2025 Judges

Jim brings over 35 years of hospitality and branded residential real estate experience to Airbnb as Head of Residential. During his career Jim has served in roles from CEO of Radisson Hotels Americas, EVP of Starwood Hotels, Chief Development Officer of both Kimpton Hotels and Wyndham Hotels as well as other positions including working with developers, architects, and interior designers on some of the most iconic spaces created internationally for brands such as St. Regis, W Hotels, 1 Hotels, Baccarat, Dream Hotels, as well as with several independent hotels and restaurants. Jim has partnered with successful owners in executing agreements throughout the Americas, the United Kingdom and Europe, the Middle East, and most of Asia. Jim has been involved in the acquisition, development, joint venture, and financing of over $15 Billion of real estate projects. His teams have helped guide the branding of hotel projects from independent boutiques through ultra-luxury.

Firas Alsahin, the co-founder and design director of 4SPACE, is a distinguished interior architect known for his creative vision and dedication to delivering high-end architectural and interior design services. With over 25 years of experience and involvement in more than 200 projects, Firas has helped establish 4SPACE as one of the finest interior design companies in the Middle East. His unique design approach and commitment to creating memorable, bespoke spaces have led to numerous awards for the firm, showcasing his exceptional talent and expertise in the field.

Mr. Yang Bangsheng is the most influential interior designer in China and an advocate of China’s culturally distinctive hospitality design. With his 30 years of experience, forward-looking concept and pioneering spirit, Mr. Yang leads the company in edging into global hotel design giants, so that YANG is able to provide services for more than 700 quality hotels including those under IHG, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Kempinski, and Banyan Tree. Mr. Yang sticks to the design philosophy of “Made in Nature”. He excels at detecting the uniqueness of oriental aesthetics and at integrating history, culture and art into the space, and has ceaseless pursuit of perfection. While catering to today’s clients and society, he pays close attention to sustainable design for the future. In addition, Mr. Yang devotes himself into public benefit programs and training qualified designers, making prominent contributions to the development of the industry.

Linda is an established interior designer who has been working in our industry for the last 30 years, possibly more but she has stopped counting for her own sense of health and wellbeing. She has certainly been decorating since the age of 14 when she learnt to wallpaper for spending money. Her expertise is creating natural, grounded interiors using weathered stone and timber finishes to get the unique look she cherishes. Salvage also plays an important role in her rooms as does hand painted and gilded furniture. You’ll most likely know her best for her long career in television. BBC saw her emerge as a whirlwind talent on their ground breaking programme Changing Rooms but Linda has gone on to present many other design and decorating shows and more recently her lifelong passion for crafting has seen her working in this area too. As a consultant you’ll have seen Linda collaborate with successful uk brands such as DFS, Curry’s and Wren Kitchens as well as creating her own product lines with Terrys Fabrics and bathroom supplier Multipanel. Her portfolio is long and varied, she has recently hosted her own wellbeing and yoga retreats, but interior design is where she’s happiest. Both as an ambassador for the design industry and as a part of a larger team. As Linda often says, you never quite know where the possibilities of a random conversation will take you and she is absolutely thrilled to be part of the SBID team of judges.

Alicja started her career in the built environment back in 2003 working for construction companies in Europe, USA and Caribbean assisting on delivery of commercial and residential build projects. In 2010 graduated with honours from the University of Greenwich in London with a degree in Estate Management and since then, worked as a commercial property surveyor in private and public sector, covering professional work, land acquisitions and disposals, compulsory purchase, Landlord & Tenant, asset management and strategy. Joined the DfE’s Property Services team in 2015 to manage property aspects of the Free Schools delivery, mainly land acquisition and asset management to support this fast-paced programme. Departments’ Free Schools Programme delivered over 800 new schools across the country to date, providing diversity and improved quality of education for primary and secondary aged children.

Gill is a dynamic, passionate, and highly motivated Construction Cost and Procurement Professional who has specialised in the Hotel, Hospitality and Residential Sectors, predominantly in the UK and Europe, as well as internationally, including postings in Toronto and Singapore. Currently she is head of commercial cost management for London and the South East at Currie & Brown. Gill is committed to the continuous development of the industry and is actively involved in research and Thought Leadership with regular contributions to both in-house and external publications. Gill has had her articles published in journals including Construction Manager and Building Magazine. Gill’s reviews have included topics such as BIM, the Private Rental Sector (PRS / BTR), Residential and Serviced Apartments, Net Zero Carbon and Sustainability.

