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NY Product Design Awards Panel

United States

Ivan Sipilov

Head Of Platform Design, Citadel

Ivan Sipilov is a highly accomplished designer whose unique background in math and art has shaped his ability to create complex systems that enhance user experiences across various industries, with a particular focus on finance.

Over the past decade, Ivan has worked on globally impactful projects, collaborating with industry-leading professionals to push the boundaries of digital product design. As the Head of Design at Citadel, the world's leading hedge fund, Ivan has been instrumental in integrating advanced UX principles that drive efficiency and performance in high-impact financial projects.

Alongside his role at Citadel, Ivan founded NannyServices.ca, connecting over 300,000 families with trusted caregivers. As co-founder of June Homes, his design work helped secure a $140M investment to streamline rentals. Ivan’s influence spans the global design community, with award-winning work, thought leadership in UX Collective, and a Dribbble portfolio with over 8 million views. His dedication to meaningful causes includes creating the Teddy Food app to support homeless animals in shelters.

Russia

Vargov Anton

CEO, Vargov®️Design

Vargov Anton serves as the Founder and Chief Designer at Vargov®Design, with educational roots in the Department of Design at FAIS NovSU. Recognized through numerous accolades from international design and lighting innovation competitions like EPDA, ADD, BLT, LDA, NYPDA, SIT, ICONIC, MUSE, HOUZEE, IADA, IDA, LIT, and "Russian Light Design," Anton champions the philosophy "Art Without Limits." His approach emphasizes freedom of expression, creating works that challenge traditional design concepts, alongside a commitment to innovation and global thinking in art and design.

United States

Yafei Zhang

Associate Principal / BIM Lead / Adjunct Professor, Kohn Pedersen Fox; Kean University

With over a decade of experience in the architecture field, Yafei has honed her expertise in large-scale, multi-building urban developments, with a particular focus on contemporary workplaces.

As a BIM Leader and Associate Principal at KPF, she has led the technical execution of projects from concept through completion, notably the Bund Fosun Center in Wuhan, China. Since 2020, with her critical knowledge, Yafei has served as BIM lead for a large team executing a 1.2 million-square-foot interior office fit-out for a well-known multinational technology company at 50 Hudson Yards in New York City.

As an adjunct professor of Architecture at Kean University, she has led the Professional Practice Seminar. Imparting practical knowledge and real-world insights to aspiring next generation of architects and helping them bridge the gap between academic learning and the demands of the professional architecture industry.

With experience ranging from urban planning to commercial to interior, Yafei has built her architectural knowledge through design, construction administration, and on-site construction work. Yafei received a Master of Architecture degree from UCLA, and is a registered architect in the state of New Jersey.

Russia

Ekaterina Elizarova

Owner, Elizarova Design Studio

Ekaterina Elizarova is an international designer, winner of the world's leading awards, including Red Dot, A'Design, Outstanding Property Award London and many others.

Ekaterina Elizarova is the first Russian product designer in the Metaverse.

In 2008, Ekaterina founded her own studio, which develops unique author's collections and interiors.

Ekaterina is the first designer in Russia invited to create collections of world-famous brands: Smania, Preciosa, Urban Fabric Rugs, Matlight Milano, Asko, Capital Collection, Junior Monarch and many others. The design by Ekaterina Elizarova is presented annually at exhibitions around the world from Italy and France to the USA and the UK. Designer of the Year (Elle Decoration Best of a Year Awards). Ekaterina has been awarded many prestigious international awards, including the Red Dot, A’ Design Award, the First All-Russian Award "For a special contribution to the development of design in Russia", the Eurasian Prize and others.

She works at the intersection of design and art. Ekaterina is the only representative of Russia selected by the Dutch Global Arts Affair Foundation to participate in the exhibition "Design Objects as Objects of Art", within the framework of the 57th Venice The Biennale.

