Amy Papas

Passionate about the intersection of science, design, and the built environment, Amy is an Architect who has built her career specialising in Life Sciences facility design. Known for her collaborative approach, she works closely with researchers, scientists, and project teams to translate complex technical requirements into practical, future-focused environments that support world-leading research and enable innovation to thrive.

David Flack

Founder and principal of his eponymous studio in 2014, David quickly achieved acclaim for an iconoclastic approach to interiors marked by material, formal and spatial experimentation. A six-time Architectural Digest ‘AD100’ laureate, David grew up in rural Australia, the son of a builder, and credits this background for an approach which, despite its evident glamour, is anchored in honesty, integrity and clarity of vision. These are all qualities he imbues into a vibrant studio of architects, interior and product designers based in a former electro-plating workshop in Melbourne’s inner-city Fitzroy district.

Steven Toia

Returning as a judge and mentor for the 2026/2027 cohort, founder and principal at Genton, Steven’s experience extends through design, documentation and procurement of small, large and complex projects both locally and internationally. He celebrates a collaborative team culture and a balanced approach to entrepreneurial innovation, with a commitment to combining creativity with business management acumen.

Yasmine Ghoniem

Yasmine established YSG (Yasmine Saleh Ghoniem) in 2020 as a multidisciplinary initiative combining architecture, interiors and curation for a holistic design experience. In addition, she co-hosts the ABC’s Grand Designs Transformations series that launched in 2024. Since 2022 she has regularly featured in Architectural Digest’sdefinitive ‘AD100’ lists that recognise the most influential interior designers, architects and designers globally among its European, Middle Eastern and German mastheads. Locally, she was awarded Interior Designer of the Year at the Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) in 2021 and Vogue Living’s Interior Designer of the Year in 2025.

Sophie Bond

Principal at Hassell, Sophie is an architect drawn to ambitious projects that demand a delicate balance between cultural, commercial and design objectives. She’s earned a reputation as a big-picture thinker who still has an eye for detail on projects such as the revival of the Sydney Theatre Company and its historic wharf. Before joining Hassell’s Perth studio, she practised in Sydney and London, working on architecture and interior architecture projects across the commercial, workplace, educational and cultural sectors.

Bradhly Le

Bradhly Le is the founding director of RIZEN, an interior design practice that draws on his extensive experience designing workplaces, homes, hospitality, retail and public spaces. Creativity is central to Brad’s philosophy. This goes hand-in-hand with his belief that, with relentless determination and persistence, anything is possible. He has proven this time and again, innovating and winning awards on some of Australia’s most complex and highly accoladed workplaces and corporate campuses.

Cushla McFadden

Cushla is co-founder and director of the award-winning interior design studioTom Mark Henry. Based in Sydney and Brisbane, the studio has a philosophy that’s driven by connections, and inspired by authenticity. Founded in 2014 with Cushla’s business partner Jade Nottage, Tom Mark Henry creates influential spaces for Australia’s design enthusiasts. The team has been recognised locally and internationally including by the World Interiors News Awards, Australian Interior Design Awards and EatDrinkDesign Awards, and featured by such publications as Vogue Living, Belle Magazine, The Local Project and Elle Décor Italy and Spain.

Ara Salomone

Founded in 2016, State of Kin is a Perth-based multidisciplinary design studio specialising in the foundation of spaces across the residential, hospitality, retail, wellness and commercial sectors. Helmed by Alessandra French and Ara Salomone, the practice is perpetually immersed in the realm of design. Its collective purpose is the creation of inimitable architecture and interiors.

Brian Clohessy

Brian Clohessy’s career path has taken him from architect, to project leader, to BVN’s Sydney Studio Director, through to his latest incarnation at BVN, as Head of People and Character. Working with people and driving change within large architectural practices has led to his holistic approach to leadership, fostering a caring and supportive culture at BVN, one where everyone within the collective has a sense of purpose and place. Brian leads the development of the overall vision, strategy and structure for all things people-related at BVN. He has a special focus on mental wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, learning and development and people retention. Essentially Brian sees his role as maintaining BVN’s evolving culture based on human needs and aspirations which inevitably improves the collective’s wellbeing.