Having been involved since 1508 London’s inception, Hamish has been pivotal to the growth of the company and has championed the studio’s expansion from private residential into multi-unit developments and hospitality, helping 1508 London become one the world’s most revered architecture and interior design studios. As an Interior Architect, Hamish’s ability to understand every facet of the design process ensures he is perfectly positioned to help support clients throughout their journey at 1508 London. His profound commitment to clients’ experiences has installed a dedication to the creation of timeless, elegant spaces of the highest quality, all of which are informed by a unique narrative, grounded in functionality with no one set style.

Jane started her career by gaining an Honours Degree in law and then, whilst taking a year out to gain work experience prior to going to law school, she worked in a trade association and subsequently she refocused her career into this area. She was appointed Deputy Director for the Institute of Administrative Management and was briefly Company Secretary at Rolex and Silica Computers. She was then appointed as the first female Deputy Director in the Building Employers Confederation and covered six trade federations dealing with construction in her role as Deputy Director of the Federation of Building Specialist Contractors and subsequently the National Specialist Contractors Council. Jane was appointed Chief Executive of Stone Federation in 2000.

Helen Bygraves is co-founder of Hill House Interiors, one of the UK’s leading interior design studios, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. Her unique creative vision has helped the agency win numerous awards, while her love of travel is a constant source of inspiration. Helen fervently believes in pushing boundaries, maintaining that progress comes when you venture beyond your comfort zone. Combining an ambitious spirit with a passion for design, she has been a driving force in Hill House Interiors’ growth, which now boasts a team of more than 30 staff, an international roster of clients and a new office opening in Dubai in 2023.

Recently recognized as Design:Retail Magazine’s 40-Under-40 up and coming designers of the year. Previously the Senior Global Director of Christian Louboutin Beauté Store Design and Visual Merchandising. Carlo currently leads luxury brand innovation and concept development of the built environment & experiential design for Kendo Brands Including Fenty and Ole Henricksen, while operating his own design consultancy in New York City. Utilizing cutting edge technology such as Generative Ai, VR workflow, CGI, and 3D rapid prototyping, Carlo is facilitating global luxury brands adoption of emerging technologies while implementing new methods of collaboration and strategic planning in an ever-evolving consumer market.

Zhang Can, born in Chongqing and raised in Chengdu, is the founder and creative director of CSD.DESIGN. He graduated from the Politecnico di Milano in Italy with a Master's degree in Architecture (EMDM). Can Zhang has extensive experience and remarkable achievements in the industry. He is currently a specially appointed professor at Sichuan Conservatory of Music, Chengdu Academy of Fine Arts, a visiting professor and graduate advisor at the Department of Environmental Art, Southwest Jiaotong University, and a council member of the Interior Design Branch of the Chinese Institute of Architecture. He has won numerous awards in international and domestic design competitions, including the Andrew Martin International Interior Design Award and being named the Most Popular Chinese Designer by Hurun Report. In terms of professional achievements, Zhang Can's design philosophy emphasizes the combination of simplicity and experience. His works often create warm and inviting spaces, focusing on the interaction and communication between people and their environments. His design works have won numerous awards both domestically and internationally, showcasing his outstanding ability in spatial design and the creation of cultural atmospheres.

Carlo has recently founded Urban Purpose, a platform for independent strategic advisory and collaboration across the built environment towards innovation and solutions for the most pressing global urban challenges. Carlo’s career spans nearly 25 years, between his design and architectural experience and his recent focus in the last 12 years on urban and regional projects between Jacobs and AECOM. He is passionate in promoting what he defined as ‘Purpose Case approach’, based on the idea of creating real outcomes in terms of quality of life and well-being, through a true integration of economic, social, environmental and cultural values as well as adopting them in measurable ways in viability equations, redefining the way we structure and appraise projects and programmes. He co-chairs the Urban Regeneration Council for Europe at the Urban Land Institute and sits in the Executive committee of the LSE Global Real Estate Group. Recent projects include the Meridian Water urban regeneration project in London, the City Centre Transformation Plan for Edinburgh in Scotland, the ‘Bolder Vision for Belfast project and the extension of Crossrail from London to Ebbsfleet.

Dominik has managed design projects for some of the most iconic interiors in the world. A senior team member at Sans Souci, leading designer and producer of interior lighting and architectural installations, he has contributed to its growth across Europe and the globe. Some of the unique projects Dominik has managed include designing and creating a series of bespoke pendants for the recent refurbishment of The Claridge’s in London, The Peninsula London, The Connaught Hotel, a customized collection of glass and lighting installations for Mandarin Oriental Luzern and for the Royal family in Dubai. Dominik has extensive experience from hospitality industry as well as a degree in International Business from Middlesex University.

