Every project entered in the WIN Awards is assessed by an expert panel of senior industry judges from across the world.
Ankur Choksi is principal at India-based design practice Studio Lotus which he co-founded in 2002. Spanning master planning, architecture and interior design, the studio’s ethos is grounded in the principles of conscious design, an approach that celebrates local resources, cultural influences, an inclusive process and keen attention to detail.
The studio's significant projects include a members' only Club in Gurgaon, a first-of-its-kind senior living community in the city of Dehradun plus a jungle resort at Bandhavgarh for the Oberoi group, a boutique resort in Havelock Island and a 50-room hotel in the heart of old Mussoorie.
Ankur advises WIN Awards entrants to focus on capturing and building a strong narrative of their design approach.
He says: “Present insights into your decisions, the choices you made, capture your inspiration, the process and aspirations that you work towards. Stay as authentic, crisp and straight forward in your presentation material and communication as possible.”
Lauren Chiu is head of Colour & Material at trend forecasting agency Stylus, where she tracks the latest global design and manufacturing innovations, providing in-depth analysis and creative direction to inspire future products, spaces and experiences. She brings 12 years' experience in guiding Stylus' seasonal colour palettes and material concepts, forecasting two years in advance. Her research spans multiple topics and industries, including art, architecture, transport and technology.
“I'd encourage entrants to showcase bold visions and concepts, evoke emotions through compelling storytelling, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and ethical design practices,” she says.
“I'll also be looking out for innovative use of materials and technologies, as well as excellent craftsmanship, and human-centred design approaches that optimise spaces for comfort, wellbeing and inclusion. It's important to recognise and celebrate companies that are successfully disrupting the norm and using innovative design practices to create a more exciting future in the sector,” she adds.
Valentina Machina has over two decades of interior design experience in New Zealand and Croatia. Her current involvement in healthcare projects underscores a commitment to human-centric design, championing biophilic elements to foster healing environments. She currently serves as a board member of the The Designers Institute of New Zealand,
“Make sure to highlight "why" in your entry. The clients and your own,” she tells entrants.