Chris Hardy

Currently the Head of Industrial Design at Breville, I’ve enjoyed a wide-ranging career of over 25 years in various industries, from bathroom products with Caroma to small kitchen appliances with Breville.  I feel fortunate to have built a career around my passion for design, art, creativity, and people.

Eva Sue

A principal at Woods Bagot, Eva Sue is a specialist and leader in hotel and hospitality design, driven by a multidisciplinary ethos that blurs the lines between work and lifestyle. Drawing on her 15 years of experience delivering a breadth of projects in the UK, Europe, UAE and Australia, Eva believes designers are cultural curators whose role is to uncover narratives and turn these stories into suites of spatial experiences that celebrate the history and the environment, and foster a deeper connection between people and place.

Jeremy McLeod

Founded in 2001 by design director Jeremy McLeod and Tamara Veltre, Breathe has a reputation for delivering exceptional solutions. 

Breathe is a Melbourne-based studio, creating world-class architecture with an enduring and meaningful impact on housing affordability, accessibility and sustainability.

Kirsten Stanisich

Kirsten Stanisich is one half of established interior design practice Richards Stanisich. Founded in 2018 with practice partner Jonathan Richards, the practice has gone on to win awards across residential and hospitality sectors. Stanisich enjoys the development of design by innovating and pushing her experience with materials and detailing.

Ninotschka Titchkosky

Ninotschka Titchkosky is on a mission to realise smarter and more creative solutions that are better for the planet, especially by using robotics, advanced technologies and new materials. As the former co-CEO of BVN, she is passionate about the role architects play in shaping our interactions, communities and cities. She is a whole systems thinker and approaches a brief from unique angles resulting in award-winning design.

Sophia Leopardi

Sophia Leopardi established and leads the interior design team at Williams Burton Leopardi. Her award-winning small- and medium-scale designs showcase her elegant creativity and effervescent warmth. Designing with heart and with a focus on storied spaces, Sophia’s work reflects her genuine love for people.

Sally Wilson

As founder of Archaea, Sally leads a small design intense practice in Adelaide. Founded in 2012 under a different name, Archaea has grown to establish a reputation in the residential and small commercial spaces.

Sally specialises in architecture and interior design that dissolves the distinction between internal and external, ensuring that spaces internally reflect the materials often seen on the external of her homes. She creates bespoke small details where she explores all levels of detail to create a well-crafted space with particular attention to the micro interior detailing from furniture design and small touch points. Her designs are tactile and personal.

Hamish Ginn

Hamish is Senior Associate – People & Culture at SJB NSW. 25 years of architecture practice, from sole-practitioner to mid-scale and larger practice in Sydney, Brisbane and Edinburgh, has given him specialized skills across high-end residential, mixed-use, adaptive re-use, heritage and public art projects. His passion is putting into practice the conditions that best support creatives in both work and life.

Miriam Fanning

Miriam Fanning is the ​founding ​director and ​principal of leading ​interior ​design and Architecture ​practice, Mim Design. Recognised for a diverse portfolio spanning private residential, high-end multi-residential, hospitality and commercial projects, Mim Design’s work is characterised by longevity, refinement, and detail. With over 20 years’ experience as an ​interior ​designer, ​F​anning’s passion for visual exploration, authentic design and individuality is exemplified in each project, the practice’s enduring relationships, and in her ongoing advocacy for the ​interior ​design profession in Australia.

Dua Green

Appointed CEO of AJC in July 2025, Dua Green brings over 25 years of architectural experience and a deep passion for the transformative power of learning environments. As both CEO and Director, she leads with empathy, collaboration and a strong belief that great design can shape the minds – and futures – of young people.