Ewald joined the Imagination Group as an Associate Director of Virgile and Stone in 2008 and is an integral member of the Retail and Leisure team. His role is to creatively lead and work closely together with the team to develop projects from the initial concept stage, through to the detailing and construction delivery stages. With a degree in architectural engineering, Ewald extended his studies with a BA Hons in Interior and Product Design at the Academy of Arts in Maastricht and later took a Masters Degree in Retail & Communication Design at the Piet Zwart Institute. Ewald has gathered extensive knowledge in the different design fields and processes and both the Netherlands and UK in a number of prestigious projects in retail, hospitality, offices, museums and residential sector, from new built to listed renovations.

Debansu has over two decades of experience in the UK housing sector. He is a passionate advocate for sustainability and modern methods of construction. With extensive experience in the UK offsite sector, he is actively involved in several modular housing development projects. He has collaborated with numerous offsite contractors, ranging from SMEs to well-established companies. On the client side, he works closely with key stakeholders to overcome barriers to adopting offsite methods & achieve sustainability goals. Debansu is also the Chairman of the Housing Diversity Network, a leading social enterprise, for the past seven years, and an active member of the Construction Industry Council. He champions equality and diversity in both the construction and housing sectors. Previously, he was a Product Manager with blue-chip companies like Philips & ICI Dulux and has received numerous awards, including ‘Marketer of the Year’ and the ‘European Marketing Excellence Award 2012.

Daniel has spent his entire working life in the furniture and interiors industry, initially combining his study of International Economics at London’s Middlesex University with the manufacture of hotel and commercial furniture. His family operated a manufacturing business that supplied hotels across the UK and Daniel expanded this business with a truly international outlook; by the time the business was sold in 2001, more than two hundred staff were employed making upholstery and casegoods within their Derbyshire factory. Daniel has worked on hotel projects in more than 40 countries around the world, regularly speaks on panels at investor and design conferences and is a member of the International Society of Hotel Consultants.

Nuno lives and breathes design for the past 25 years working in the design and architecture industries in 5 continents in very diverse capacities and in pretty much every sector such as corporate, healthcare, retail, government or education. In his role as Director Design Operations EMEA for the D&B company Tétris his aim was to unify and bring together over 200 architects and designers in almost 20 countries harmonizing relationships of different cultures, languages and processes and pushing the envelope of design excellence no matter the client or location. Over the course of his career he has been a creative designer, a strategist, a project director and a mentor with several articles in the media and a keynote speakers in diverse events. He is a firm believer in the universal power of design to move people into a better life.

With over 17 years’ experience in the luxury interiors industry Letitia Fitzgibbon heads-up Harrods Interior Design, a multi-disciplinary bespoke design service by Harrods. In her previous role as a key player within the Harrods Home buying team, Letitia worked closely with the Director of Home in redeveloping the home and furniture offering from Harrods, creating new concepts and sourcing brands from across the world to provide a carefully curated range of products that hero provenance, craftsmanship and heritage in helping to shape Harrods Home into the exciting design hub it is today. As well as having the support and resource of the 600 brands stocked within the store, Letitia and her team of design experts travel the world in search of beautiful designs, the latest trends and the highest quality fabrics and products. Letitia’s design ethos centres around two key factors: relevance to the client and their lifestyle, and harmony of the design with its surrounding environment.

Hans J. Galutera - Founder and CEO of HG DesignWorks LLC, a Manhattan Interior Design Studio specializing in maritime interior architectural design, is one of the Board of Directors of Education for the State of New York. Being in the design industry for over 25 years, Hans has been a co-founder and principal of New York-based BG Studio International, Inc. and is the past president of the Board of Directors for the International Interior Design Association IIDA New York Chapter. Hans is also an Advisory Board Member for the International Council for Caring Communities (ICCC-UN Habitat) and a professional member of the Design Institute of Australia (MDIA). Hans is recognized on the Executive Board for the Society of British International Design (SBID) based in London as the International Education Ambassador. Hans is a frequent contributor for international lifestyle and design industry magazines. His expertise has allowed him to be judge and juror for prestigious organizations and publications and he considers it a privilege and honor to be participating once again as one of SBID’s International Design Awards 2022 Judges. As one of the NYSED Board Members he will serve and be one of the overseer of the district's affairs (specifically interior design education and licensure). The NYSED Board has specific responsibilities to approve curriculum, employ a superintendent and submit a proposed budget to the district voters for their approval. He will continue to maintain the value of the interior design profession with ongoing outreach with various organizations such NY11+ which is dedicated to promoting public awareness of the interior design profession by providing a platform to showcase student work from prestigious New York State institutions.

