Meet the Grand Jury of the Tokyo Design Awards

Turkey

Katia Levit

Senior Sales and Marketing Director, Aesthetic Solutions

Katia Levit holds the esteemed position of Senior Sales and Marketing Director at Aesthetic Solutions, showcasing her reputable standing in the company.

She plays a pivotal part in overseeing and managing the sales and marketing strategies of the company's products in the field of aesthetic medicine. Levit likely spearheads initiatives to promote the company's cutting-edge medical technologies, collaborating with sales teams to drive revenue and market share. Her responsibilities include developing and executing comprehensive marketing plans, identifying new business opportunities, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders.

Levit's position underscores her leadership in navigating the competitive landscape of aesthetic medical technology and ensuring the company's continued growth and success in the market. She is recognized as an amazing international speaker on various topics, including "Emotional Sales," "EQ via IQ," "Service in the luxury segment," "Employee and Customer Loyalty," and several others.

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.

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.

United States

Yafei Zhang

Associate Principal / BIM Lead / Adjunct Professor, Kohn Pedersen Fox; Kean University

Yafei Zhang, a BIM Leader and Associate Principal at KPF, brings over a decade of architectural expertise, specializing in large-scale urban developments, residential design, and cutting-edge contemporary workplaces.

As a BIM Leader and Associate Principal at KPF, Yafei Zhang has spearheaded the technical execution of projects from concept to completion, including the Bund Fosun Center in Wuhan, China, and the University of Michigan Innovation Center in Detroit, USA. Since 2020, she has leveraged her extensive expertise as BIM lead for a large team managing the design and execution of a 1.2 million-square-foot interior office space.

In her role as Adjunct Professor at Kean University, she leads the Professional Practice Seminar, preparing the next generation of architects with essential industry knowledge. Her broad experience in urban, commercial, and interior design has also led to speaking engagements, including the highly anticipated 2024 NY Build conference.

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.

United States

Xianlong Deng

Architectural Designer, Goettsch Partners

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 AS+GG, 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. At AS+GG, Xianlong is fortunate to be a critical member of a world-leading company renowned for its design excellence and innovation.

With all the professional experience, Xianlong also has unique input on affordable housing, commercial space planning, and complex government office projects. His project works have been exhibited in Chicago Build Expo and XuPeichen Art Gallery, awarded in MUSE Design and IDPA Awards etc, entitled his original artistic and business contribution to the architectural field.

His exceptional achievements earned him the prestigious Platinum Insignia from the IAA Jury Committee, distinguishing him as part of the select few elite jury members recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the industry.

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.

United States

Jiaru Lin

Head of Design, Amaffi

Jiaru Lin is a multidisciplinary designer, currently the Head of Design at Amaffi in New York. Lead design categories across fragrance, skincare, leather goods, footwear, and sunglasses. She collaborates with cross-functional teams in locations in New York, Geneva, London, Dublin, and Singapore.

Jiaru has worked with brands such as Tom Ford, Gucci, Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Coach, ZARA, Comme des Garçons, and Maison Margiela. Her design excellence has been recognized globally, earning prestigious awards for example the iF International Design Award from Germany. Jiaru has also served as a juror for international design competitions, including the Muse Design Awards, ADC Art Directors Club Awards Jury from the U.S.A, A’ Design Awards Jury from Italy, and the Indigo Design Awards Jury from Netherlands.

Her diverse portfolio spans art direction, branding, product design, packaging design, graphic design, digital design, social media content, photoshoots, visual merchandising, event design, game design, art curating, and teaching. Certified in the AI Products and Services Design program from MIT, Jiaru is passionate about innovation, sustainability, artificial intelligence, crypto, science, and volunteering. Her love for travel and culinary exploration fuels her creativity and inspires her work. Jiaru’s boundless curiosity and passion for life are integral to her creative approach.

China

Xudong Zhu

Co-founder & Principal Designer, T.E.N

Xudong Zhu is an internationally acclaimed architect and urban designer recognized for creating vibrant, sustainable, and culturally resonant spaces. He holds a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design (GSD), where he earned the Plimpton-Poorvu Design Prize, as well as dual master's degrees from Tongji University and Politecnico di Milano.

Xudong’s projects span scales and typologies, from winning competitions like the Yuyuan Plaza International Design Competition to earning gold at the Global Future Design Awards for Future Architecture. His work consistently blends creativity, functionality, and sustainability, positioning him as a leading voice in contemporary architecture.

Beyond practice, Xudong contributes to architectural discourse through research on urban heritage transformation and high-density city planning, presenting at conferences such as AESOP and ENHR. He has lectured at institutions like Tsinghua University and served as a guest critic at the Boston Architectural College.

