Architect Annabelle Selldorf, alongside interior designer Smita Thomas and designers Martin Lotti and Michael Anastassiades have joined this year’s judging panel for Dezeen Awards 2026.
Launched earlier this month, Dezeen Awards in partnership with Trimble will reward this year’s best architecture, interiors and design from around the world. Enter your projects by 23:59 London time on 25 March to save 20 per cent on your entry fee.
Read on to find out more about the leading industry professionals who will join this year’s judging panel.
Architect Annabelle Selldorf is one of this year’s judges
Founder of the eponymous New York City-based practice, Selldorf will join the architecture panel for Dezeen Awards 2026.
Selldorf’s practice is behind a number of high-profile projects, including twin porcelain-clad skyscrapers in Brooklyn and an art gallery with a dark concrete facade for Hauser & Wirth.
Last year, the studio completed the remodelling of the National Gallery in London and the renovation of the Frick Collection in New York. Speaking to Dezeen, Selldorf reflected on the experience of working on the high-profile projects amidst controversy.
The architect has accrued numerous accolades, including the AIA New York Medal of Honour, and was recently named one of the world’s most influential architects by Time magazine. She is also a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and serves on the Board of the Architectural League of New York.
Interior designer Smita Thomas is the founder of Multitude of Sins
Joining this year’s interiors panel is Thomas, founder of Multitude of Sins, an interior design studio based in Bengaluru, India.
Thomas uses an experimental approach to create immersive and narrative-driven spaces, with recent projects including a material lab built from salvaged waste, a house that spotlights Indian craftsmanship and a brutalist revamp of Thomas’ apartment.
The studio has won multiple awards, including Dezeen Awards 2022 sustainable interior of the year for an eclectic restaurant, Circus Canteen, which curated a “collage of unwanted items” out of reclaimed materials.
Martin Lotti, chief design officer at Nike, will judge Dezeen Awards 2026
Bringing his expertise in product design to this year’s judging panel is Lotti, chief design officer of sportswear brand Nike.
During his nearly three decades at Nike, Lotti has led consumer-facing brand, product and retail executions across all sport and lifestyle categories at Nike for both men and women.
Speaking to Dezeen in 2024, Lotti emphasised the importance of using recycled materials as the “biggest impact” on best reducing the sportswear brand’s environmental impact.
Notable projects include working across Nike’s creative efforts for two of the world’s most significant global sports events, the Olympics and the World Cup, as well as overseeing the iconic Jordan brand.
Michael Anastassiades will judge this year’s design entries
Joining Lotti on the design jury is London-based designer Anastassiades, founder of the eponymous studio, which works across lighting, furniture, objects and spatial design.
Renowned for his lighting designs, Anastassiades has produced a number of iconic pieces, including the String Lights and Copycat for Flos as well as products for Bang & Olufsen, Cassina and Herman Miller.
Last year, the designer unveiled his Cygnet light, made from Japanese washi paper and informed by childhood memories of kite flying at Milan design week.
Anastassiades was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in King Charles III’s 2024 New Year Honours list, in recognition of his services to design. He was also awarded the London Design Medal in 2025.
Enter by 25 March!
Log in or create an account via our entry platform to begin your entries. Take advantage of our discounted early entry fees and submit your projects by 23:59 London time on 25 March to save 20 per cent.
Click here for more information about Dezeen Awards and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news. Plus you can always drop us a line at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Dezeen Awards 2026 in partnership with Trimble
Dezeen Awards is the ultimate accolade for architects and designers worldwide. The ninth edition of the annual awards is in partnership with global technology company Trimble. Through connected hardware and software solutions, Trimble helps designers to transform the way they shape spaces and buildings as well as drive productivity in the process. Trimble’s collaboration with Dezeen Awards demonstrates its ongoing commitment to inspiring and supporting creative excellence across the globe.