Ali Hiziroglu, Managing Partner at ERA Architects (pictured above far right) was born in Istanbul and completed his master's in architecture and urban design at Columbia University. After returning to Turkey from New York, he started working at ERA in 2003. His previous projects include large-scale, mixed-use projects with complex geometries such as the Garanti Technology Campus, Zorlu Center, and Istanbul Technopark. In 2007, he was a finalist at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) with the Shenyang Starmall Plaza project, marking the beginning of ERA's experience in China. Now, he is a partner in ERA and continues to work in the fields of architecture and urban design at ERA's Istanbul and, since its establishment, Beijing offices.
Xiaojun Bu (pictured above far left) is the co-founder and chief architect of Atelier Alter Architects, an architecture firm based in Beijing and founded in New York in 2009. The firm has worked on museums and stadiums and its previous projects include the Yingliang Natural History Museum, BIT Sports Center and WuliEpoch Cultural Center. Xiaojun holds a Master's degree in Architecture from Harvard University's March II program and a Master's degree in Architecture from Tsinghua University.
Amit Aurora (pictured above centre) is a partner and principal architect at groupDCA, a New Delhi-based multidisciplinary design firm established in 1996. The firm carries out residential, retail, hospitality and workspace projects with recent designs include eco-friendly open plan offices designed to foster collaboration and rooted in biophilic design. An alumnus of the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, Amit's work integrates local, ethically sourced materials and technologies, honouring traditional craftsmanship while heralding eco-friendly practices.
Bidisha Sinha (pictured above second from right) joined Zaha Hadid Architects in 2005. She was the project architect for Evelyn Grace Academy ‚ a £36 million major education facility and a private mews residence with a highly bespoke design. Mathematics: The Winton Gallery at London’s Science Museum was developed and led by her as part of the realised work of ZHA's Computation Design Group benchmarking advanced fabrication techniques. Her current on-going projects include a large-scale student university residence, super luxury retail mall interiors and a collection of single-family residences and two museums.
Harsh Varshneya (pictured above, second from left) is the Principal Architect at STHAPATI where he was lead architect on the recently completed Ayodhya Airport. Departing from conventional glass box architecture, the airport's design weaves together history, tradition, sustainable practices and mythological stories. Its towering roof and intricate columns are a deliberate departure from minimalism and represent the coming together of cultural expression and modern innovation.
You can find out more about the rest of the panel set to judge your projects here. The judges are very much looking forward to seeing your entries. Find out how to start yours today, here.