The 2026 Dezeen Awards have unveiled an impressive panel of judges, including renowned architects Daniel Libeskind and Nzinga Biegueng Mboup, alongside designers Joonas Vartola and Budiman Ong. This year's competition is set to be a showcase of the world's best architecture, interiors, and design, with just two weeks left for entries to be submitted.
Libeskind, a Polish-American architect and founder of Studio Libeskind, brings a wealth of experience to the architecture judging panel. His work spans urban, cultural, and commercial projects, as well as social housing, addressing the urgent need for better quality low-cost housing. Libeskind's notable projects include a hospital with slanted walls, an angular Holocaust memorial in Amsterdam, and a geometric housing development in Prague.
Mboup, a Senegalese architect and co-founder of Worofila, specializes in construction using earth and locally sourced natural materials. Her notable projects include the Ngor Vertical House and the Goethe-Institut in Dakar, developed in collaboration with Kéré Architecture. Mboup's expertise extends beyond architecture; she has taught at Columbia University, produced a film on earthen architecture in Senegal, and leads a research program with the Canadian Centre for Architecture.
Vartola, a Finnish designer and chief design officer at Framery, brings a unique perspective to the design panel. With a background in automotive and industrial design, he has worked with renowned brands like Tesla and Pininfarina. Vartola oversees Framery's design ecosystem, which includes furniture, technology, and spatial ergonomics, aiming to bring a design culture to the company.
Ong, an Indonesian designer and co-founder of Jia Curated and Ong Cen Kuang, combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design through his decorative lighting brand. His work has been featured in the annual multi-day event in Bali, where he has explored the potential of Indonesian design. Ong's contributions to the design industry are significant, as he seeks to carve out a new identity for Indonesian design.
The Dezeen Awards, in partnership with Trimble, offer a unique opportunity for architects and designers to showcase their work to a stellar panel of industry-leading judges. With 49 categories to choose from, the competition is open to professionals in architecture, interiors, and design. The deadline for entries is 23:59 London time on May 27, 2026, providing a final chance for designers to put their work in front of this esteemed panel.
