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Grand Jury Members

Greetings and welcome to the section dedicated to the esteemed members of the Grand Jury. Our jury stands as a beacon of integrity and expertise, consisting of a select group of influential pioneers and visionaries in the realms of architecture and design.

Each individual has been chosen based on their deep-rooted knowledge, innovative methodologies, and profound impact on the architectural and design communities. Our panel is comprised of renowned professionals, scholars, and commentators from across the globe, guaranteeing a broad and insightful perspective throughout our evaluation process.

We express our sincerest gratitude and respect to this venerable collective for their critical insights and discernment. Their dedication to maintaining a standard of excellence not only fortifies the reputation of our awards but also promotes the advancement of architectural and design principles worldwide.

CEO, Fashion Designer,
Professor | Faculty of Design and Multimedia, University Donja Gorica
Founder | FashionLinkNow
Spain

Ana Vasiljevic is a distinguished Serbian-born designer with an extensive career spanning fashion design, education, and editorial work. Holding a BA and MA in Fashion Design from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Belgrade University of Arts, she further pursued a PhD in the Theory of Arts at the University Donja Gorica, specializing in sustainable fashion and cultural heritage. Her expertise bridges commercial design, academia, and editorial contributions, making her a respected figure in the fashion industry. Since 2005, Ana Vasiljevic has led her eponymous fashion label, balancing minimalist aesthetics with intricate construction and deconstructed draping. Her collections range from romantic silhouettes to geometric structures, often featuring a monochrome palette punctuated by vibrant contrasts. She also pioneers sustainability through her VA Infinity line, dedicated entirely to upcycled and recycled fashion. Beyond her brand, Ana Vasiljevic has contributed as a head designer for mass and high-street fashion labels. She has also made an impact in editorial and styling, working as an editor and stylist for the renowned magazine Bazar, one of the oldest publications in the former Yugoslavia. Her styling expertise extends to commercial projects, music videos, and costume design. Ana Vasiljevic’s work has been showcased at major fashion weeks in Belgrade, Serbia, Zagreb, Montenegro, London, Paris, Spain, and Sweden. Her designs frequently feature in leading publications such as Elle, Harpers Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Prestup, further cementing her influence in the industry. Currently, Ana Vasiljevic serves as Head of the Fashion Design Department at the Faculty of Digital Arts, Metropolitan University Belgrade, and as an Associate Professor at UDG University, Montenegro. She is also a guest lecturer at prestigious Spanish fashion schools and the founder of FashionLinkNow, the first online educational platform for fashion design in the ex-Yugoslavian region, dedicated to knowledge-sharing within the international fashion community. Her vision for fashion aligns deeply with sustainability, advocating for a system that balances aesthetics with ethics. She emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage preservation as a foundation for innovation, slow fashion, and conscious production. Her approach integrates contemporary art, architecture, and cultural influences to create meaningful, transformative designs that go beyond trends.

XR/Motion Designer
Apple
United States of America

Xianghan Wang is an award-winning XR/Motion Designer currently working at Apple, with a strong focus on crafting immersive and impactful user experiences. With over five years of experience, she has collaborated with leading creative agencies such as MediaMonks and Ogilvy, contributing to global brands like Burberry, Crocs, and Red Bull. Her work has earned more than ten international awards—including the Red Dot Award, iF Design Awards, XR Awards, and Muse Creative Awards Gold—reflecting her dedication to design excellence and innovation. Xianghan has also served as a jury member for multiple prestigious international competitions and hackathons, including the Spark Design Awards, Creative Communication Awards, MIT Reality Hack, and HackNYU, where she evaluated projects based on innovation, creativity, and real-world impact. She is deeply passionate about connecting XR with social impact, using design as a tool to address real-world challenges, promote cultural preservation, and enhance emotional well-being. Committed to shaping the future of design and technology, she actively supports the next generation of creators while exploring the powerful intersection between immersive technology and meaningful human experiences.

Founder
Studio RDD
Israel

Ilana Seleznev is a visionary leader in Product Strategy, Business Transformation, and Industrial Design, with over 15 years of proven success turning complex ideas into breakthrough results. As Director of the Enterprise Transformation Office at Salesforce, Ilana drives strategic growth and maximizes profitability while opening doors to new global markets. Her leadership has been instrumental in Salesforce’s international expansion and record-breaking revenue growth. With a background in Industrial Design and an MBA in Marketing, Ilana developed her signature approach — The Math Of Design: Thinking Inside The Box. This unique method blends the logic of mathematics with the creativity of design to craft promotional products and branded merchandise that are not only functional but unforgettable. Known for her sharp eye for detail and a deep commitment to personal client service, Ilana oversees every stage — from initial concept to final launch — ensuring every project exceeds expectations and delivers measurable value.
Beyond the corporate world, Ilana is dedicated to empowering communities and shaping the future of product leadership. She is a featured speaker at Product School, an active board member of the Salesforce Women’s Network for Equality, and an advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech and design. Her achievements have earned her international recognition, including A Design Award, MUSE Design Awards and a seat as a jury member for the Globee Awards. Her influence extends to mentoring, thought leadership, and championing innovation wherever she goes.
When she’s not driving transformation, you’ll likely find her behind the wheel of a sports car — fueling her passion for speed, precision, and pushing boundaries in every sense. Ilana Seleznev continues to redefine how businesses think, design, and grow — proving that when creativity meets strategy, anything is possible.