United States

Zhaodi Wang

Senior UX Designer, Google

Zhaodi is a seasoned design professional with over 10 years of experience, currently a Senior Interaction Designer at Google. Specializing in digital and product design, Zhaodi’s work spans multiple platforms, catering to both enterprise and consumer-facing markets. With a strong academic background, including a master’s degree in design studies from Harvard University focusing on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Zhaodi combines theoretical knowledge with practical expertise. Dedicated to contributing to the design community, Zhaodi is actively involved as a mentor and organizer of large design conferences, continually striving to foster innovation and excellence in the field.

United Kingdom

Pal Pang

Design Principal, ANOTHER DESIGN

Pal Pang is the Design Principal of ANOTHER DESIGN, an esteemed interior architect and artist based in London, United Kingdom. Renowned for his expertise in merging functionality with aesthetic brilliance, Pang has been pivotal in cementing the firm's standing as a leader in innovative, user-focused design.

Pang promotes a collaborative approach, encouraging creative ideas while focusing on end-user needs. His design philosophy emphasizes understanding the human experience, reflected in ANOTHER DESIGN's successful projects in Hong Kong and the UK. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce (RSA), an honor that reflects his contributions to the creative industry. Adding to his artistic versatility, he is also a musician and has recently released music albums, showcasing his multidimensional creative talent.

With his latest recognition as a Fellow of the RSA, Pang leads ANOTHER DESIGN with a vision that blends beauty and functionality, earning acclaim for creating intuitive, aesthetically striking spaces.

Russia

Vargov Anton

CEO, Vargov Design

Vargov Anton, the founder, CEO, and visionary designer behind the international brand Vargov®Design, renowned for its innovative approach to custom lighting and decorative compositions.

Vargov®Design is a global leader in designing, producing, and selling bespoke lighting and decorative compositions. His team crafts innovative lighting solutions that merge artistic vision with advanced technology, transforming spaces with unparalleled creativity. His company pushes boundaries by exploring innovative materials, forms, and technologies to craft truly distinctive products.

Vargov Anton's expertise in lighting and decorative design is evident through his role as a juror for multiple prestigious awards, including IAA’s very own MUSE Design Awards, NY Product Design Awards, Rome Design Awards, French Design Awards, TITAN Property Awards and Noble World Hotel Awards. His contributions have earned him widespread respect and recognition, showcasing the value of his work within the industry. His innovative approach continues to inspire and set benchmarks in design.

United Arab Emirates

Khaled Elnems

Q.C. & Industrial Product Designer, PARSONS Infrastructure & Technology Group Inc.

Khaled Elnems, a born and Abu Dhabi-based R&D Innovations Q.C., possesses vast expertise as a jury member on the Committee for International Engineering Invention & Innovation Exhibitions.

Furthermore, he serves as a Co-founder and Head of Delegation for International Innovations Exhibitions in Egypt and the U.A.E, advocating for young inventors and representing them in local and international events.

With a strong focus on supporting women and young marginalized inventors, he actively fosters collaboration, helping them gain international recognition and success. Highly knowledgeable in his field, he is regarded as an expert in innovation development and mentorship, guiding emerging talents to realize their full potential on a global stage.

United States

xuechen chen

FOUNDER AND ARCHITECTURE DESIGNER, X.C STUDIO

Xuechen Chen is a New York-based architect and multidisciplinary designer known for her innovative and dynamic approach to design. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Psychology from Pratt Institute and a Master of Advanced Architectural Design from the University of Pennsylvania. Over the years, Xuechen has worked in several international architecture firms, contributing to a wide range of large-scale projects, particularly in mixed-use and high-rise developments internationally. These experiences have honed her expertise in navigating the complexities of urban environments.

Her design philosophy is deeply influenced by the interplay of urban dynamics and social experiences, which she skillfully integrates into her work. As the founder of X.C Studio, Xuechen leads a practice that specializes in civic and cultural projects, embracing a personalized design approach that extends across architecture, interior design, and visual arts. Through X.C Studio, she strives to enrich the cultural and civic life of communities.

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.

Taiwan

Idan Chiang

Founder and Chief Designer, L'atelier Fantasia

Idan Chiang is the founder and Chief Designer of L’atelier Fantasia.

Chiang, with her visionary leadership style, establishes guiding principles for creative initiatives, leading a team of highly skilled professionals. Holding a degree in sociology, her unique perspective offers a deeper understanding and sensitivity to people's requirements. She guides the team in developing solutions that go beyond traditional confines. Her responsibilities range from strategic planning and collaborating with clients to cultivating an atmosphere of innovation within the team. Chiang's commitment to upholding high-quality standards ensures that each project mirrors dedication to excellence. As a creative force, she actively participates in business development, expanding the client base and positioning the company as a leading player in the design industry.