United States

Xiaobi Pan

Lead Designer, Amazon

Xiaobi (Iris) Pan is a globally-recognized pioneer in the field of Emerging Technology Design. She has been the inventor of the sound interactive Installation visited by over 1 million participants, the app that promises to plant 100 million trees on our planet by 2025, and a series of industry-leading new technology products and experiences. Currently a Lead Designer at Amazon, she is dedicated to using technologies such as Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize the consumer experience for both business and social good.

United States

Bhanu Gurugubelli

AVP intelligent process automation infrastructure Lead , Chubb Insurance

Bhanu Prakash Gurugubelli actively works in order to revolutionize the digital transformation with automation, decreasing processing times for claims, submissions, underwriting, all the while reducing costs and increasing cost efficiency. During hurricane Ida in 2021, Bhanu and his team were able to provide quick quotes and ingest new policies into the system, resulting in claims automations to process over 5000 claims a day. What Bhanu does is not something that only influences a small portion of people, but it may have global effects, if not national. Being such a key figure in the insurance industry, Bhanu is instrumental in developing these key technologies that can revolutionize the way that insurance claims and policies are handled with Chubb Insurance and together, they are setting a new benchmark for how supportive and efficient insurance is. Gone are the days of outdated policies or delayed responses and payouts. With automation being the leading force in insurance, everyone should expect to see much more sophistication in the insurance industry in the coming years and solidifying its presence in society.

United States

Sajud E.

Data Analyst/Fullstack Developer, Consultadd INC

Sajud Hamza Elinjulliparambil, a senior software engineer at Fama Technologies, a pioneer in background screening solutions based in Los Angeles, USA, is among the people striving to make the digital space safer for users. A Master's degree holder in Information Systems from Pace University, Elinjulliparambil specializes in data analytics, machine learning, and the automation of manual processes, particularly in background checks. As a highly skilled full-stack developer, Elinjulliparambil leverages cutting-edge technologies to analyze complex patterns within social media data. His mission is to predict potential threats in various settings and reshape how we assess and mitigate risks, ultimately ensuring safety in workplaces and communities. With a staggering 4.9 billion active users globally today, the social media background screening industry has witnessed unprecedented growth. Consequently, 91% of employers rely on social media to screen potential candidates, highlighting this industry's immense impact on employment opportunities. Elinjulliparambil champions the transformative potential of social media background screening. "Information at our fingertips should be leveraged for the safety of all, he says. "Social media background screening can be a powerful tool to make our workplaces and other spaces safer. His work as a senior software engineer, nothing short of exceptional, combines data analytics and machine learning to develop algorithms. These algorithms analyze social media data patterns to identify potential troublemakers, prevent security breaches, and foster safer environments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Elinjulliparambil addressed the challenges faced by remote workers. Recognizing the potential mental stress that could arise from the isolation and the risks of returning to workspaces, he ensured these transitions were as safe as possible. His invaluable contribution enhanced workplace safety during the challenging period. Elinjulliparambil's technological prowess propels the industry's transformation. Through his innovative solutions, he identifies red flags and develops robust safety measures and risk mitigation strategies using data analytics and machine learning. He envisions a future where his expertise and Fama Technologies lead in various sectors, including schools, offices, and membership programs, not just social media checks. In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Sajud Hamza Elinjulliparambil is a true hero, dedicated to harnessing technology for the greater good. His commitment to fostering safe and secure environments through social media background screening profoundly impacts society. As we look to the future, his expertise promises a brighter, safer world for all. His Fama Technologies offers a range of background screening products, from simple checks to comprehensive 360 web checks, covering platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google articles. The company, trusted by renowned organizations such as HireRight and Spencer Stuart, is gaining recognition in the industry. Under Elinjulliparambil's visionary leadership, Fama Technologies aims to remain an industry leader in social media background checks. It seeks to expand into other sectors, further enhancing safety and security for everyone. Its impact on workplace safety is undeniable, and its commitment to innovation promises a safer future.

