• FOKAL POINT
  • Posts
  • Judges Announcement for the 2025 Fokal Point Awards

Judges Announcement for the 2025 Fokal Point Awards

Meet the Judges

Author

Fokal Point
January 20, 2025

As excitement gradually builds for this year's design competition, the event is set to become a platform for showcasing imaginative ideas and innovative approaches in architecture and interior design. This year's competition promises to highlight the creative talents of participants who are eager to present their unique perspectives.

A key element of the event is the presence of a panel of respected judges, each bringing a wealth of experience and insight to the table. These judges will critically evaluate the entries, using their expertise to guide the judging process and ensure a fair and insightful evaluation. Their roles are vital, not only in determining the winners but also in encouraging contestants to push the boundaries of conventional design thinking. Let's take a moment to introduce these distinguished judges.

The Judges

Feby Kuriakose OAA, MRAIC

Feby Kuriakose, a Health Sciences Principal at NORR, brings her extensive expertise to her role as a design award judge, with a rich background in creating spaces that push design boundaries and enhance the well-being and healing of body and mind. With over two decades of experience, Feby has designed and managed a diverse range of large-scale, complex projects, earning accolades across the Middle East, India, North Africa, and North America. Her approach to each project is characterized by a keen awareness of cultural identities and environmental factors, which enriches her judgment in evaluating design excellence.

Miyako Panalaks OAA, MRAIC

Miyako Panalaks, Senior Manager of Workplace Planning & Interior Design at Rogers Communications Inc., brings a wealth of expertise to her role as a design award judge, backed by over 20 years of experience in multiple sectors including workplace, retail, residential, institutional, and hospitality interior architecture/design. Having worked with renowned firms such as KPMB and HOK in Toronto and Deborah Berke Partners in NYC, Miyako transitioned to client-side design in 2005 with Scotiabank, where she honed her skills in both retail and workplace design & strategy. Her extensive experience and diverse background make her an adept judge, capable of evaluating design excellence across various contexts and settings.

Mahesh Babooram, Hon. ARIDO

With over 18 years of expertise in the commercial furniture and design industries, Mahesh Babooram is a transformative leader and co-founder of Ojiibik, a pioneering Teknion dealership in Toronto. His commitment to challenging industry norms and advocating for sustainability mirrors his visionary outlook on design. As an influential figure in the design community, Mahesh has actively contributed to various ARIDO initiatives, including the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, fostering inclusivity and collaboration. Known for his strategic foresight and innovative mindset, Mahesh brings a unique perspective to his role as a design award judge, expertly evaluating projects that push boundaries and inspire change.

Justin Smith

With over 15 years of experience in the lighting industry, Justin brings a wealth of expertise and discernment to his role as a design award judge. He has significantly influenced some of the most prominent lighting projects in Southwestern Ontario, particularly in the Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge areas. During his ten-year tenure with a previous agency and now as the leader of the SalexSW team for the past four and a half years, Justin has honed his ability to evaluate innovative and practical lighting solutions. His passion for high-quality, cost-effective lighting design is evident in his collaborations with leading designers, architects, and engineers, making him an invaluable asset in recognizing and awarding groundbreaking design achievements.

Wilson Costa

Wilson Costa, a distinguished architectural and interior photographer, applies his extensive expertise as a design award judge, drawing from his rich background in architectural design and photography. Having transitioned from architectural design to capturing the essence of spaces through his lens, Wilson brings a profound understanding of design principles and aesthetics to his role as a judge. His unique ability to view buildings as works of art allows him to assess both their physical attributes and their mood, atmosphere, and character. Renowned for his precision and composition, Wilson's visual storytelling transforms architectural visions into inspiring narratives, offering a discerning eye that greatly enriches his evaluation of innovative and exceptional design work.

Competition Entry Details Coming Soon.

Sponsorship Details:

Partner with Us: Become a Sponsor of the 2025 Fokal Point Design Award

As a sponsor, you will gain exposure to a diverse audience of industry leaders, including architects, interior designers, contractors, developers and design enthusiasts. Your brand will be prominently featured on fokalpoint.ca, in the Fokal Point newsletter, engraved on a trophy and featured across all affiliated social media platforms, ensuring wide-reaching visibility and engagement.

For sponsorship inquiries contact Fokal Point at [email protected]