Judging panel of world-renowned architectural and design personalities

NPO Aoyama Design Forum (ADF) is delighted to announce the first round of jury members for the ADF Design Award 2025, the 15th annual edition of this prestigious international design competition. This year's jury features a distinguished lineup of renowned figures from the global architecture and design community, emphasizing the award's commitment to recognizing groundbreaking and impactful design. The first four jury members confirmed are:

First Round Jury Members

Joe Chan / Principal of Designtone Interior Practice

With a background in architecture from Australia, Joe Chan established Designtone after serving for a decade in senior management roles at some of the world's leading design firms. Driven by a passion for creative freedom, Joe's philosophy emphasizes adaptability, enabling his firm to evolve its design style to meet diverse challenges. Beyond his professional practice, he contributes as an Adjunct Professor at Taylor's University, delivers lectures globally, and serves as Vice-President of MIID and Executive Board Member of IFI (2022-2024).

Alberto Bortolotti / Vice President of the Order of Architects of Milano

Graduating in architecture with a focus on urban planning from Politecnico di Milano, Alberto Bortolotti is a highly respected architect and urban policy researcher. He collaborates with multiple international institutions, including Humboldt University in Berlin and the University of Amsterdam, and focuses on urban regeneration processes. His recent book, Modello Milano, explores major urban transformations in key cities.

Chatpong Chuenrudeemol / Director of Chat Architects

Based in Bangkok, Chatpong "Chat" Chuenrudeemol is the founder of CHAT Architects. He received Thailand’s highest honor for contemporary artists, the Silpathorn Award, in 2020. His innovative projects have earned top awards at the World Architecture Festival and other prestigious events, showcasing his commitment to adaptive reuse and sustainable design. His work has been exhibited internationally, including the "Bangkok Bastards" exhibition at the 2024 Guangzhou Design Triennale.

Keat Ong / Principal of Keat Ong Design, President of Asia-Pacific Space Designers Association (APSDA)

Keat Ong, an award-winning multidisciplinary designer, has been recognized as one of Asia’s top designers. He is the founder of Keat Ong Design and has served as the President of the Society of Interior Designers, Singapore (SIDS) for three terms. With numerous accolades to his name, including being featured as a Designer of the Year by INTERIOR DESIGN Magazine, Keat is a thought leader in the design industry. He authored Injecting Architecture, detailing his design philosophy and methodologies through select project showcases.

Application Guidelines

Application Period

Submissions will be accepted from Thursday, August 15, 2024, to Friday, December 20, 2024 (JST).

Award Categories

• Hospitality: Hotels, casinos, theme parks, pavilions, etc.
• Commercial & Office: Shopping centers, department stores, office buildings, etc.
• Housing Complex: Non-private residences, non-interior spaces.
• Education & Sports: Schools, research facilities, stadiums, etc.
• Cultural Buildings: Theaters, libraries, museums, art galleries, hospitals, etc.
• Public Architecture: Government buildings, airports, stations, ports, etc.

Apply URL

https://9154.evalato.com/

Prize money

• Grand prize: USD 30,000 (one film from all categories)
• Award of Excellence: USD 5,000 (two entries from all categories) *If no entries are selected, the award winner may not be selected.

Extra prizes

• Grand Prize and Excellence Award winners will have their works exhibited (photos, models, etc.) at the ADF venue at the Fiori Salone during the ‘Salone Internazionale del Mobile’ (Milano Salone International Furniture Fair)
• Set-up costs of up to USD 1,000 to be covered by the Aoyama Design Forum
  Opportunity to exhibit at the Metaverse Museum "COCO WARP"
• Opportunity to exhibit at the art gallery run by ADF
• One year of PR support at the ADF Business Matching Division for the Grand Prize winner

Eligibility

• Individual or group entries (one work per group).
• Open to all nationalities.
• Must be an ADF member (no fee to join).

Application Fee

Free

Entry Work Requirements

• Completed works within the past three years.
• Submission Requirements
• Design Proposal: Concept, materials, and details (up to 5 pages in A4 PDF format).
• Minimum 300 dpi resolution, file size ≤10MB, font size ≥11pt.
• Curriculum Vitae: Up to 5 pages in A4 horizontal PDF format.

Judging Criteria

1. Beauty: Artistic value in shape, color, detailing, and material selection.
2. Innovation: Socially responsive, using new materials, innovative processes, and pioneering designs.
3. Usefulness: Benefit to users and sustainability for the environment.
4. Regional / Cultural / Chronological Context: Fit with regional and cultural backgrounds and contemporary trends.

Juries

• Joe Chan / Principal of Designtone Interior Practice 
• Alberto Bortolotti / Vice President of the Order of Architects of Milano
• Chatpong Chuenrudeemol / Director of Chat Architects
• Keat Ong / Principal of Keat Ong Design, President of Asia-Pacific Space Designers Association (APSDA)
• TBA

Results Announcement

 March 12, 2025

Language

English

Organizer

NPO Aoyama Design Forum (ADF)

Contact Email

Email：award@adf.or.jp

ADF Award

The ADF Design Awards aims to discover and highlight exceptional designs worldwide and introduce these works to audiences who may be unfamiliar with their impact. The award focuses on the creative process, the ideas behind the designs, and how they improve lives and foster environmental sustainability. Join us in celebrating and promoting innovative, life-enhancing, and environmentally conscious design. We look forward to your submissions that will shape the future of our industry!