Dr Vanja Garaj is Head of Brunel Design, where he also teaches on the Professional Design Studio module, a part of the MSc Integrated Product Design programme. He has co-ordinated a number of live project briefs, across design fields, with organisations including Cancer Research UK, NHS, Pan Macmillan, Help for Heroes, Friends of the Elderly, Corney & Barrow, Shell, Ibis and BT. Dr Garaj’s research is aimed at design, development and evaluation of innovative systems, products and services, with the focus on digital and digital-physical domains and the application of the latest technologies. His research activities have involved the areas of digital health, assistive technology, m-learning, e-government, social networking and the IoT and the immersive tech. The current research projects include Impacting Business by Design, funded by Research England, Story Futures, funded by Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and Inclusive Immersion, funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

In 2007, based on insights into the aesthetic trends in China, Kot Ge founded LSD Interior Design in Shenzhen, attempting to intervene and lead the aesthetic of living from the perspective of design aesthetics, advocating for the uniqueness of lifestyle without being limited by style. Through continuous breakthroughs and advancements, LSD Interior Design has formed its unique and innovative interior design style, leading LSD Interior Design to become one of the top design companies in China. For over a decade, it has led the trend of Chinese residential design, promoted the evolution of residential aesthetics in the Chinese real estate sector, and influenced the home aesthetics of millions of people.

Dr. Shamir Ghumra is currently Executive Director of Responsible Business at NHS Property Services; which is a government-owned company which exists to help the NHS get the most from its estate, and ensure that it is consistently fit for purpose so that healthcare professionals can deliver excellent patient care. Shamir is directly responsible for Energy, Environment and CSR programmes as well as having oversight for Health & Safety, Procurement and Culture & Inclusion. Shamir is a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, a Chartered Environmentalist and a Visiting Professor at the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering at Loughborough University. Shamir is also a Governor at WQE College and a Trustee of Ride For Freedom a Community Interest Group that supports the victims of Modern Slavery. Shamir also takes an active interest in national policy developments and strategic sustainability futures.

Stella Gittins is the Co-Founder of AGC, London’s fastest-growing portfolio of international award-winning Interior Design companies. Creating the benchmark in luxury living, the Accouter Group of Companies which is home to Accouter Design, A. LONDON and BoxNine7, delivers world-class interior architectural and furnishing services to the global property market and private clients. With 15 years of experience mentoring and directing diverse teams within the field, Stella has spent 7 years building AGC which has been voted one of the best places to work in property on multiple occasions. Taking a lead creative role for the Group, Stella is responsible for all aspects of brand and design and has published four bespoke publications that discuss every corner of luxury life. Featuring the inspiration behind Accouter Design’s schemes and collaborating with iconic brands such as Rolls Royce and William & Son, the fifth publication is due for launch in 2020.

Trained as Architect, having to work in both Architecture and Interior Design for over than 20 years, Moel is a Hong Kong based Interior Design who currently holds the position as Interior Design Principal in Walt Disney Imagineering Asia, Ltd. Moel hold BS in Architecture degree from Tarumanagara University, Jakarta – Indonesia. Before joining Disney was working with notable Architecture and Interior Design Firms in Jakarta, China & Hong Kong, mostly working with high luxury residential, Hospitality and Entertainment like Five Stars Hotel and Casinos in Macau. Moel join Walt Disney Imagineering in 2015, from that moment his main specialty is working with amazing talented people from Disney to build thematic and storytelling base interior space, his previous projects included Disney’s Explorer Lodge Hotel, Ironman Experience, Antman and the Wasp “Nano Battle”, and recently open Castle of Magical Dreams all located in Hong Kong Disneyland. Moel has a passion in specialty design, like art glass, themed lighting, and thematic FF&E items. His recent accomplishment is designing Hong Kong Disneyland New Castle of Magical Dream Art Glass, collaborating with Indonesian Art Glass studio.

Before finding her home in hospitality design, Holly worked successfully as a senior marketing consultant in a variety of industries including Professional Services, Commerce, TV and Film. Since joining award-winning creative agency, DesignLSM, Holly has driven and built up the studio’s strategy service, bringing her considerable experience in brand, commercial and design strategy to the hospitality industry, creating unique consumer engagement strategies for DesignLSM’s clients, including Ritz Carlton Hotels, Curio by Hilton, Kempinski Hotels, D&D London, The Alchemist, Gaucho Restaurants, Searcys, Galvin Restaurants and many more.