United States

Abhijeet Bais

Data Science Solution Lead, Elevance Health

Abhijeet Singh Bais distinguishes himself in the data-driven landscape by showcasing remarkable talent in harnessing the latent potential residing within data, spanning various industries.

Among his notable accomplishments is his involvement in the transformation of the Palm Beach Hotel in Dubai, a project in which he creatively tackled stone crushing challenges, despite his lack of prior construction experience.

Furthermore, he demonstrated his proficiency in utilizing data and artificial intelligence to develop a remote automotive invoice system. This seemingly minor yet highly impactful contribution played a pivotal role in streamlining processes and significantly contributed to the successful realization of the Palm Beach Hotel project. His versatile skills underscore the profound impact of data expertise across a wide array of sectors. Bais is highly dedicated to leveraging data-driven solutions to overcome challenges and drive innovation across diverse industries, exemplifying his unwavering commitment to excellence.

China

Tao Chen and Jade Lee

Founder and Co-Founder, DesignRe-explore

Tao Chen and Jade Lee, founders of DesignRe-explore, bring a wealth of experience from a decade in architectural and interior design, along with expertise in brand strategy, public relations, and marketing planning. They have supported over 200 leaders from architectural and design firms, facilitating their participation in prestigious international design competitions.

Dedicated to fostering a platform for interaction and collaboration among designers worldwide, they focus on showcasing and advancing unique and innovative design works. Their goal is to spotlight professionals excelling in real estate development, architectural and interior design, and creative aesthetics globally. They strive to recognize and provide opportunities for industry experts and design talents who demonstrate innovation, visionary ideas, and artistic creativity.

Their influence extends through a network of over 1,000 media partners, creating a comprehensive media matrix that encompasses art, design, real estate, news, culture, and entertainment, amplifying their reach in the design community.

United States

Ram Nikhil Dodda

Head of Product Management, Amazon

Ram Nikhil Dodda is an engineer by education and has built multiple consumer hardware products for Amazon, where strong design language and customer experience was primary criteria. These products have been granted patents and are 4* rated best sellers on Amazon.

In 2018 and 2019, he was the global go-to-market lead for e-reader category for Amazon. This role required him to understand customer preferences from over 18 countries and work with product development to design next generation e-Readers. As the go-to-market lead, Dodda launched 3 new Kindle e-Reader devices that are all rated 4.5+ stars on Amazon for the device design, quality and durability.

Most recently, he built Ring Intercom – a plug and play smart home device that enables remote access management for apartment dwellers globally. The product was launched in 2022 and received 10 awards at launch for product design, aesthetics and in-app UX.

United States

Bret Recor

Founder and Creative Director, Box Clever

Bret Recor serves as the founder and creative director at Box Clever, where he brings his background in industrial engineering, entrepreneurship, and investment to the forefront.

Recor excels in harmonizing creative imagination with practical expertise and a strong foundation in engineering. He possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in transforming an idea into a market-ready product and boasts a successful history of collaborating with direct-to-consumer (DTC) and socially-driven brands. His studio has earned recognition for designing top-selling products, such as Away luggage, Caraway cookware, and July air conditioners, among numerous others.

He boasts extensive industry experience, having collaborated with renowned brands such as Knoll, Herman Miller, Away, Nebia, and others. Recor's expertise lies in crafting tangible experiences that not only bring joy to consumers but also enable companies to establish themselves as leaders in their respective market segments.

Italy

Samuel Chuffart

Global Design Director, Icona Design Group

Samuel Chuffart, Icona's Global Design Director and one of its co-founders in 2010, started with a modest team of two designers and has since elevated the company to remarkable success. Under his leadership, Icona has amassed a prestigious clientele among global and Chinese car manufacturers, boasting a turnover of 18 million Euro by 2017. He has led the design of groundbreaking vehicles, including the Fuselage and the pioneering titanium supercar, the Icona Vulcano and more!

