NY Architectural & Interior Design Awards Panel

Spain

Benjamin Calleja

CEO and Founder, Livit Design and Fast Fine Restaurant Group

Benjamin Calleja serves as the CEO of Livit Design, the founder of Fast Fine Restaurant Group and is also a Partner within the Passionality Group.

As the CEO of the world's largest restaurant design company, his primary focus revolves around enhancing brand performance through the design of guest experiences. He has a global presence, actively working in 40 countries across five continents, where a new restaurant is created approximately every 8 hours.

He is a recognized global authority in the field of hospitality design and technology, often sought after as a speaker at conferences, events, and masterclasses. Additionally, he holds prestigious memberships in organizations such as The American Institute of Architects and is a registered architect in multiple European countries including Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Luxembourg, and Sweden.

China

Li Hao

Founder & Architect, One Take Architects

Li Hao is an artist and architect who founded One Take Architects in 2017, a multidisciplinary studio bringing together architects, interaction designers, visual designers, engineers, and artists to explore innovative, cross-disciplinary approaches to design and creative practice.

The studio’s practice spans public art, interactive media, and architectural and product design, with its work recognized through international awards and exhibitions. Its projects are featured in leading architecture and design publications. In 2017, Li Hao launched “Program SPARK,” a socially engaged art initiative that creates public installations with children and community members in remote regions of China, using everyday and reclaimed materials to invite active participation and connect art with local culture.

By centering underrepresented communities, the project promotes sustainable development and social transformation, while openly sharing all production details online as an open-source model that others can replicate and build upon. “Program SPARK” was the sole recipient from East and Southeast Asia in a prestigious international award program.

United States

Dingdong Tang

Founder & Principal, LYT-X Studio

Dingdong Tang is the Founder and Principal of LYT-X Studio and an award-winning architectural designer working at the intersection of cultural narrative, computational thinking, and high-performance architecture, where he explores how history, technology, and environmental intelligence can shape meaningful, resilient, and forward-looking built environments.

Across heritage revitalization, adaptive reuse, and urban regeneration, Tang advances iterative design workflows that integrate massing studies, environmental analysis, and material logic to align form, circulation, and experience. This approach has secured international recognition. His work has been featured in ArchDaily, Architizer, and designboom, reflecting a growing global visibility for his practice and design methodology.

Tang has developed substantial juror experience across global award platforms. He evaluates work through a disciplined framework that balances concept, performance, and constructibility—seeking projects where cultural meaning, environmental logic, and spatial clarity are resolved into a coherent architectural proposition.

United States

Zehua Zhang

Associate Principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox

Zehua Zhang is an architect with 7 years of professional experience and currently serves as an Associate Principal at KPF. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Stuart Weitzman School of Design, where he was awarded the Master of Science in Design: Advanced Architectural Design Prize in Design Excellence upon graduation.

He is a licensed architect in New York State, a member of the AIA, and a LEED Accredited Professional. Throughout his academic and professional career, he has been recognized with multiple architectural competition awards, including an Honorable Mention in the eVolo Skyscraper Competition, finalist in the CTBUH International Tall Building Design Competition, and Second Prize in the UIA International Creative Competition organized by the International Union of Architects. His work has also been exhibited at the Venice Architecture Biennale.

He has worked on architectural and urban design projects across multiple countries and regions. His urban planning experience includes the Changi Airport new district master planning in Singapore, Dubai Creek waterfront redevelopment in the UAE, and Marina Island in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In architecture, he has contributed to Project Blue, an office tower in Hong Kong; the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s Guangzhou campus; and a residential project on the Family Church site in Miami, USA. His experience spans large-scale developments, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse across diverse architectural contexts.

As a competition jury member, he believes that diversity in background and perspective enhances evaluation criteria and design philosophies, inspiring competition projects to reach new levels of creativity and practicality while nurturing a new generation of visionary, socially responsible designers.

China

Yin Hairui

Senior Interior Architect, Shenzhen Jinggong Architectural Design & Engineering Co., Ltd.