Justin is the Head of Property and Office Services for the House of Lords, responsible for property and facilities management services to Members and the administration. He also acts as chair and senior responsible owner on large projects across the Parliamentary Estate, either bicameral or specifically House of Lords projects. These have included building refurbishments and the conservation of the historic Westminster Hall, internal hammerbeam roof and two of the internal courtyards within the Palace of Westminster. He also attends bicameral boards for a number of Parliamentary projects including Elizabeth Tower. His previous experience within, projects, property and facilities management has been working for a London Borough and a large County Council.

Lisa is passionate about what connects people to place, and cultural curiosity inspired a move to Europe from the Midwestern United States. Since completing a Master's degree of Contemporary Art in 2012 she has worked across creative disciplines including curating artworks for the commercial sector in London, working in digital design and more recently assisting stonemasonry restoration and construction specialists. In her current role, Lisa manages FF&E procurement with Argenta Projects, working out of the London HQ. Argenta has been pivotal in the realisation of luxury residential and hospitality properties globally over the past 20 years; having grown in operation with offices in Paris, Milan and Cape Town. Lisa's design expertise supports her enthusiasm for bringing the big picture to life by connecting artisans and products to memorable environments enjoyed by global citizens.

A materials expert, functional design enthusiast and a futurist, Jalaj has dedicated his career to unifying technology, design and social consciousness to create physical and digital product platforms. He currently leads Product Innovation and Consumer Creation at Nike. Prior to Nike, Jalaj was the Senior Vice President at Burberry owning a broad portfolio across Materials, Technical Design, Sustainable Manufacturing, Quality and Innovation. His teams led pioneering work on regenerative materials and implemented digital prototyping and low impact manufacturing across the global supply chain setting new benchmarks for the fashion industry. Having worked in Europe, North America and Asia in consulting, manufacturing and retail, he draws on his diverse global experience and passion for diversity to drive positive change across the industry. Prior to Burberry, Jalaj worked at Target as the Director of Product Development and Design. He is a systems thinker and a keen proponent of the use of technology to augment human potential and planetary wellbeing.

He entered the interior design industry in 2004. Founded IDMEN Indoor China Network in 2007. In 2019, he was honored with the title of "China Decoration Designing Industry Top Ten Youths" and became one of the outstanding representatives of Chinese young designers. His works have been nominated nine times for the Andrew Martin International Interior Design Award, which is known as the "Oscar" in the field of interior design, and have achieved excellent results in top international awards such as Red Dot Design Award, iF Design Award, Best of Year Awards, IIDA Best of Asia Pacific Design Awards, IIDA Global Excellence Awards, International Design Excellence Awards, Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards and Perspective’s A&D Trophy Award. Since his career in design, he has consistently adhered to a design concept that emphasizes nature as a source for all things and follows natural principles to create. Starting from an environmental perspective and utilizing advanced creativity as a tool for embellishment with industry wisdom contribution, he actively promotes collaborative innovation and development within both design and society at large.

Rigby & Rigby CEO Iain Johnson has been a pivotal part the growth of the firm since its inception, dynamically executing the vision of a truly integrated design and delivery studio with full-service capabilities. A champion of the studio’s expansion, he has helped it to become a leading multiaward- winning name in ultra-prime delivery. Accredited in every division, the firm’s extensive expertise extends across development management, architecture, interior design, construction delivery and private client services, to create the most exceptional properties in the world. Johnson leads and oversees the group’s operational strategy and creative division – ensuring the brands individual identity, heritage and expertise is maintained and delivered as a complimentary offering, he is also creating collaborations with some of the world’s best architects and interior design studios providing clients a unique opportunity of choice within the full-service delivery model. At the heart of Rigby & Rigby’s approach is Johnson’s profound commitment to the client experience. Architecturally trained with 20 years of industry leadership and experience, Iain’s ability to understand every facet of the design process ensures he is perfectly positioned to support clients throughout their development journey. This includes Rigby & Rigby’s award-winning Special Projects division, where Iain leads a dedicated development and delivery team undertaking the most complex signature new build and heritage restoration projects, requiring an additional level of attention and care. Creatively Iain’s passion lays in driving innovation through research-based methodology, influencing the architectural and interior design studios to be more experimental and to maximise the client experience and enrich the user journey. The product being perfectly resolved residences, with a style defined as understated refined luxury, delivered with a service that is second to none.