Chuffart played a pivotal role in developing several celebrated design concepts and production models, from the compact Micra and Evalia Concept to the notable Crossbow, significantly shaping Nissan's brand identity.

After Nissan, Chuffart's expertise was sought by Jaguar Land Rover as a Senior Designer, contributing to the next generation L405 Range Rover launched in 2012. He further enhanced his distinguished career as Chief Designer at Stile Bertone in Turin in 2008, where he led numerous successful design projects.

United States

Oswaldo Sa

Group Creative Director, VMLYR Commerce NY

Oswaldo Sa is working as the regional creative director at VMLY&R Commerce, based in NYC.

He is driven by a fervor to conceive and cultivate ideas that lead the pack in innovation, having had the honor of doing so alongside esteemed colleagues and brands across the US, Dubai, Qatar, and Brazil at renowned agencies such as VMLY&R in the US, TBWA in Dubai, Leo Burnett Qatar, DDB, and Mullen Lowe in Brazil. His portfolio of clientele, where he has imparted his creative expertise, includes distinguished names such as Nissan, McDonald's, Oreo, Ferrara, Coca-Cola, Du, Unilever, Cheetos, and Amnesty International, among others.

His unwavering dedication to his craft has culminated in a series of high-impact campaigns, cementing his reputation as a formidable force in the industry. His collaborations with major international brands have not only yielded substantial success but have also showcased his ability to intertwine creative innovation with strategic thinking.

Costa Rica

Daniel Montiel

Founder and Owner, Gitanos

Daniel Montiel is the founder and owner of Gitanos in Costa Rica, a renowned and leading agency specializing in brand building within the region.

As both the founder and owner, he offers expert counsel to numerous business clients across multiple countries in Latin America and the United States. He has applied his creative abilities to serve a wide array of clients, including major names like Coca-Cola Company, Jeep, Mercedes Benz, Renault, Costa Rica Brewery (Imperial Beer), Essential Costa Rica (country brand), and more.

Across his career, Montiel has displayed remarkable tenacity and an unwavering drive for success. He has achieved exceptional results, garnering over 60 prestigious international awards at some of the most renowned advertising festivals. Additionally, his thought leadership is evident through numerous publications in prominent blogs and advertising magazines, solidifying his status as a global authority in the fields of branding and design.

South Korea

Joon Kwon

Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, LR Seoul

Joon Kwon, CEO and Co-Founder of LR Seoul since 2021, began his career in 2008 at GREY GROUP, Korea, progressing through roles at Geometry Global and Havas, where he served as Executive Creative Director for 16 years.

Throughout his career, Kwon played a pivotal role in crafting advertising campaigns for global brands like BMW, Budweiser, Pepsi, and Heineken, earning numerous prestigious awards. Beyond advertising, he is a dedicated creator committed to societal impact, recognized with international design accolades under the the Social Impact category.

His career reflects not only business acumen but also a commitment to using creativity as a force for positive change.

United Arab Emirates

Khaled Abdul Hamid Elnems

Q.C. & Industrial Innovation Product Designer, Parsons Corporation

Khaled Abdul Hanid Elnems is an Abu Dhabi-based R&D Innovations Q.C.,

With over 19 years of experience, Elnems has collaborated with international consultants in municipal settings, specializing in Construction and Operation/Maintenance (O&M) projects related to sewerage, stormwater, water supply, and building infrastructure. His responsibilities encompass quality engineering control of materials, industrial administration, and proficiency in design tools such as AutoCAD (2D/3D) and Autodesk 123D (3D Printing) for modeling. He utilizes various graphic programs for presentations. Additionally, as a Co-founder and Head of Delegation for International Innovations Exhibitions in Egypt and the U.A.E, he actively advocates for young inventors. He presents proposals and information, representing inventors in local and international events. With a dedicated focus on supporting women and marginalized inventors, he fosters collaboration to help them achieve international recognition.

His expertise in quality engineering control, a commitment to fostering innovation and supporting marginalized inventors, has earned him widespread recognition.