Architectural Designer
Gensler
United States of America

Zhaoxiong Han is an award-winning architectural designer whose practice harmonizes sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality. With a diverse portfolio encompassing adaptive reuse projects, core & shell office buildings, education, and interior design, he is committed to crafting environments that are visually striking, user-centric, and environmentally responsible. Zhaoxiong Han’s work reflects a deep interest in the intersection of architecture and lifestyle, with a particular focus on urban renewal and redefining the boundaries of the built environment. Zhaoxiong Han views architecture as both a functional necessity and an art form capable of fostering meaningful experiences. His approach emphasizes conceptual thinking, innovative use of materials, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable principles. He excels at bridging traditional and contemporary design approaches, creating spaces that honor cultural heritage while embracing modern needs. Whether designing for adaptive reuse or new construction, Zhaoxiong Han consistently delivers thoughtful and impactful solutions. In his practice, Zhaoxiong Han explores architecture as a medium for artistic and cultural expression, transcending its utilitarian role to engage people on a deeper, experiential level. His designs invite reflection on how spaces shape personal and collective experiences, inspiring creativity and fostering a sense of community. By seamlessly blending form, function, and meaning, Zhaoxiong Han’s work challenges conventional architectural norms and sets a benchmark for innovation. Through his thoughtful and visionary designs, Zhaoxiong Han demonstrates how architecture can address the evolving challenges of modern life, from sustainability to urban transformation. His work exemplifies a dedication to enriching the human experience and redefining the role of architecture in shaping a better future.

Architect, Founder
Bogdanova Bureau
Ukraine

Olga Bogdanova is a Ukrainian architect and designer with extensive experience in architecture, interior design, and creative direction. She holds a master’s degree in architecture from Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, where she specialized in the design of architectural environments. In 2006, Olga Bogdanova co-founded 2B.Group, a studio that became one of the leaders in Ukrainian interior design. In 2018, she launched Bogdanova Bureau, focusing on architecture and design for residential spaces, product design, and art direction. The studio has since developed a distinctive approach, blending modern aesthetics with sustainability and craftsmanship. In 2023, she expanded internationally by founding B.A.G. Sarl (Bogdanova Architectural Group) in Switzerland. Bogdanova Bureau follows the philosophy of Sustainable Luxury, where luxury is defined as living in a thoughtfully designed, custom-created space, and sustainability means prioritizing timeless design over excess. Beyond architecture and design, Olga Bogdanova is committed to promoting Ukrainian design on the global stage. In 2016, she founded Prostir86, a design platform dedicated to supporting and showcasing Ukrainian design at major international events, including Paris Design Week, Dutch Design Week, and Milan Design Week. She continues to work closely with emerging designers and furniture brands, guiding them in creative management and product development. Olga Bogdanova has extensive experience in international judging, further solidifying her reputation as a respected voice in the global design community. Her deep understanding of architecture, product design, and sustainability brings a thoughtful and refined perspective to the evaluation of design excellence.

Architect, Inventor, Director of Development
Bu-Ali Sina University
Iran

Halil Taleeslami is a Master of Architecture and an accomplished designer, innovator, and educator from Hamedan. Born in 1974, Khalil has more than 20 years of experience in design and implementation, with over 14 years dedicated to groundbreaking inventions. He holds several patents and has served in national and international positions, making significant contributions to the design field. Khalil’s passion for design began in childhood, when he created practical solutions like reading lamps and flood-resistant structures for his family’s home. He believes that design is his purpose in life and continually seeks innovative solutions, including designs for future planetary exploration, such as Mars. His approach combines simplicity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, with a strong focus on creativity and technology. For the past 15 years, Khalil has been teaching and designing at Bu Ali Sina University, where he nurtures the next generation of designers. He is deeply inspired by nature, science fiction, and cultural heritage, incorporating these elements into his minimalist yet functional designs. Khalil views design as an evolving field, with artificial intelligence poised to shape its future under human guidance. Among his achievements, Khalil has won numerous international awards and has served as a jury member for prestigious global competitions. He continues to innovate in industrial and futuristic design while contributing to exhibitions, including his most recent in Tehran and upcoming plans for Berlin. Khalil Taleeslami is committed to pushing the boundaries of design, striving to create solutions that resonate globally while remaining grounded in his cultural roots.

