Become a Valued Member of the Noble World Hotel Awards Grand Jury

Turkey

Asli Tas Kayabas

Founder, Psychologist and Trainer, Kuzey Gelişim Akademis

Asli Tas Kayabas is the founder of Kuzey Gelişim Akademis, a psychologist, and an outstanding trainer.

With a blend of psychological expertise and a wealth of experience in the business world, she designs leadership and professional development materials that are truly exceptional. Her remarkable abilities shine through in her role as a founder, where her outstanding work has been recognized with numerous awards and acknowledgments, underscoring the value and impact of her contributions to the field.

Her unwavering commitment as a founder has played a pivotal role in not only garnering the company numerous accolades but also in cultivating a robust reputation for excellence and innovation within its industry. Her dedication has been a driving force behind the company's success and its standing as a leader in its field.

Switzerland

Maria Chatzistavrou

Owner and Interior Architect, Maria Chatzistavrou- Lime Deco

Maria Chatzistavrou is the founder and an interior architect at Maria Chatzistavrou – Lime Deco.

She plays a pivotal role in setting the strategic direction and creative standards of the company. She brings spaces to life by merging aesthetic sensibility with functional design, tailoring each project to reflect both innovation and the unique personality of each project. Her expertise lies in the interior design of Retail Design, Luxury Design, private homes, and high-end hotels, a field in which she has been recognised with awards from prominent competitions. This specialisation has showcased her ability to craft exquisite, functional spaces and earned her esteemed accolades that affirms her vision and innovation.

Furthermore, she strives to enhance her clients' quality of life by designing interior spaces that blend breathtaking aesthetics with practical utility. She crafts environments that resonate on a personal level, elevating both the beauty and usability of the spaces people inhabit.

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 States

Artem Kropovinsky

Founder and Principal Designer, Arsight

Artem Kropovinsky is more than just an expert in interior design; he is a luminary who has dedicated over a decade to the industry. His passion for the craft is palpable, with his work extending far beyond mere occupation to a testament of life's remarkable pursuits. As the visionary behind Arsight, a renowned New York-based design studio, Artem has led groundbreaking projects across both residential and commercial spaces. His versatility and adaptability have consistently set him apart.

Recognition of Artem's prowess was unmistakably evident when he emerged as a finalist in the NYCxDESIGN Awards. This acknowledgment underlines both his innovative spirit and his profound respect for cultural heritage in design. Always on the cutting edge, Artem champions the integration of the Metaverse, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) in his projects. Such pioneering efforts have redefined client experiences, particularly for partners like Societhy. By offering immersive pre-implementation visualizations, he allows clients to fully grasp their future spaces, thereby solidifying their confidence and minimizing potential risks.

Artem's professional relationships tell another story of his excellence. His collaborations with luxury property developers in New York have consistently delivered dual benefits: an elevated aesthetic appeal and significant financial returns. Such projects have optimized completion timelines and meaningfully boosted property valuations. As a leader, Artem shines in mentoring roles. At the helm of a dynamic design team, he emphasizes individual growth, ensuring that every member reaches their zenith of potential.

Further, Artem's collaborations span a diverse spectrum. From esteemed furniture makers like Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio to tech innovators such as Virtual Staging Solutions, his partnerships are indicative of a holistic approach to design solutions. A unique feather in his cap is his expertise in marrying historical reverence with contemporary design. Notable projects like the Weyanoke Hotel and Catbird Restaurants bear testimony to this skill, wherein spaces are crafted to be both enduring and current.

Italy

Paolo Cappello

CEO, Paolo Cappello Design Studio

Paolo Cappello completed his Industrial Design degree at the Politecnico di Milano. Following a three-year stint working alongside Ludovica+Roberto Palomba in Milan, he established his own studio in Verona in 2007. There, he works with a team of experts in architecture, communication, and graphics.