Iran

Elham Mirzapour

Head of Design, Arena Design Studio

Elham Mirzapour, a talented figure, currently holds the position of Head of Design at Arena Design Studio. She pursued her academic journey by studying Industrial Design at the ID Faculty of I. Art University in Tabriz, Iran.

As Head of Design at Arena Design Studio, she leverages her extensive experience, gained from working in several interior design studios, to produce exceptional work. Her leadership role involves shaping the creative vision for the studio's projects, guiding a team of designers to bring innovative concepts to life. With her remarkable track record of producing outstanding interior designs, she ensures that projects meet the highest standards of excellence and aesthetic appeal.

Mirzapour's remarkable achievements include winning over 15 international design awards, a testament to her outstanding talent and innovative approach to design. These accolades highlight her ability to consistently deliver excellence and creativity in the field of design.

United States

Fernando Felicio dos Santos de Carvalho

Assistant Professor of Design, San Francisco State University

Fernando Felicio dos Santos de Carvalho is an award-winning designer, researcher and is currently the assistant professor of design at the San Francisco State University.
Carvalho brings over 15 years of extensive experience in various professional and academic environments across the globe. His diverse portfolio encompasses healthcare services, medical devices, hospital interiors, Paralympic sports accessories, civil construction equipment, signage, wayfinding, and digital solutions. Notable clients include the NHS, Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Unicef, Heineken Brewers, Kiefer, Sony Music, and the Federation of Industries of Rio de Janeiro.
His career spans teaching, research, and program coordination in diverse settings, from after-school initiatives in Rio de Janeiro's 'favelas' to craftsman training courses, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs in design and architecture across the UK, the USA, Brazil, Chile, and Portugal. His creative works have received global recognition, showcased in museums and galleries in England, Spain, Brazil, and the USA.

Bulgaria

Vasil Velchev

Media & Product Life Cycle Manager, Europe, Ideal Standard International NV

Despite earning a master's degree in electrical engineering, Vasil Velchev has amassed over a decade of experience as a graphic designer within global organizations. Initially, his foray into product design was more of a hobby, but as his creations gained international recognition and garnered awards, his confidence in his ideas grew.

Several years ago, He initiated the MAGMA project, a platform aimed at consolidating his diverse creations under one umbrella. The project's name is symbolic, representing the designer's belief that every original idea should remain in a constant "liquid" state, continuously evolving to explore its full potential and staying vibrant until it transforms into a tangible product.

Velchev also serves as a valued member of the Grand Jury for prestigious awards. His remarkable talent has earned him approximately 20 international awards across various categories, with a primary focus on furniture design, recognized by design awards worldwide.

United Arab Emirates

Niko Kapa

Director, Architect and Industrial Designer, Studio Niko Kapa

Niko Kapa is a celebrated architect and industrial designer, with a practice, Studio Niko Kapa as a director spanning across Europe and the Middle East.

Kapa plays a pivotal role in shaping the architectural and industrial design landscape in both Europe and the Middle East. As an architect, he merges innovation with functionality, creating structures that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable and efficient. In the realm of industrial design, Kapa focuses on integrating cutting-edge technology with user-centric design principles, ensuring that his products are both state-of-the-art and accessible. His work often reflects a blend of contemporary trends and timeless elegance, appealing to a wide range of clients and audiences. Kapa's commitment to excellence and his ability to envision and execute complex design projects have established him as a notable figure in the world of architecture and industrial design.

He has earned over 50 international awards in recognition of his work.

Italy

Alessandro Sciortino

Chief Creative Officer, Traditional and Digital Advertising Expert, McCann Worldgroup

Alessandro Sciortino is the Chief Creative Officer of McCann Worldgroup with an international experience of 20 years in traditional and digital advertising.

Sciortino has had the privilege to create campaigns for renowned clients like MasterCard, Honda, Opel, Alitalia, FAO, Poste, and more. With a Master's Degree in Economics, Alessandro began as a copywriter and later rose to prominence as a global campaign leader, specializing in automotive, financial, and corporate communication.