Andrew is a Partner at Prospect Hotel Advisors LLC., which is a hospitality asset management firm. Prospect Advisors is responsible for Blackstone’s hotel portfolio globally and oversee the exclusive consultant partners that support the portfolios, as well as providing third party asset management services for other Real Estate firms. Andrew is primarily responsible for all hotels asset managed by Prospect in Europe and Asia. Previous to this position Andrew was Senior Vice President of Asset Management for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. Prior to that, Andrew has an extensive career in hospitality in operations having started his career at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City and being a General Manager in various locations. Andrew resides in Barcelona and Florida.

George Washington Karani is a leading figure in Kenya's interior design industry. He is currently serving as the President of the Interior Designers Association of Kenya (IDAK), President of the African Council of Interior Architects/Designers, and Executive Director of African Interior Design Week. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Design (Interior Design) and a Master of Arts in Design Degree (Interior Design) from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Ph.D. in Interior Design from the Technical University of Kenya where he works as a Professor of Interior Design. Passionate about education and maximizing student learning opportunities by integrating multidisciplinary teamwork as a learning tool in the development and promotion of professionalism in the interior design industry in Kenya and, by extension, Africa Karani also established the Kenya College of Interior Design based in Nairobi offering specialized Interior Design courses. Karani advocates for industry regulation and is a key member of the steering committee for the Built Environment Practitioners Bill, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of interior design in Kenya. As the Director and Principal Consultant of Interiors Intelligence Ltd. Karani is a workplace design strategist with extensive experience in commercial, retail, residential, and hospitality interiors, he is the Director of Interiors Intelligence Ltd. In 2023, Karani initiated the Africa Interior Design Week, a groundbreaking event fostering unity through interior design. The annual event showcases the diverse interior design landscape in Africa, attracting participants from 18 countries worldwide. Karani's vision is to make it a global platform celebrating Africa's rich interior design diversity.

Karen Karapetian is an architect by education, and the founder of Alexander Tischler design bureau named after his teacher of drawing. In 2012 he invented and launched a new service of interior production in the market which is the turnkey process from the design sketch to the final move-in with the fixed price for the services at the beginning. This way clients would not be surprised by suddenly higher prices. Thanks to this approach the company’s revenue increased by 4,2 times in 4 years. For the last 4 years, Karen has been actively developing his YOUTUBE blog sharing the professional experience in an entertaining and educational manner. Over 4 years, it received over 21 million views and attracted over 133 thousand subscribers. Karen is also an Instagram design influencer with a well-engaged and ever-growing audience of 129 thousand followers at the moment.

Founded in 1995, Design Matrix Inc. was established to create an environment that would foster creative energy and lead with humanity. More than twenty years later, Design Matrix Inc. is a passionate multidisciplinary award-winning international interior design studio reflective of their client’s vision in the pursuit of innovative design solutions in hospitality, healthcare, corporate, senior living, and residential sectors. The studio strives to create spaces with thoughtful, intentional designs that leave a lasting impression. Always an advocate for the profession, Nadia is a member of Canada’s national association of interior design (IDC) and is a Past President and the current Chair of the Board of Governors at ARIDO (Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario).

Sascha Lang is Vice President, Architectural & Design – New Build and Innovation, Royal Caribbean Group. Lang joined Royal Caribbean Group in September 2019. He has over 25 years of experience in hotel design management and has worked with leading hospitality groups in Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Well-regarded by professional associates within the hospitality industry for his ability to creatively integrate the development of hotels and interior design concepts, Lang has extensive experience in cruise ship design and hotel and mixed-use development, acquisitions and due diligence, project development and management, concept development, architecture & interior design, and technical services. A Swiss national, Lang has a degree in architecture and studied building construction and structural engineering. He holds a degree in business administration, as well as a diploma in hotel management from the Belvoirpark Hotel Management School in Zurich.

For more than three decades, Debra’s trailblazing efforts in the field of healthcare facility design research, education and advocacy have propelled The Center for Health Design into industry consciousness and the forefront of evidence-based healthcare design. Under Debra’s leadership, The Center’s flagship research initiative, the Pebble Project, gained international recognition and the EDAC Certification program became the standard for evidence-based design practitioners in the healthcare and design industry. Debra helped found the annual Healthcare Design and Environments for Aging conferences and the Healthcare Design magazine, all still significant catalysts in the industry today. Under Debra’s watch, Center membership has expanded to include a rich, multidisciplinary group of international architects, interior designers, healthcare executives, healthcare professionals, researchers, product manufacturers, educators, students, futurists and more. A prolific writer, she has penned a monthly column for Healthcare Design Magazine since its inception in 2001 and speaks both nationally and internationally on the impact of the built environment on outcomes.

