude. In Mr. Lv's opinion, design is an applied art with temperature. Therefore, his design works are not limited to a certain design style. While focusing on commercial value, he advocates for the continuation and enhancement of humanistic ideas. By accurately positioning the customer's target needs, incorporating more spiritual ideas into the space and achieving high-quality and efficient spatial solutions through artistic expression. In recent years, with outstanding works, he has achieved excellent results in domestic and international awards and has been invited to participate in the exhibition of interior design works in Macao, Korea and so on many times.
United States
Xiaobi Pan
Lead Designer, Amazon
Xiaobi (Iris) Pan is a globally-recognized pioneer in the field of Emerging Technology Design. She has been the inventor of the sound interactive Installation visited by over 1 million participants, the app that promises to plant 100 million trees on our planet by 2025, and a series of industry-leading new technology products and experiences. Currently a Lead Designer at Amazon, she is dedicated to using technologies such as Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize the consumer experience for both business and social good.
Russia
Ekaterina Elizarova
Owner, Elizarova Design Studio
Ekaterina Elizarova is an international designer, winner of the world's leading awards, including Red Dot, A'Design, Outstanding Property Award London and many others.
Ekaterina Elizarova is the first Russian product designer in the Metaverse.
In 2008, Ekaterina founded her own studio, which develops unique author's collections and interiors.
Ekaterina is the first designer in Russia invited to create collections of world-famous brands: Smania, Preciosa, Urban Fabric Rugs, Matlight Milano, Asko, Capital Collection, Junior Monarch and many others. The design by Ekaterina Elizarova is presented annually at exhibitions around the world from Italy and France to the USA and the UK. Designer of the Year (Elle Decoration Best of a Year Awards). Ekaterina has been awarded many prestigious international awards, including the Red Dot, A’ Design Award, the First All-Russian Award "For a special contribution to the development of design in Russia", the Eurasian Prize and others.
She works at the intersection of design and art. Ekaterina is the only representative of Russia selected by the Dutch Global Arts Affair Foundation to participate in the exhibition "Design Objects as Objects of Art", within the framework of the 57th Venice The Biennale.
United States
Jagdish Shankar Zagade
Systems Engineer, Raytheon tecnology
Jagdish Zagade, a distinguished Senior Systems Engineer, stands as a linchpin in his department, leading the test equipment/rigs group and spearheading innovation and capability enhancements in the lab test environment. Overseeing a team comprising Systems and Software Engineers, Jagdish efficiently manages work assignments and progress tracking for Engineer Technicians, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. His collaborative efforts facilitating a comprehensive understanding of project needs and enabling the development of technical designs. Jagdish's role encompasses providing precise bid inputs for contracts, underscoring the critical importance of accuracy in defining future work for Collins Aerospace. Notably, Jagdish introduces a visionary approach, emphasizing commonality and reusability in test rigs, aligning present endeavors with future benefits, showcasing forward-thinking leadership. Beyond his technical prowess, Jagdish is lauded for his role in ensuring first-time quality in the rigorous Avionics environment. His innovative solutions contribute to higher-quality outcomes and sustain a robust business relationship with Boeing. As a top-tier engineer, Jagdish's exceptional blend of technical acumen, leadership, and extensive experience earns him consistent recognition and elevated pay. His profound knowledge, adaptability, and collaborative leadership style make him a highly respected figure within the organization, reinforcing his position as a key leader in the field.
China
Zhou Yi
Founder/ Chief designer, Dayi Design
Zhou Yi , founder and chief designer of Dayi Design, graduated from Nanjing University and has been in the design industry for over a decade. She is now a member of the Architectural Society of China , a council member of the Wuxi Interior Design Association, and a visiting professor in the Department of Art at Jiangyin University.
Following her graduation, Zhou gained international work experience and pursued further studies abroad, which greatly broadened her perspective.Upon returning to China, she chose to develop her creative work in her hometown of Jiangyin, using the historical and geographically complex small city to explore the relationship between people and space. Her aim is to interpret and perpetuate the area's unique traditional culture from a modern standpoint, employing a rich visual language to captivate the younger generation.
Her unique female perspective and utilization of local design language have garnered widespread acclaim for her work. In a relatively short span of time, she has successfully completed numerous client projects, earning recognition for her independent thinking and surrealistic approach, establishing herself as a prominent designer in the region.
United States
Xianlong Deng
Architectural Designer, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill
Xianlong Deng is a nationally recognized architectural designer with a solid educational background and abundant professional experience. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Wuhan University of Technology and obtained a Master's degree in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania.
He has previously worked at internationally renowned architectural design firms such as Gensler, SOM, and Genesis AEC. At Gensler, he contributed to numerous large-scale architectural design projects, serving clients including Universal Studios, The Bally’s, and Vista Property, among other well-known companies and developers. Projects he was involved in include the Kinzie & Morgan mixed-use development, Grand Rapids mixed-use development, Los Angeles Universal Studios Security System planning, and a confidential casino hotel design.
At Genesis, he contributed to laboratory and pharmaceutical factory projects, serving global pharmaceutical clients such as Merck, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson. Currently, at AS+GG, Xianlong is fortunate to be a critical member of a world-leading company renowned for its design excellence and innovation. AS+GG has successfully designed numerous iconic mega-scale projects, including but not limited to the Trump Tower in Chicago, the Shanghai Jinmao Tower, and the 1 Dubai Tower.