He has garnered over 30 prestigious awards on a global scale for his exceptional work. Additionally, he shares his extensive knowledge and expertise by serving as an instructor in the fields of advertising and copywriting. Furthermore, he holds an esteemed position as a member of the Scientific Committee at the University of Tor Vergata, contributing to academic advancements and research in his field.

Bulgaria

Angel Iskrev

Co-Founder and Creative Director, proof.

Angel Iskrev serves as the co-founder and creative director at proof, an independent creative agency located in Bulgaria.

With over eight years of experience in the advertising industry, he has honed his skills, including a tenure as a creative director at DDB Sofia. His extensive experience positions him as a seasoned professional capable of delivering innovative and impactful creative solutions for clients.

Iskrev's portfolio includes collaborations with renowned brands like Telenor Hungary&Bulgaria, Carlsberg Bulgaria, TELUS International Europe, McDonald's, and Somersby, among others. His outstanding work has earned him over 120 awards at both national and international festivals. Additionally, he is an active member of the IAB Bulgaria board and shares his expertise as a visiting lecturer at New Bulgarian University. In his leisure time, he also showcases his talents as a sports commentator on Eurosport, boasting a remarkable record of covering five Olympic Games.

Malaysia

Jae Leong

Judging Committee Chairperson, International Awards Associate (IAA)

Jae Leong is the accomplished chairperson of IAA’s extensive judging committee.

As the chairperson, Leong assumes a leadership role, guiding the organization and spearheading initiatives to uphold quality and creative excellence in critical areas such as design, creative advertising, marketing communications, video production, and business. Additionally, she serves as a key award representative at IAA, consistently demonstrating success in overseeing assessments throughout her career.

She prioritizes the coordination of strategic arrangements among various jury panels, establishing herself as a standout figure in the industry. Demonstrating a keen sense of management, Leong has executed her role with precision, ensuring that each participant receives fair evaluations and unbiased assessments, underscoring the significance of integrity in maintaining the credibility of the judging outcomes. Furthermore, her collaboration with professionals globally has positioned her at the forefront of specialization, enabling the development of exceptional communication and relationship management skills.

Canada

Abhishek Patel

CEO, Abhishek Patel Environ Design Inc

Abhishek Patel is the CEO of Abhishek Patel Environ Design Pvt Ltd (APED) and a Certified Interior Designer as well as a LEED Accredited Professional.

A leader with a decade of global experience, he's known for building high-performing, collaborative teams through innovative design, creative problem-solving, and excellent client service since founding APED in early 2015. After earning his Master of Science in Interior Architecture and Design from Drexel University in Philadelphia, USA, he enthusiastically engages in advocating for the profession. He actively participates in professional organizations, coalitions, councils, and educational institutions while also enjoying the role of a jury member for international design awards and competitions.

Under Patel's guidance and vision, APED has expanded its client base and global presence, evolving into a renowned international design firm, spanning from India to North America. Leveraging his vast, cross-disciplinary expertise in today's dynamic and fast-paced environment, he leads the firm with innovative insights and transformative project solutions. His focus is on unlocking substantial value and meaningful change for clients through the transformative potential of design.

United States

Jiaru Lin

Senior Art Director, KMC Corp.

Jiaru Lin, serving as a Senior Art Director at KMC Corp. in New York, stands as a distinguished creative powerhouse with an impressive portfolio, having collaborated with renowned brands such as Tom Ford, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Coach, ZARA, Balmain, Comme des Garçons, Maison Margiela, and many others.

Her design prowess has garnered global recognition, earning her prestigious accolades. Lin Jiaru holds an MS degree in Communications/Packaging Design from Pratt Institute in New York. Her diverse portfolio spans across various domains, encompassing art direction, product design, packaging design, graphic design, digital and social media design, visual merchandising, store design, jewelry design, and even teaching.

