Now in their 17th year, the global WAN Awards are intended to celebrate outstanding architecture on an international scale. You have until 27 June to benefit from the discounted early bird entry rate. Every project entered in the WAN Awards is assessed by an expert panel of senior industry judges from across the world.
Christopher Lee (pictured centre above) joined Mark Cavagnero Associates, where he currently manages the design of hospitality spaces for Salesforce globally as well as New Embassy Compounds for the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations, in 2016. Prior to that he was a director at Bernard Tschumi Architects for over a decade working on projects including Le Rosey Concert Hall, New Hague Passage, Flon Intermodal Transit Center, and the New Acropolis Museum. He’s an active board member of Design Corp - a public interest non-profit organization that uses design, advocacy, and education to shape the environments of underserved communities.
Christopher points out that the most important parts of a design are not always the design itself, but rather the subtle interactions and conversations between the architect, client and key stakeholders.
“When creating an entry for this year's awards, prioritize illustrating the aspects of the project that informed the decision making,” he says.
Founder and principal architect of UArchitects (Urban Design and Architects), Misak Terzibasiyan studied at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands and worked with several international architectural offices before establishing the company in the cultural and architectural hub of Eindhoven.
The firm strives to make a meaningful social contribution by exploring the role and responsibilities of architects in urban design, with sustainability its primary objective.
Misak reminds potential entrants that “sustainability, reuse and community are interesting themes to consider in architecture.”
Jane Duncan set up UK based Jane Duncan Architects & Interiors in 1992. The Award-winning practice specialises in high-end residential schemes including sustainable houses, historic buildings, schools and community buildings.
Jane is committed to increasing diversity in the architectural profession and was awarded an OBE for services to diversity in the profession. Jane's current advocacy, post Grenfell, is to influence government fire safety regulations, and improve competence, collaboration, skills and accountability in the construction industry. She chairs the RIBA Expert Panel on Fire Safety.
“Be precise, and give clear information not emotive descriptions, and provide well documented evidence and photos,” she tells potential entrants.
“The WAN Awards celebrate more than just building design as they demonstrate an organisation’s ethos, collaborative and community management skills, and the input of sufficient time and resource to create a unique creative delight,” she adds.