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JUDGE INTRODUCTION

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The preliminary and final juries consist of approximately 70% international judges and 30% Taiwanese judges, ensuring professionalism and diversity in the evaluation process.

Jesper ThomsenPhoto

Jesper Thomsen

  • CEO and Co-founder of the OPAL Award, recognizing and giving exposure to outstanding projects in Interior Design, Architectural Design, and Property Development
  • Jury member for numerous international design awards in Architecture, Interior Design, Property, and Fine Art Photography
  • Masters graduate from Central Saint Martins College, London

Netherlands

Chun-Wei LuPhoto

Chun-Wei Lu

  • (2015–2025) Showroom Architecture and Interior Design for BMW Dealerships
  • (2018–2025) Judge, Decor House Award
  • Director, CK Interior Design Co., Ltd.
  • Principal Architect, Chun-Wei Lu Architecture Firm

Taiwan

Hans-Petter BjørnådalPhoto

Hans-Petter Bjørnådal

  • (2024) Designed the Opening Ceremony for Bodø – European Capital of Culture
  • (2022) Exhibited at Giardini Marinaressa
  • (2021) Exhibited at Giardini Marinaressa
  • (2016) Exhibited at La Biennale di Venezia
  • Advocate for poetic and sustainable architecture rooted in nature and local identity

Norway

HeeJoon JoPhoto

HeeJoon Jo

  • Design Manager at Samsung C&T, Seoul
  • Secretary of AIA South Korea Section
  • Previously Senior Designer at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, New York City
  • Licensed Architect in the United States and South Korea
  • Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University

Korea

Stephen ChowPhoto

Stephen Chow

  • (2020) Founded CAN Design, serving as Managing Director & Creative Director
  • (2016) Recipient of 40 Under 40 Awards
  • Previously Design Director at a renowned international architectural firm for over a decade
  • Registered Architect and Authorized Person (AP) recognized by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA)
  • Over 20 years of experience in architecture and urban development

Hong Kong

Samantha DrummondPhoto

Samantha Drummond

  • Creative Founder of Habitus Design Group – redefining luxury across continents
  • Over 25 years of experience creating bold visions into breathtaking hospitality experiences
  • Designer powerhouse behind global icons like Marina Bay Sands and Solaire
  • Fuses innovation elegance and precision in every project
  • A sought-after creative in shaping the future of resorts and gaming spaces

United Kingdom

José Martinez SilvaPhoto

José Martinez Silva

  • (1996–Present) CEO, Founder and Lead Architect of ATELIER CENTRAL (AC), designing a diverse range of projects from private homes to urban designe
  • (1990–1991) Collaborated with Portuguese architects João Luís Carrilho da Graça and Gonçalo Byrne
  • Elected Secretary of the General Assembly of the Portuguese Order of Architects
  • Frequently invited as a guest speaker at conferences, seminars, masterclasses, and lectures, and serves as jury member in architectural competitions
  • Extensive expertise in Brand Design, with over 30 years of experience in the automotive sector, consulting for brands such as BMW Group, AUDI, Volkswagen, Opel, and Citroën

Portugal

Hossin FarmaniPhoto

Hossin Farmani

  • (2016–2017) Responding to the European Parliament launched the European Product Design Awards and co-founded the Architectural Masterprize Awards promoting architectural and interior design innovation
  • (2007) Founded the International Design Awards and London Creative Awards to support and honor outstanding creative talent worldwide
  • (2004) Launched the Lucie Awards and International Photography Awards IPA known as the Oscars of Photography
  • (1995) Established early internet service provider ARTNET.NET, featured in major media including the New York Times
  • (1985) Founded Farmani Group based in Los Angeles California Initially focused on publishing with Vue Magazine and FotoFolio gaining recognition as Creative Director and Publisher

United States of America

Caroline YangPhoto

Caroline Yang

  • (2013) Founder & Creative Director, A good thing +
  • (est. 2013) Founder of A good thing +
  • Parsons New School – Design Concept Certificate

Taiwan