In his role as CEO of Paolo Capello's Design Studio, Capello is instrumental in guiding both the strategic vision and creative endeavors of the studio. His involvement extends to all facets of the studio's operations, ranging from the initial conception of distinctive design projects to managing their implementation. Capello's approach to leadership emphasizes a dedication to innovation, a pursuit of design excellence, and the cultivation of a team-oriented atmosphere that promotes both creative thinking and experimental approaches.

He contributes to Rolling Stone magazine by writing a design column for its online edition. Paolo's creations have garnered attention from major global publications, including the New York Times, Herald Tribune and more!

United States

Junru(Jennie) Xu

Senior User experience designer, DIRECTV

Junru(Jennie) Xu is a UX design lead and holds a master's degree from Columbia University boasting eight years of experience in UX/UI design, She currently serves as a Senior UX Designer at DirecTV. She spearheads major design initiatives for the upper funnel, driving positive impacts that enhance revenue and bolster customer retention. Beyond her professional endeavors, She is also an artist and an entrepreneur. She is dedicated to leveraging creativity for social good, championing design innovation that addresses contemporary societal challenges with an eye towards the future.

Portugal

Tiago Russo

Chief Design Officer, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.

Tiago Russo is the CDO at The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., a premium & luxury Irish spirits brand that aims to elevate and return to Ireland its former glory and reputation as home of the best whiskies in the world. Building an empire with a global mind-set and Irish heart. Over the last decade Russo has designed for some of the most respectable brands in the world. His impressive portfolio spans the luxury lifestyle domain from spirits to cosmetics, automotive to timepieces including: The Macallan, Dewar’s, The Dalmore, Craigellachie, Bacardi, Louis Vuitton, Patek Philippe, Coty Inc. and McLaren, to name a few. Russo has been obsessed with detailed design for much of his career and holds a Master’s degree in Product Design with Automotive Design specialization. With over a decade of experience implausibly dedicated to design, Russo is the ultimate perfectionist, always focused on making ideas a reality with a spirit of purpose, accuracy and finesse. Mastering the full design process from concept through to production, Russo is continuously immersing himself in culture and innovation to create pioneering, meaningful designs. Revelation Designer of the Year in 2014 and collecting several awards and accolades over the last decade, Russo has been labelled one of the greatest luxury spirits and packaging designers of today. His design work for The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.; ‘The Devil’s Keep’ is an ultra-rare whiskey and has, since its launch in December 2020, attained the world record title for the most expensive inaugural whiskey bottle ever sold, and the overall winner of the Luxury Packaging Awards and the A’ Design Awards, marking another set of achievements on Russo’s creations within luxury product design, joined by the more recent record-breaking and award winning creations The Brollach, The Emerald Isle, in collaboration with Fabergé, The Taoscán or The Aodh. Achieving over 70 design awards across his career so far, 2022 and 2023 have been marked as true highlights where Russo has achieved 2 Platinum A’Design awards, for The Emerald Isle collection and his newest whiskey creation, The Storyteller, joined by two Red Dot Design Awards for the groundbreaking achievements in designing the specialist whiskey glasses, The Érimón and The Finn.

Israel

Ilana Seleznev

Owner, Inventor and Industrial Designer, Studio RDD

Illana Seleznev is the owner of Studio RDD, the inventor of the ‘Math of Design – Thinking Inside the Box’ methodology, and a well-known industrial designer.

Seleznev leads the creative direction and strategic vision in her award-winning design firm. With a focus on client collaboration, she guides a talented design team in delivering innovative solutions. Beyond creativity, she manages business aspects, ensuring efficient operations and adherence to budgets. She stays abreast of industry trends, fostering a dynamic work environment that prioritizes excellence. As both a visionary leader and hands-on contributor, she aims to create impactful designs that resonate with clients and users.

She specializes in crafting high-quality promotional smart gifts from a diverse range of materials, customized to meet individual budgets and needs. Renowned for excellence, the design firm creates premium promotional merchandise, ensuring a tailored approach to suit the distinct preferences and financial considerations of each client.

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.

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.