Originally from London, Harriet joined Soho House in 2018 to lead a new design aesthetic for Soho Works locations across London, New York and Los Angeles. In 2020 her role expanded to Lead Designer for Soho House properties across the US, overseeing the design and completion of several projects in North America. Now living in New York City, Harriet has led the design of multiple Soho House properties including Soho House Austin, Soho’s first House in the southern states, Soho House Nashville, the largest in North America, and most recently, the first Ned location in the US. She has also regularly contributed to Soho Home publications, helping members style their homes with the much-loved Soho aesthetic. Prior to Soho House, Harriet studied design at the University of Brighton and Chelsea College of Arts in London. She started her career with select hospitality projects and high-end residential design including the design of one of the world’s largest super yachts, and celebrity homes across the US and UK. Her award-winning design for a London member’s club was featured in Vogue, and she has since been recognized in Elle Decor and Dezeen, among other international publications.

Goddard Littlefair Director and Co-founder Jo Littlefair leads projects across the company bringing inspiration from her travels into the studio sharing her passion for new and exciting dining and hospitality experiences. With a curious and observant nature, Jo recognises upcoming evolutions in consumer, industry and design trends. Whilst actively listening to her team and clients and giving particular focus on delivery, Jo ensures that the essence of a concept has been fully evoked and that all softer details meet her exacting standards. Regularly requested to write articles and to publicly speak on behalf of Goddard Littlefair, Jo is clear and committed to sharing the work and ethos of the company. Words of expertise on consumer behaviour and developments in the luxury market have been seen in publications such as House and Garden, SPACE, Interior Design Today, and the Interior Design Yearbook.

Tom Marquardt, IIDA, SBID, AMA-EC, defines interdisciplinary design, beginning with his triple major degree in graphic, industrial, and interior design. He subsequently applied this philosophy to marquardt+, his well-respected interdisciplinary design and branded environments studio practice in Chicago, which he created and led for almost four decades. Prior to that, Tom designed corporate and commercial interior projects and high end showrooms at Swanke Hayden Connell and then Eva Maddox Associates. In 2015 as an interim Design Principal, he worked with HDR to solidify their Chicago office interiors and branded environments services. Then in 2017 he worked with HOK’s Chicago office as Vice President, Director of Interiors before returning to his namesake studio as principal and founder in 2019.

Elise joined MAF-Majid Al Futtaim Group in 2020 in the role of Interior Design Director, handling the Owner’s private projects worldwide. Previously, Elise headed the Design Studio at the “Engineering Office”, a multi-disciplinary company handling the various projects for the Dubai Royal Family. Born in Beirut-Lebanon, Elise has an immense familiarity of the region’s culture. She led a team of international Designers, building a coherent and skilled Design Studio powerhouse, delivering top notch, high profile Residential, Key commercial and Hospitality projects; entrusted by some of the leading hotel operators to design and execute large-scale projects. Elise is driven by her passion for Design with a sharp eye for details and proportions and an innate sensibility to colors and textures. She seeks her inspiration and creativity from all what she encounters throughout the day, anchored with her in-depth knowledge and understanding of every facet of the Design industry. Elise believes in the power of the human connection first, mediating balance between people and spaces, poetry, and logic; the recipe for a well-concocted collaboration and great achievements.

Dr. Ning is the President of Wanda Hotels & Resorts. During his tenure at Wanda, he has led the design, construction and operation management of over 100 upscale and luxury hotels. Under his leadership, these hotels have won many prestigious international design awards, including the SBID Awards, Gold Key Awards, IIDA-Best of Asia Pacific Design Awards, Hospitality Design Awards and many more.

Katharine Pooley is one of the most sought-after interior designers working internationally today. Recently named ‘British Interior Designer of the Decade’, ‘International Designer in Asia of the Year’, and ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’, her design ethos is both highly respected and uniquely far reaching. Her eponymous Knightsbridge Design Studio was established over 21 years ago and continues to create unmatched luxury interior designs for landmark commercial and residential projects in London and Worldwide for the most discerning clients. Overseeing her team of 50 interior designers and architects Katharine’s highly personal approach – she immerses herself in every detail of her client’s complex project – ensures a loyal international fan base for her impressive designs. Katharine’s aesthetic is very much client driven and she prides herself on being a complete design chameleon.

Bethany joined SHH in 2019 and has been a prominent member of the team ever since. She has worked seamlessly with clients to make their thoughts and ideas become a reality. Her understanding of the luxury global market has led to Bethany working across a myriad of projects, executing prime residential projects in London, New York, Mumbai and Riyadh. Bethany’s ability to bring multi-disciplinary expertise from concept design through to on-site delivery, FF&E selections and accessories styling, make her a versatile asset to the team.