Green specialises in the planning and design of early learning centres, primary and secondary schools, and student accommodation. From award-winning buildings to campus-wide renewals, her process is grounded in genuine consultation with educators, students and support staff, ensuring every space reflects the needs and aspirations of its community.

A committed advocate for inclusive leadership, Green regularly contributes as a mentor and industry awards juror. Her leadership is driven by purpose, care and a belief in design as a tool for lasting impact.

Chris Stribley

Chris Stribley is co-founder and principal of Cera Stribley, bringing nearly 20 years’ experience to the practice. With a hands-on, technically astute approach, he values collaboration as the foundation of great design, and is driven by a passion for material detail, craftsmanship and innovation.

Ross Gardam

Inspired by geometry and clean refined form Gardam’s work delivers beautifully simple design solutions to often complex problems. With a body of work spanning over a decade, Gardam is one of Australia’s most prominent contemporary designers.

Ross Gardam is driven by a profound desire to engage people on an emotional level with distinctive design that challenge the norm. Designed for public and private spaces, every product is informed by a deep fascination in the layered experiences that exists between people and objects. This experiential understanding combined with a unique outlook on form and function underpins each collection.

Merging traditional craft with modern techniques, paramount to Gardam’s manufacturing process are the materials and methodology, which inform each design. Culminating in meticulously-crafted objects, lighting and furniture. All Ross Gardam products are produced in Melbourne, Australia.

Simon Fleet

Simon Fleet is an award-winning architect and design principal at HDR, with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering significant projects across Australia, the UK, Europe and North America. His expertise spans a wide range of scales and typologies, from feasibility studies and masterplanning to high-rise commercial developments and major transport infrastructure. Fleet is passionate about the transformative impact of good design. While experienced across all project stages, he excels in strategic project leadership, building strong client relationships, and generating and communicating compelling design responses. He has also worked extensively with universities in Sydney, London and Adelaide as a guest lecturer, tutor and lead collaborator on several research projects.

Alison Potter

Alison Potter is a design principal in HDR’s Melbourne studio. She brings over two decades of experience spanning architecture, master planning, and urban design, underpinned by a deep commitment to sustainability, innovation and socially responsive outcomes. Prior to joining HDR, she held senior design leadership positions at internationally renowned firms including Grimshaw, Hassell and Foster + Partners.

Her diverse portfolio includes projects across health, transport, aviation, tourism, arts and culture, data centres, residential and education, anchored by a strong foundation in urban design and master planning. Notable projects include the award-winning Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi, the New Mount Barker Hospital redevelopment, and the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct.

In her role at HDR, Alison serves as a conduit between global expertise and the local market, shaping infrastructure-led outcomes that go beyond functionality to deliver social, environmental, and cultural value. She also leads initiatives to strengthen our design culture, creating a studio environment that empowers teams to question, prototype, and challenge convention.

A passionate advocate for regenerative design and low-carbon development, Alison is a Living Future Accredited Professional (LFA) and a member of the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Climate Action and Sustainability Committee. She also serves as a Design Review panellist for the Office of Design and Architecture South Australia (ODASA) and the City of Melbourne.

Brooke Lloyd

Director at COX Architecture, Brooke Lloyd has a passion for driving positive cultural change in the workplace sector through innovative design. She has both local and international experience leading significant workplace projects for both government and private sector clients. Based in Sydney, she is the head of interior design in COX’s Sydney Studio, leading the Workplace Sector.

Sally Campbell

Principal at BVN, Sally Campbell is an advocate for spaces that leave lasting impressions. She believes everyone should have the benefit of occupying well-designed spaces. Her curious nature leads to rigorous examination of clients’ briefs, to extract core needs and eliminate the superfluous. She is passionate about workplace strategy and innovative design solutions across all sectors.

Steven Toia

Founder and Principal at Genton, Steven Toia’s experience extends through design, documentation and procurement of small, large and complex projects both locally and internationally. He celebrates a collaborative team culture and a balanced approach to entrepreneurial innovation, with a commitment to combining creativity with business management acumen.