Yin Hairui, Dean of Branch 8 at Shenzhen Jinggong Architectural Design & Engineering Co., Ltd., is a seasoned Senior Interior Architect with a Master’s from Politecnico di Milano and active membership in key professional bodies, including CIID, IBID, and the Asia Pacific Hotel Design Association.

He trained in environmental and interior design at top institutions in Italy and Japan, and brings extensive international experience to commercial projects like sales centers, hotels, and clubs, with a portfolio including Barcelona Villa, Jinglong Hotel, and Ningbo Purui Hotel.

Hairui's design philosophy is deeply influenced by Eastern Zen Buddhism. His academic exploration has taken him on numerous study tours to the spiritual heartlands of India, Nepal, and Tibet. His writings—The Culture of Spirituality and Engaging with and Detaching from the World—along with contributions to the Shenzhen-based magazine Dream-making Space, reflect a commitment to integrating cultural depth and spiritual resonance into contemporary design practice.

China

Tao Chen and Jade Lee

Founder and Co-Founder, DesignRe-explore

Tao Chen and Jade Lee are the founders of DesignRe-explore, bringing over a decade of extensive experience in the fields of architecture and interior design, along with proficiency in brand strategy, public relations, and marketing planning. iawards, under DesignRe-explore, serves as its design competition platform. It has assisted more than 300 leading figures from architectural design institutions in participating in top international design competitions, earning over 2,000 honors.

The platform is dedicated to building a global interactive and collaborative space for designers, focusing on showcasing and promoting uniquely innovative design works. Its goal is to connect outstanding professionals worldwide in real estate development, architectural and interior design, and creative aesthetics, providing recognition and opportunities for industry elites and emerging talents who demonstrate innovative spirit, forward-thinking vision, and artistic creativity.

Its influence extends through a network of over a thousand media partners, forming a comprehensive media matrix that covers art, design, real estate, news, culture, and entertainment, significantly expanding its reach and impact within the design community.

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.

Indonesia

Erwin Hawawinata

Principal Architect and Interior Designer, Hawawinata & Associates

Erwin Hawawinata holds the role of lead architect and interior designer at Hawawinata N Associates, boasting a career spanning more than two decades in the architecture and interior design field.

Over the course of Hawawinata’s career, he has been extensively engaged in conceptualizing various accommodation projects. As part of his daily responsibilities, he is actively engaged in sketching architectural blueprints, meticulously selecting the materials essential for construction, and providing direct oversight throughout the architectural and interior design phases. This includes overseeing the placement of furnishings and the final touches that contribute to the overall aesthetics and functionality of the spaces.

His establishment of Hawawinata N Associates has paved the way for him to create a portfolio filled with exquisite residences, exclusive private offices, and captivating galleries, all catering to the discerning tastes of Indonesia's elite clientele. His impressive work garnered recognition and earned him multiple prestigious international awards.

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.

New Zealand

Jeremy Smith

Design Director and Lecturer, Irving Smith Architects

Jeremy Smith is the Design Director of Irving Smith Architects, a research-based design practice working in sensitive environments throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and abroad.

His involvement with Architecture New Zealand not only entails writing but also underscores his active role in shaping critical perspectives within the field. Having served as a judge in diverse global contexts, including India, Singapore, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Lisbon, he brings a wealth of cross-cultural insights to the evaluation of architectural excellence. His dedication extends to regular lectures worldwide, offering a platform to disseminate the practice's innovative work and research, contributing to a broader discourse in the international architectural community.

Smith's articulate writings not only enrich architectural dialogues in New Zealand but also reflect his commitment to promoting excellence in design worldwide, as evidenced by his role as an esteemed judge in diverse international settings, where he actively shapes the trajectory of architectural innovation and recognition.

China

Wu Wei

Founder and Creative Director, IN.X Design

As the founder and creative director of IN.X in Beijing, interior architect Wu Wei excels in designing spaces for Chinese cuisine. He is the go-to designer for several renowned restaurants in China, including Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant and Hu Da Restaurant.