Ian Rolston is a design strategist, foresighter, speaker, and humanist. He has collaborated with leaders of industry across three continents and has worked for transformative companies in commercial real estate and design in Canada and the US, before establishing his own strategic innovation and intervention studio, Decanthropy, specializing in multi-dimensional design. Rolston believes that design can reshape possible for resilient people, processes, places, teams, organizations, communities, and futures. Ian has occupied the roles of Principal, President, Professor, and Practitioner. However, it is the role of Precipitant, as the founder of Decanthropy, that inspires Rolston’s engagement with social enterprises, private and public sectors, businesses, community, and industry.

After graduating in Product Design and Visual Communications, Cassiano founded, run and sold a successful digital agency in the early 2000s. Since then he acted as graphic designer, art director and creative lead for more than 22 years, working in São Paulo, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami for major advertising agencies like Ogilvy, Publicis, DDB and RG/A. He’s done award-winning work fro brands such as Nike, Google, Dove, Netflix, Schweppes, MasterCard, Adidas, IBM, Levis, Motorola, AIG, PepsiCo, LG, and Intel. In 2015 he joined Apple as a Creative Lead for Latin America and Caribbean. In a parallel life he tempers with natural materials, technology and product design.

Jacqueline Shaddock , currently the Head of Interior Design at Emaar, is an accomplished and creative professional with decades of experience in various consultancies in London, Sydney and Dubai, before joining the regions largest developer. With a passion for design, Jacqueline has an eye for detail, an ability to create beautiful and functional spaces, and a dedication to delivering exceptional results. Jacqueline is known for her ability to balance creativity with practicality, ensuring that each design is not only visually stunning but also functional and feasible. As the Head of Interior Design at Emaar, Jacqueline is responsible for leading a talented team of design managers and works with a broad range of consultants on a large number of global projects spanning residential, hospitality and retail sectors. She brings a discerning eye and a wealth of knowledge to the table. She has a keen understanding of the elements that make up exceptional design, including color, texture, lighting, and proportion, and are skilled at evaluating how well these elements are incorporated into a space.

Paola Tassara Oromí, AIA, is an architect and designer based in London. Paola started her career working for numerous architecture practices in France and the Netherlands prior to moving to Los Angeles. There, she worked for Frank Gehry, collaborating on the design of several museums and cultural institutions worldwide. Having established a solid foundation in architecture, Paola then began to focus on interior design. With NYC-based ICRAVE Design and later, her own firm, Tassara A+D, her work expanded to restaurant, nightclub, boutique hotel and retail design. Since 2016, Paola has been a Design Director for Starbucks Coffee Company, currently leading the design for the brand’s stores in EMEA.

In his role as Design Director, Peter is instrumental in steering projects that revolve around crafting transformative environments aligned with the objectives and aspirations of his clients. The essence of success lies in the close partnership and collaboration he fosters, recognizing their indispensable role in project success. Guiding both clients and project teams, Peter takes charge of the entire design journey from initial conceptualization and visionary thinking to meticulous design development and seamless implementation. Peter’s diverse portfolio of projects ranges from ground-up core & shell base buildings, interior workplace design to building transformation and adaptive reuse. Peter actively contributes to the firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Community Impact initiatives. In 2023, he was an honoree on the Crain’s inaugural list of “Notable Asian Leaders”, recognizing the change-makers who are spearheading innovation and making New York City a better place.

Jenny Weiss is co-founder of Hill House Interiors, one of the UK’s leading interior design studios, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. Inspired by a wide range of creative disciplines, including art, film and fashion, her uplifting interiors are characterized by a sense of timeless elegance. Her passionate belief in the transformative power of a beautiful and welcoming home has helped the agency win multiple awards and seen it expand into a team of more than 30 creatives. Her trademark warmth, energy and eye for detail has helped secure the loyalty of an international roster of clients in some of the world’s most exclusive locations, leading to the opening of a second office in Dubai in 2023.

MAWD (March and White Design) co-founder James White has led the design for the interiors of numerous iconic, globally-recognised projects for some of the world’s most discerning clients. James’ passion for design, art and history never fails to take him to the forefront of innovation. He believes in creating spaces that can enhance quality of life through design. Inspired by the experiences of his global travels, he applied his personal observations and understanding to the creation of MAWD’s design process (EXCD) which uses research, insights and architectural principles to create exceptional spaces that inspire emotional connection. Since establishing MAWD in 2010 James’ natural curiosity, married with his pursuit of perfection, has helped inform the firm’s global, knowledge-based approach, which continues to guide industry leaders on how to best apply intelligent design for the future.