Irena Savakova (pictured above left) is Global Design Principal and Director of Design for the Washington DC office of the award-winning international architecture and engineering design firm Leo A Daly where she leads design efforts for the firm both domestically and internationally. With a career spanning over three decades, her multidisciplinary approach leverages her in-depth knowledge of building typologies, interior design and workplace in a wide array of complex, intricately crafted award-winning placemaking experiences for large scale mixed-use developments, education hubs, campuses, and unique facilities for international clients.
Irena encourages entrants to focus on the “unique design story” of the work they are submitting.
“Capture its power with evocative, carefully selected design process images and photography,” she says.
“I believe that the WIN Awards are invaluable chronicles of excellence, creativity and inspiration for future designers,” she adds.
“They provide recognition of the time and effort that designers and their teams invest in buildings and environments that shape everyday experiences for so many people.”
Ruth Wassermann (pictured above, centre) helps businesses to grow and diversify through innovative product and brand programs. She has worked in-house as a senior design leader for over 20 years, and now works as an independent consultant supporting businesses and brands with strategy and new product propositions. She is also a UK Design Council Expert supporting it on its mission of Design for Planet. Previously she led Made.com product design to help it become one of the world's fastest growing design brands.
“Understanding the challenge, the solution and the outcome is a great way to review a project alongside the creative output,” she tells potential entrants.
She believes that the industry validation offered by the WIN Awards will help potential clients to appreciate the “depth of an organisations' creativity and output”.
Harsha Kotak, Founder Director of the Sustainable Design Collective and Women in Office Design, is an international Interior Designer and workplace consultant. With a lifelong passion for design, Harsha has worked in the workplace design industry for over 20 years and has practiced in the US, India and the UK. Her previous projects include designing for the White House and Pentagon in the US, and for FedEx and the US Embassy in New Delhi, India. Harsha is currently a workplace projects consultant with K2 Space in London and is responsible for helping its global clients from the finance, tech & media sector.
She urges entrants to be “clear, concise and honest”. Adding” “Explain the journey, challenges faced, and how they were overcome. Highlight the sustainable methods used for the project.”
She believes the WIN Awards are vital because they celebrate innovation and creativity. “This celebration can inspire other organizations to think outside the box, fostering a culture of innovation within the industry,” she says.
All our judges are eager to see your entries for the WIN Awards 2024. Get started on your entry today.