Our jury

Architect, Educator & Founder, KANS

Casimir Esbach works’ explores the intersection of architecture, artificial intelligence, and data-driven design through his Data-to-Form methodology. Currently teaching at SCAD, he has previously wor

President - Chief Executive Officer of Koffi & Diabaté Architects

a Yale-graduate architect and co-founder of Koffi & Diabaté Group. A visionary in African urbanism, he integrates sustainable design with real estate development. From IKEA collaborations to international biennials, Diabaté champions contextual, inclusive architecture, rethinking urban living to create resilient and forward-looking African cities.

Founder, Design Princpal VERFORM

Mouaz Abouzaid is a Cairo-born architect and founder of Verform, an international design studio. With over two decades of experience, he leads a multinational team across Egypt, Europe, and the Middle East. Thrice recognized among the region's top architects, he also curated the Egyptian National Pavilion at the 2018 Venice Biennale.

Research assistent & teacher at Hochschule Wismar

Lucia Oberfrancová, PhD, graduated in architecture from the Slovak University of Technology in 2008, focusing on ecological and experimental design. A DBU scholar, she researched earth-sheltered architecture at Hochschule Wismar, where she now teaches sustainable building and energy assessment. Her work bridges research, digitalisation, and innovative ecological architecture.

Architectural Designer & Founder of OBLIK

An architectural designer and marketing specialist, she operates at the intersection of design and digital communication. With over seven years of experience and a community of 100,000, and had her work published in international architecture and design magazines. she leads OBLIK, a studio dedicated to professional storytelling and content strategy for global architecture practices and design brands.

Architect/Adjunct Professor at Kaywon University of Art and Design

Saul Kim is an architect and educator, currently Adjunct Professor at Kaywon University of Art & Design.
His research and teaching focus on experimental architectural methodologies, spatial theory, and digital computation, bridging design pedagogy with speculative and research-driven practice.

Architect

Thierry Gédéon is an architect based in Paris. He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture with honors from ENSA Paris-Malaquais, and an HMONP qualification. His practice is grounded in a dialogic approach to architecture, seeking in every context “the very substance of the project.” His interventions are rooted in building traditions, careful listening to a site’s history, and respect for the existing built environment.

Lighting Designer at Foster + Partner

Paula Quintero, an architect with dual master’s degrees in Interior Design and Architectural Lighting Design. With international experience across Colombia, Germany, and the UK, including work with Foster + Partners, I specialize in designing cohesive, human-centered environments that integrate architecture, interiors, and lighting. My expertise spans commercial, residential, and maritime projects, with a strong emphasis on research-driven design, sustainability, and technical excellence.

Architect, computational designer and AI specialist

Maged, based in Hamburg, Germany, with international experience across Europe, Japan, and the Middle East. Passionate about leveraging AI to enhance creativity, they integrate advanced computational tools into both the artistic and technical aspects of architecture, pushing innovative design boundaries globally.

Founder of SKALA SOCIAL, Architecture M.Sc. Student at Politecnico di Milano

Maria Ulashchenko is a Master’s student in Architecture and Environment at Politecnico di Milano and founder of SKALA SOCIAL, a strategy agency for architects. With a B.Sc. from TU Berlin, professional experience at gmp and kadawittfeldarchitektur, and internationally recognized published work, she bridges design and communication, helping architects build visibility while pursuing her own vision of innovative, future-oriented architecture.

Architectural designer, Oslon Kundig

Johana Mendoza Rodriguez is an award-winning Ecuadorian architect and artist, AIA International Associate, and part of the renowned Seattle-based firm Olson Kundig. With international awards, publications, and jury appointments, she blends design innovation, sustainability, and creative expression to reimagine how people experience architecture, art, nature, and cultural narratives worldwide.

Architectural designer at Büro Hacke

After graduating in architecture from the Slovak University of Technology, Radovan worked on several award-winning Slovak and Czech competitions focused mainly on the reconstruction and adaptation of existing buildings across various typologies. In early 2025, he joined Büro Hacke, contributing to international and local projects.

Lighting Designer at Licht Kunst Licht

Ilse Martinez, born in Mexico, graduated as an architect in 2020. She pursued a master’s in Architectural Lighting Design at Hochschule Wismar, which opened international opportunities. After working in London with Foster + Partners, she joined Licht Kunst Licht, where she now develops innovative, sustainable, and context-driven architectural lighting design solutions.

Architectural project manager & designer

Liam, based in Vancouver, holds a B.Arch from BCIT and a Master’s from Wismar (DAAD scholarship). With six years leading multi-family projects, he creates community-focused, sustainable spaces. His thesis proposes off-grid, self-sustaining communities for remote workers, blending innovation, sustainability, and a strong sense of belonging.

Founder of Darbellabbana

Dr. Afaf Badran, pioneering architect since 1980, worked internationally before leading prestigious projects in Saudi Arabia as the first practicing woman architect. Founder of Darbellabbana Group and Center in Cairo, she combines design, teaching, and mentorship, with postgraduate expertise in Environmental Design, promoting architecture, culture, and sustainable development.

Professor at Hochschule Wismar

Ruben Jodar, Barcelona-born architect, co-directs a Berlin office and teaches Experimental Design in Wismar. Since 2010, he has advanced innovative public space interventions and participatory architecture with StiftungFREIZEIT. With international teaching and prototype-building experience, he previously collaborated with Zumthor, Eliasson, and MVRDV, holding degrees from Waseda and ETSAB Cum Laude.

Lecturer at PUCE Ibarra - Ecuador

Jorge, architect (PUCE) and urban planner (Melbourne), focuses on context-driven architecture using local resources. He researches public space, mobility, and river recovery, teaching at PUCE Ibarra. Awarded multiple national and international prizes, his work integrates heritage preservation, sustainability, and inclusive urbanism, shaping Ecuador’s built environment with cultural and ecological sensitivity.

Founder of Mariam Korachy Architects

Mariam Korachy, architect and founder of Mariam Korachy Architects, holds a BA from Cairo (2001) and an MSc in Conservation from KU Leuven (2010). With expertise in heritage conservation, restoration, and museum exhibitions, she has led projects in Historic Cairo while also practicing architecture, interior design, and furniture design.

Founder of Duensing Architekten

Hartwig Duensing, studied at TU Braunschweig, TU München, and TU Berlin, earned his diploma in 1989 with a thesis on Munich’s fairground expansion. In 1992, he co-founded Duensing Edye Architekten and later founded Duensing Architekten in 2012. With 30+ years’ experience, he continues shaping architecture through innovative, enduring design.

Associate & Landscape Architect EDSA, inc.

Luis, driven by curiosity and a love for the arts, works at EDSA, Inc., leading innovative, sustainable projects worldwide. With a background in experimental research, he blends creativity with practical solutions, shaping art galleries, recreational landscapes, and restorative environments. His community-focused, multidimensional approach enhances spaces and fosters meaningful impact.

Architectural designer & Budget Control Analyst

Martín, an architect graduated from Universidad San Francisco de Quito, combines creativity, analytical thinking, and strategic management. Currently a Budget Control Analyst at Uribe Schwarzkopf in Quito, he leverages his architectural expertise to optimize resources, align costs with project goals, and ensure design functionality while maintaining financial efficiency and project feasibility.