2025 Fokal Point Awards – Interior Design Shortlist Announced

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 built environment through his camera 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.