Director
Rptecture Architects
Australia

Vincent Choi is an accomplished architect with a global perspective. Originally from Hong Kong, he relocated to Australia to study Architecture at the University of Melbourne, where he found both a new home and a lifelong passion for design. After graduating, Vincent refined his skills in Singapore’s competitive design market, gaining valuable regional and international experience.

In 1998, he returned to Melbourne, and in 2004, he established Rptecture Architects. As Founder and Principal, Vincent leads a team of creative professionals united by a shared vision of innovation, sustainability, and design excellence. His practice delivers a diverse portfolio of award-winning residential, commercial, and industrial projects, recognized for their innovative use of materials, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Recent accolades include recognition at the 2024 Paris Design Awards, 2023 Melbourne Design Awards, 2023 Built Design Awards, and 2023 IDA Design Awards, reinforcing the firm’s ability to create spaces that enhance the human experience.

Beyond architecture, Vincent is passionate about fostering the next generation of design professionals. He is an active mentor in the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Mentor Program, sharing his expertise and guidance with emerging architects. Outside of his professional commitments, Vincent is a dedicated marathon runner and is actively involved in not-for-profit initiatives supporting communities across Australasia.

Design Director, Partner
SAY Studio
United Arab Emirates

Laila Al-Yousuf is the Partner and Design Director at SAY Studio, an interior design agency she co-founded in 2018. Under her leadership, the company has gone from strength to strength, designing transformative spaces for clients such as Google and LinkedIn that change the way people live and work, while inspiring waves of positive change beyond the design industry. As a designer, a number of her projects have received accreditations such as WELL and LEED, a testament to her holistic approach to individuals well-being, empowering businesses and their people to thrive at their full potential. As a mentor, Laila Al-Yousuf believes that coaching younger generations is a responsibility within a leadership role. She is a key figure in the development and growth of her staff, by incorporating trainings as well as encouraging them to take part in panels and industry events. As a dedicated humanitarian, Laila believes that design has the power to change lives. In 2013, she conceptualized the Surge for Water ‘Design, Dine, make a Difference’ competition that asks designers in the region to design sustainably and raises awareness around the global water crisis in third world countries. The competition still runs today. Laila Al-Yousuf has created a way for design to give back, while inviting people to ponder the responsibilities that we all have in making a difference. This has become so important to Laila, that in 2018, together with her partner, she dedicated her wedding to it and raised enough money to build 3 wells and a bathroom block in Uganda. Her passion for making the world a better place takes her to remote corners of the globe. An advocate for women, she prioritizes equality, diversity, and inclusion through design. She takes an active role in representing the women of the design and construction industry.

Founder, Designer
hm-LI Studio
United States

Haoming Li is a distinguished designer with a robust academic foundation and extensive professional experience spanning architecture and furniture design. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from Tsinghua University and a Master’s degree from Columbia University. Her design journey began at Tsinghua University, where her double chair design garnered widespread recognition and was exhibited on campus. Professionally, she contributed to notable architectural and interior projects at Studio Link-Arc and Grimshaw Architects in New York. Later, her collaboration with renowned artist Norman Mooney on Workspace Editions saw her lead the design and production of innovative furniture and lighting showcased globally. In 2023, Haoming Li founded hm-LI Studio, a practice that seamlessly integrates architectural principles with furniture design, blending Eastern aesthetics with Western modernity. Her debut collection, the Weaving Chair series, won the prestigious Red Dot Award in 2024, marking a significant milestone in her career. Haoming’s work has been exhibited at leading events such as ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) and Design Shanghai. Her designs have also received international acclaim, including multiple MUSE Design Awards and the Design Shanghai Picks Award in 2024. Known for their harmonious balance of form and function, her creations are timeless, emotionally resonant, and deeply inspired by music, art, and nature.

Designer, founder
EAGLE Braseros y parrillas
Argentina

Enrique Néstor Laumann is an accomplished designer and innovator in the field of grilling solutions, renowned for his work with EAGLE Braseros y Parrillas. Educated in Social Work at the National University of Entre Ríos, Argentina, he has combined his passion for design with his social career, contributing over 20 years to the Special School Senderos de Luz in Paraná, Argentina. Enrique Néstor Laumann’s innovations have earned consistent recognition, including awards at the INNOVAR Argentina contests in 2019 and 2021 for his groundbreaking grill designs, as well as international honours such as the Architecture & Design Collection Awards 2022 and the International Architecture & Design Awards 2023. Enrique Néstor also holds a patent for an advanced grill design featuring innovative components, highlighting his focus on functionality and aesthetic appeal in product design. Beyond his design accomplishments, Enrique Néstor Laumann has served as a jury member for prestigious competitions, including the A’Design Award, further solidifying his influence in the design community.