Juror: Judith Abell

Judith is a graduate architect, sculptor and writer, based in Hobart.

Stretching her time between these competing, yet complementary areas of work, Judith looks for points of intersection and is currently exploring the world of public art through collaborative and solo sculpture commissions.

An Associate of established firm Forward Brianese + Partners, Judith loves the pace and engagement of architectural practice, but also savours the splendid isolation of dedicated art making.

Juror: Robert Backhouse

The managing director of HASSELL, Robert is based in Melbourne and has been responsible for major projects throughout Australia and Asia. His success has resulted from working with clients ranging from large corporates to residential and hospitality developments. Robert’s reputation in interior design is built on award winning projects and publication in leading Australian journals such as Inside, Artichoke, InDesign and Belle.

He has been responsible for workplace projects including, Westpac, AGL and Maddocks where evolving organisational culture and design innovation are the driving issues. Currently, he is involved in workplace projects for ANZ, BHP Billiton and Suncorp.

Robert also has extensive experience in residential work, from one-off luxury residence and penthouse apartments to large scale apartment towers. A significant achievement was the design 61 boutique apartments in Melbourne’s historic Herald and Weekly Times building.

At HASSELL, Robert’s responsibilities include the design direction of interiors commissions, including strategic planning and briefing.

Juror: Rowena Cornwell

Rowena is the creative director of the interior design firm coop creative.

coop is an award winning firm that specialises in bespoke residential and commercial interiors. Under Rowena’s guidance, the coop team focuses on generating appropriate responses to each project rather than following the latest trends. They approach all commissions without preconception and judgement, resulting in a varied portfolio of projects with a high level of detail.

She holds a Bachelor of Built Environment Architecture from QUT and a Certificate of Interior Design. Recent achievements include being named the Design Institute of Australia (Qld) 2008 Gold Award Winner for the Peoples Choice Award and the Refurbished Residential Design Award.

Juror: Daniel Dalla Riva

Daniel heads Exponential Design, leaders in Brand Architecture.

In fifteen years of professional practice Daniel has earned local and international recognition for his work in the fields of Retail Interior Architecture and Branded Environments. Daniel's creative drive is evident in his diverse portfolio of work and passion for multi-disciplinary design.

Juror: Angelo di Marco

Angelo has established a track record of working with major corporate clients to leverage their investments in property. As Group Principal: Commercial + Workplace, he has extensive experience in the management and leadership of significant projects, from setting the vision and guiding principles, through to detailed delivery issues.

He is a lateral thinker with the ability to unlock the true potential of projects. He has been pivotal in developing Woodhead Workplace Planning processes and has a wealth of experience in delivery of major Government and Public Sector strategic projects.

He aims to take advantage of the emerging trends in design, including new technologies, sustainability, change management and the delivery of effective work environments.

Juror: Amanda Henderson

Amanda is considered by many as one of Australia’s leading designers of the three dimensional experience. She is the director, founder and inspired creative force behind Gloss Creative, which provides concepts, designs and direction of events and sets for many of Australia’s most style conscious companies:

Spring Racing Carnival marquees for Moet & Chandon, Myer, Longines; window concepts for fashion retailers; integrated event and set designs for L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival and National Australia Bank.

Gloss Creative’s overriding creative signature could be described as “Grand Simplicity”. Grand in scale and effect, simplicity inherent in seemingly effortless style.

Juror: Jonathan Richards

Jonathan is a Director of SJB Interiors, where he has been employed since 2002. With a Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) from UTS he has a strong background in commercial design.

Current and recent projects include Vincent Rae Hotel in Byron Bay, the $2M fitout of Drift Bar at Bondi Beach, Sails at Lavender Bay, the boutique deli/butchery Hudsons Meats in Surry Hills and Cammeray, fashion boutique Bloodorange at Elizabeth Bay and the Macleay Regis apartment, a new fitout for a classic Art Deco apartment.

His work has won numerous awards, particularly in the hospitality area.

Juror: Domino Risch

Domino is a Practice Director of Bligh Voller Nield. An Interior Designer specializing in workplace projects that integrate with cultural change agendas, Domino has worked extensively on large-scale complex projects such as the award-winning Santos Headquarters in Adelaide and National@Docklands in Melbourne.

Her varied experience has led Domino to develop comprehensive skills across all facets of the design and construction process, and in particular in client and user relationships. Domino has a strong commitment to workplace design and believes in providing clients with the highest quality outcomes possible.

Chair, ESD Award: John Gertsakis

John is Senior Sustainability Associate with WSP Environmental, one of world’s largest energy, environment and sustainability consulting firms. John works across a range of product-oriented areas including Design for Sustainability, product stewardship strategy and environmental communications.

John has worked across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He was the visiting Associate Director of the EU-funded Irish ‘EcoSmart Design Program’ from 2003 – 2006, and is currently the Sustainability Mentor for the AusIndustry-funded Springboard Program: Entrepreneurship for Designers. He consults to a diverse range of clients covering commercial furniture, textiles, floor coverings, consumer electronics, copiers and printers. Clients include Design Victoria, Woven Image, Formway Furniture, Zenith Interiors, Carpets InterfaceFLOR, Museum Victoria and the Consumer Electronics Suppliers Association. John has spent time as a research academic and was the head of RMIT University’s Centre for Design from 1998 – 2001, where he continues his involvement as a research associate.

DIA Appointed Jury Convenor: Francesco Bonato

Francesco is a Director of South Australian firm Tectvs, which has won many Australian Institute of Architects and industry based awards. His well known practice takes a holistic approach to architectural design, and to the present day he is still a hands on designer.

He has held various teaching appointments at the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, within the Schools of Architecture and Building.

He is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, having served as Director for the State Awards, President of the South Australian Chapter and as a National Councillor. He is also a member of the Design Institute of Australia and for the last two years was a juror for the Interior Design Awards, including appointment as Jury Chairperson in 2008.