Dezeen Awards 2025 jury
Get ready to don your hard hats, everyone — the Dezeen Awards 2025 jury boasts some serious design talent. This year’s selection features an international array of creative powerhouses prepared to evaluate the finest in architecture, interiors, and design with the same determination as a roo foraging in a veggie garden.
Mexican architect Pablo Pérez Palacios is stepping into the spotlight, recognized for his lyrical minimalism and profound respect for context — this guy can make concrete feel as comforting as a warm embrace. Alongside him is London-based, Paris-born designer Camille Walala, whose striking, Memphis-inspired designs could easily add vibrancy to even a Bunnings warehouse.
Also featured is Giancarlo Valle, the New York designer celebrated for his ability to fuse classic craftsmanship with playful modern aesthetics — envision luxury with a cheeky twist. Completing the panel is art-world titan Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, a gallerist and curator with a keen eye sharper than a box cutter on demo day.
These judges aren’t just in it for the complimentary canapés — they’re ready to evaluate hundreds of submissions, highlighting projects that challenge conventions and encourage us to reimagine what outstanding design truly is. With this group leading the charge, anticipate the 2025 awards to be as audacious and groundbreaking as a surf shack on the steps of the Opera House.
Prominent industry personalities included
Each year, the Dezeen Awards draw a prestigious lineup from the design realm, and 2025’s selection is no different — it’s akin to the Met Gala for those who distinguish their terrazzo from their travertine. Among the notable names is Pablo Pérez Palacios, whose Mexico City-based studio has been capturing attention with projects that balance brutalist sincerity with a soothing, almost spiritual essence. He’s the type of architect who can transform a concrete wall into a space that feels like a retreat for meditation.
Camille Walala injects a burst of colour and a wealth of personality into the judging panel. Her expansive murals and interiors resemble a visual celebration — bold, geometric, and unapologetically uplifting. She embraces vivid hues, and let’s face it, we could all benefit from a little more vibrancy in our lives (and cities).
Next is Giancarlo Valle, known for reinventing everyday environments into sculptural experiences. His work balances sophistication and edginess — imagine if Frank Lloyd Wright had a fun-loving cousin who studied fashion. Valle’s interiors are richly layered, tactile, and brimming with character, the type of settings one would want to inhabit… if they were a stylish cat.
Don’t forget Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, a significant figure in the art scene who has curated exhibitions for some of the most prominent names in contemporary art. She brings a discerning curatorial eye to the panel, ensuring the awards recognize not only technical proficiency but also cultural significance and a touch of artistic boldness.
Collectively, this group showcases a diverse representation of the creative sectors — not solely architects and designers, but also thinkers, trendsetters, and visionaries. It’s a reminder that exceptional design transcends mere buildings or furniture — it encompasses ideas, influence, and a good dose of flair.