She holds the belief that each living space should narrate its distinct story. She embraces the approach of harmonizing diverse disciplines to craft a sophisticated, contemporary style.

Italy

Eugenio Bini

Architect & Engineer,

Eugenio Bini holds the roles of Architect and Engineer at beingarch. Following his graduation, he participated in the International Workshop "Lisbon Expo, towards Urban Mending" as part of the Master program "Remaking Landscapes" at UPC - Lisbon, where he had the opportunity to learn from prominent architects like Gonçalo Byrne and Alvaro Siza.

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with several Italian architectural firms, including Area Progetto Associati and Carlo Ratti Associati, contributing to high-profile projects such as the Mutti Headquarters Masterplan, a conceptual design for Poste Italiane, and Real Rio, an interactive installation for the 2016 Olympic Games sponsored by Cisco System.

Bini has also ventured into product design and self-production, gaining recognition for his innovative "Figaro" hi-tech coffee table, which received critical acclaim. He has embraced various creative roles such as art direction, involving himself in diverse areas like branding, logos, advertising, packaging, web and UI/UX design, copywriting, and more.

China

Zhang Xuewu

General Manager, Yuanjie (Chengdu) Decoration Design Co., Ltd.

Zhang Xuewu is the Founder and General Manager of Yuanjie Design, a prominent interior architecture firm known for its refined aesthetics and strategic design execution. He began his career in 2010 as an interior architect in Beijing, where he quickly gained recognition for his forward-thinking approach and ability to translate complex concepts into compelling spatial experiences.

In 2018, Zhang established Yuanjie (Chengdu) Interior Architectural Design Co., Ltd., setting the foundation for what has become one of Southwest China's leading design enterprises. Under his vision and direction, the firm has expanded significantly, now home to a multidisciplinary team of hundreds, including more than 30 principal interior architects who are regarded as pioneers in the field.

Zhang’s work is defined by a strong integration of design innovation and business intelligence. His leadership continues to shape Yuanjie Design into a powerhouse of high-end interior architecture, pushing the boundaries of contemporary design and influencing the future of spatial development across the region.

China

Wang Zhike and Li Xiaoshui

Founders, TOPWAY SPACE DESIGN CO., LTD (FOSHAN)

Wang Zhike and Xiaoshui Li founded Topway Interior Design Co., Ltd. in Foshan in 2002, carving a notable path in the design industry. Graduating from Hubei Institute of Fine Arts two years earlier, their 20-year journey has focused on commercial space design, specializing in headquarters buildings, exhibition halls, and office spaces.

Their design blends modern style with a natural touch, creating spaces that are relevant today yet forward-looking. They combine Eastern and Western design elements to craft spaces that are functional, appealing, and artistic. Throughout their careers, Wang Zhike and Xiaoshui Li have earned numerous awards, highlighting their impact and skill in design.

Their ability to create innovative and functional designs has earned them a significant place in the design industry and made their company, a respected name in commercial space design. Their journey is a testament to their dedication and skill in transforming spaces into meaningful and effective environments.

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

Bo Zhang

Founder, Desz Office

Bo Zhang , Artist, Designer and Curator . founded Desz Office, a creative studio that mixes art, design, material and communications to balance art and design, expresses the relationship between people and space, stimulates people's imagination of contemporary art and design. Bo also is initiator of the RE-CRAFT project. The goal of RE-CRAFT is to integrate art, design, craftsmanship and culture to give culture and craftsmanship new vitality.

"Make creations that have never been seen before" is Desz's unchanging philosophy, which reflects his commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity. He believes that creativity and originality are the bedrock of his work, allowing it to be loved by those who experience it. Desz holds that a true masterpiece should evoke sentiment, possessing a soul that fosters a meaningful connection with people. This connection goes beyond the visual, reaching into a deeper, spiritual realm that inspires and stirs a sense of yearning in the viewer.

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.

Bulgaria

Vasil Velchev

Media & Product Life Cycle Manager, Europe, Ideal Standard International NV

Despite earning a master's degree in electrical engineering, Vasil Velchev has amassed over a decade of experience as a graphic designer within global organizations. Initially, his foray into product design was more of a hobby, but as his creations gained international recognition and garnered awards, his confidence in his ideas grew.

Several years ago, He initiated the MAGMA project, a platform aimed at consolidating his diverse creations under one umbrella. The project's name is symbolic, representing the designer's belief that every original idea should remain in a constant "liquid" state, continuously evolving to explore its full potential and staying vibrant until it transforms into a tangible product.

Velchev also serves as a valued member of the Grand Jury for prestigious awards. His remarkable talent has earned him approximately 25 international awards across various categories, with a primary focus on furniture design, recognized by design awards worldwide.

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.