Beyond her multifaceted design expertise, she actively engages with sustainability, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, science, volunteering, global travel, and culinary exploration. Certified in the AI Products and Services program from MIT, Jiaru demonstrates an unwavering commitment to innovation. Her insatiable curiosity and zest for life deeply influence her creative approach.

Japan

Daisuke Nagatomo

Founder, Director and Assistant Professor, MisoSoupDesign

Daisuke Nagatomo serves as the talented founder and director of MisoSoupDesign, and he is a Japanese designer and an assistant professor.

His educational background at Meiji University in Tokyo and subsequent architectural studies at Columbia University have equipped him with a strong and pronounced foundation in design principles and a global perspective, allowing him to infuse innovative and culturally informed elements into the projects undertaken by MisoSoupDesign. He participated as one of the invited researchers in the FabLab House project at IaaC in Barcelona from 2009 to 2010, earning a research diploma during his tenure.

In his various teaching positions at these diverse institutions, Nagatomo has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational experiences of students. Beyond imparting valuable design and architectural knowledge, he actively fosters an environment for cross-cultural exchanges and the sharing of innovative ideas among students from different backgrounds and perspectives.

China

Zhou Wen Jun

Founder and Design Director, 524 STUDIO ® / NGISED.DESIGN ® / Zhou Wen Jun ® Design

Zhou Wen Jun is a renowned designer and an esteemed global awards adjudicator with over two decades of professional expertise in the realms of architecture, creativity, and design. He firmly upholds a design philosophy encapsulated by the mantra: "Everything is Design, Design for Everything! Better Design equals Better Life, Better Quality & Better Business."

Jun plays a pivotal role in shaping the creative direction and vision of his endeavors. His extensive experience spanning over 20 years in the architecture, creative, and design industry positions him as a guiding force in driving innovative and impactful design solutions. He instills a sense of purpose and excellence into every aspect of his work, ultimately contributing to better quality, enhanced lifestyles, and prosperous businesses.

Jun’s remarkable contributions to the field have garnered numerous prestigious international awards and accolades, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication. His distinguished achievements include, but are not limited to, the following:

Canada

Arvin Maleki

Senior Industrial Designer, Futuredge Design Studio

Arvin Maleki stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of industrial design, seamlessly integrating his family's rich Persian carpet heritage with contemporary design innovations.
Embarking on a transformative journey from a strong background in technology to prioritizing user-focused and eco-friendly design, Maleki showcases a fervent dedication to blending age-old traditions with forward-thinking creativity. His relentless pursuit of excellence is continually recognized with high-profile awards.
His broad knowledge, covering everything from sketching and model-making to conducting research and collaborating in teams, is underpinned by a steadfast commitment to ongoing education and improvement. As a mentor and educator, he is actively involved in workshops and symposiums worldwide, cultivating future design leaders and building a community dedicated to pioneering innovation. Maleki's narrative transcends individual achievement, serving as a compelling example of how the fusion of cultural legacy and modern design can impact and inspire the international design landscape, making a significant and enduring contribution to industrial design.

India

Deepti Kshirsagar

Partner and Chief Design Strategist, TCT Branding

Deepti Kshirsagar holds the position of partner and chief design strategist at TCT Branding.

Kshirsagar leverages her extensive decade-long expertise in design and branding as the Chief Design Strategist at TCT Branding. She plays a central part in the development and execution of strategic design initiatives. Her impact extends to the successful introduction of several prominent global brands into the Indian market, showcasing her ability to drive brand recognition and market presence through thoughtful design strategies. She is involved in crafting innovative and effective approaches to design that elevate brands and create lasting impressions.

She holds the belief that design is evolving in tandem with culture, and the traditional view of design solely as aesthetically pleasing art needs to adapt accordingly. There is a fresh surge of enthusiasm for exploring uncharted territories in design and communication, and it is vital to direct this newfound energy effectively.