His role involves blending traditional aesthetics with modern design principles to create dining experiences that are both visually stunning and deeply rooted in Chinese culinary traditions. Under his guidance, IN.X has become synonymous with innovative and memorable designs that elevate the dining atmosphere in some of China's most celebrated restaurants.

His passion for interior architecture is evident in the way he harmoniously merges contemporary and traditional elements, creating spaces that are functional and tells a story. This commitment to excellence and his love for cultural storytelling through design have established him as a distinguished figure in the field of Chinese catering space design.

Taiwan

Peng Hsu Chen

Design Director, Aesthetice of space design Co., Ltd.

Peng Hsu Chen is the design director of Aesthetice of space design Co., Ltd.

As the Design Director at Aesthetics of Space Design Co., Ltd., an interior design studio, Chen plays a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic and conceptual direction of the company's projects. He oversees the creative process, ensuring that each design reflects both innovation and functionality, tailored to the unique needs of each space. Chen's expertise in blending contemporary trends with timeless design principles has significantly contributed to the studio's reputation for creating engaging and harmonious interiors. The team consistently delivers designs that not only meet but often exceed client expectations, reinforcing the studio's standing in the interior design industry.

Chen's commitment to the field of interior design is unwavering, demonstrated through his meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of spatial aesthetics. His tenacity is evident in his relentless pursuit of design excellence, constantly exploring to elevate each project.

China

Ziqin Wu

Founder / Design Director, Lq & ArchiStudio (Zhuhai)

Wu Ziqin is one of the first undergraduate students in China to graduate in interior and furniture design, with over 20 years of accumulated experience in environmental space design.

Additionally, he is the first designer of art container architecture and co-working spaces in Zhuhai，ICDA Senior Interior Designer. Lq & ArchiStudio (Zhuhai) was established in 2015, composed of architects and interior designers with international perspectives. The company's business covers various fields, including architecture, interior, and furniture design, with projects located in several countries in Asia.

In recent years, the company has focused on historic building renovations and redevelopment projects, successfully completing projects such as Beishan International Cultural and Creative Community.

Portugal

Tiago Russo

CEO & Founder, Craft Design

A multidisciplinary designer and creative director, Tiago Russo is recognised internationally as one of the leading voices in luxury product and experience design. With a background in industrial design and sensorial storytelling, his work bridges precision, craft, and emotion - transforming design into a language that connects people to meaning and memory.

As Founder and Creative Director of Craft Design, Tiago leads a studio dedicated to shaping products and experiences that redefine modern luxury. His career includes work for The Macallan, Coty, and other global icons, alongside more than 130 international design awards, including recognition from iF, Red Dot, A’ Design, Pentawards, MUSE, and EPDA.

Tiago’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that design should elevate brands through innovation and value products through thoughtful development and storytelling. At Craft Design, he continues to create work where design, science, and human emotion converge into timeless, immersive experiences.

United States

Yiying Tang

Design Professional II, Neumann/Smith Architecture

Yiying Tan is an architectural designer at Neumann/Smith Architecture 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.

Russia

Ekaterina Elizarova

Owner, Elizarova Design Studio

Ekaterina Elizarova is an international designer, winner of the world's leading awards, including Red Dot, A'Design, Outstanding Property Award London and many others.

Ekaterina Elizarova is the first Russian product designer in the Metaverse.

In 2008, Ekaterina founded her own studio, which develops unique author's collections and interiors.

Ekaterina is the first designer in Russia invited to create collections of world-famous brands: Smania, Preciosa, Urban Fabric Rugs, Matlight Milano, Asko, Capital Collection, Junior Monarch and many others. The design by Ekaterina Elizarova is presented annually at exhibitions around the world from Italy and France to the USA and the UK. Designer of the Year (Elle Decoration Best of a Year Awards). Ekaterina has been awarded many prestigious international awards, including the Red Dot, A’ Design Award, the First All-Russian Award "For a special contribution to the development of design in Russia", the Eurasian Prize and others.

She works at the intersection of design and art. Ekaterina is the only representative of Russia selected by the Dutch Global Arts Affair Foundation to participate in the exhibition "Design Objects as Objects of Art", within the framework of the 57th Venice The Biennale.