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

Yiying Tang

Architectural Designer, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF)

Yiying Tan is an architectural designer at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) with a global perspective and strong academic foundation, holding a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s from Zhejiang University.

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, sustainability, and AI integration—reflects her deep knowledge of the field and positions her to bring insightful, innovative perspectives to the judging role.

United States

Chongrui Zhao

Staff Product Designer, Walmart

Chongrui Zhao is a seasoned UX design leader with a Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science.

He is currently a Staff UX Designer at Walmart, leading inventory intelligence design at Sam’s Club with technologies like computer vision and RFID. Previously, Chongrui worked on Samsung Health apps, designing features such as ECG for mobile devices and the Galaxy Watch. He also co-founded a fitness journal platform focused on bodyweight workouts, showcasing his versatility in health tech.

Chongrui, co-founder of a product design community, hosts design talks, mentors new UX designers, and shares job insights to foster industry growth. He is passionate about using design and AI to improve daily life and work efficiency, creating innovative solutions that balance user experience with business goals.

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

Zhou Yi

Founder / Chief Designer, Dayi Design

Zhou Yi graduated from Nanjing University and has over a decade of in-depth experience in the design industry. After gaining extensive international work experience and pursuing advanced studies abroad, Ms. Zhou chose to return to her hometown of Jiangyin and founded Dayi Design. She focuses on exploring the relationship between people and space in Jiangyin — a city rich in historical heritage and unique geographical context. With a modern perspective, she is committed to interpreting the essence of local culture and connecting with younger generations through innovative visual language.

With her distinctive female perspective, deep understanding of local design language, and a creative approach that blends surrealism, Zhou Yi’s work has received widespread acclaim. Despite the relatively short time since founding DAYI Design, she has successfully led numerous high-quality design projects, showcasing exceptional independent thinking and creativity. She has quickly emerged as a prominent designer in the Jiangyin region.

China

Tao Chen and Jade Lee

Founder and Co-Founder, DesignRe-explore

Tao Chen and Jade Lee, founders of DesignRe-explore, bring a wealth of experience from a decade in architectural and interior design, along with expertise in brand strategy, public relations, and marketing planning. They have supported over 200 leaders from architectural and design firms, facilitating their participation in prestigious international design competitions.

Dedicated to fostering a platform for interaction and collaboration among designers worldwide, they focus on showcasing and advancing unique and innovative design works. Their goal is to spotlight professionals excelling in real estate development, architectural and interior design, and creative aesthetics globally. They strive to recognize and provide opportunities for industry experts and design talents who demonstrate innovation, visionary ideas, and artistic creativity.

Their influence extends through a network of over 1,000 media partners, creating a comprehensive media matrix that encompasses art, design, real estate, news, culture, and entertainment, amplifying their reach in the design community.

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.

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 was a Senator and Member of the University of Coimbra's Assembly and served as the contributing 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. Do 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.

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.

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

Yolande Wong

CEO, Beijing Zhijian Culture Communication Co.,Ltd

Yolande Wong holds the position of Chief Content Operating Officer Beijing Zhijian Culture Communication Co.,Ltd.

With a decade of immersion in the media industry, Yolande Wong brings extensive expertise in brand management, media communication, and marketing strategy. She stands out as one of the pioneering brand operation managers in China's design sector, advocating and executing market segmentation strategies. Her experience is not limited to the Chinese market, as she also possesses the capability to deliver services on a global scale.

Her portfolio includes collaborations with numerous design firms and decoration conglomerates, including Golden Mantis, Grandland Group, Matrix Design, and Tengyuan Design, where she has planned and executed various design projects and events, managing teams of up to 1000 individuals. Her writings frequently appear in publications such as “Chinese Architectural Decoration” and “Personage Decoration”. Wong's dedication to the media and design industries is exemplified by her extensive involvement in brand management and media communication.

China

Meng Zhao

Founding Principal, Chuxin Tuoyuan Co., Ltd.

Meng Zhao is the Founding Principal of Chuxin Tuoyuan Co., Ltd., where he explores the dynamic relationship between architecture, culture, and the environment.

With extensive experience in global architectural innovation, sustainable design, and smart building solutions, he has collaborated with internationally renowned firms including SOM (Chicago), UNStudio (Amsterdam), Coop Himmelb(l)au (Vienna), and Rafael Viñoly Architects (Palo Alto). His portfolio features major international projects such as the Doha Metro Stations in Qatar, the Chinatown Branch of the Chicago Public Library, and the New Stanford Hospital.

His representative works include the Finland Musical Art Center and the Beijing Mammoth Ivory Engraving Exhibition Center, both of which have earned multiple international accolades. His projects have been featured on major platforms such as ArchDaily and Designboom, reflecting his dedication to preserving cultural continuity and strengthening regional identity through architecture and spatial design.