Taiwan

Chiung Hui Fu

CEO, YULI DESIGN

Chiung Hui Fu is committed to designing spaces that reflect a variety of expressions, considering elements such as people, events, time, locations, and objects.

Her portfolio displays a range of styles and characteristics, revealing the unique living habits, preferences, and tastes of different clients. Her team, known for their keen observation and thoughtful approach, seeks to explore new design methods rather than simply following current trends, thereby enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the spaces they work on. With a career spanning 31 years, she excels as a space designer, emphasizing personalized and comfortable design solutions.

Over her three-decade career, she has observed that interior design and decoration can often lead to considerable waste and environmental harm. She advocates for approaching design with an architectural mindset to minimize unnecessary decorative elements. Her main aim is to provide more holistic and creative design services.

United Arab Emirates

Khaled Elnems

Q.C. & Industrial Product Designer, PARSONS Infrastructure & Technology Group Inc.

Khaled Elnems, a born and Abu Dhabi-based R&D Innovations Q.C., possesses vast expertise as a jury member on the Committee for International Engineering Invention & Innovation Exhibitions. Furthermore, he serves as a Co-founder and Head of Delegation for International Innovations Exhibitions in Egypt and the U.A.E, advocating for young inventors and representing them in local and international events. With a strong focus on supporting women and young marginalized inventors, he actively fosters cooperation, enabling them to achieve international recognition and rewards.

Italy

Eugenio Bini

Architect & Engineer,

Eugenio Bini holds the roles of Architect and Engineer at beingarch. Following his graduation, he participated in the International Workshop "Lisbon Expo, towards Urban Mending" as part of the Master program "Remaking Landscapes" at UPC - Lisbon, where he had the opportunity to learn from prominent architects like Gonçalo Byrne and Alvaro Siza.

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with several Italian architectural firms, including Area Progetto Associati and Carlo Ratti Associati, contributing to high-profile projects such as the Mutti Headquarters Masterplan, a conceptual design for Poste Italiane, and Real Rio, an interactive installation for the 2016 Olympic Games sponsored by Cisco System.

Bini has also ventured into product design and self-production, gaining recognition for his innovative "Figaro" hi-tech coffee table, which received critical acclaim. He has embraced various creative roles such as art direction, involving himself in diverse areas like branding, logos, advertising, packaging, web and UI/UX design, copywriting, and more.

Italy

Florian Seidl

Design Manager, Lavazza

Florian Seidl, based in Turin, brings extensive experience to the role of creative design manager at Lavazza.

He oversees Lavazza's corporate design, encompassing a wide array of products, from household coffee and espresso machines to professional office equipment and vending solutions, as well as tableware, accessories, and award-winning packaging. Prior to his role at Lavazza, he played a key role in expanding the Fiat 500 into a diverse range of models and contributing to numerous other projects now seen on the road.

Seidl's expertise in the design field has been instrumental in positioning Lavazza as a notable presence in the realm of modern Italian Design. His creative acumen, honed through years of experience, has not only contributed to Lavazza's remarkable designs but also ensured that the brand's distinctive approach and aesthetic are seamlessly communicated and celebrated both within the borders of Italy and on a global stage.

China

Wu Wei

Founder and Creative Director, IN.X Design

As the founder and creative director of IN.X in Beijing, interior architect Wu Wei excels in designing spaces for Chinese cuisine. He is the go-to designer for several renowned restaurants in China, including Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant and Hu Da Restaurant.

His role involves blending traditional aesthetics with modern design principles to create dining experiences that are both visually stunning and deeply rooted in Chinese culinary traditions. Under his guidance, IN.X has become synonymous with innovative and memorable designs that elevate the dining atmosphere in some of China's most celebrated restaurants.

His passion for interior architecture is evident in the way he harmoniously merges contemporary and traditional elements, creating spaces that are functional and tells a story. This commitment to excellence and his love for cultural storytelling through design have established him as a distinguished figure in the field of Chinese catering space design.

Taiwan

Peng Hsu Chen

Design Director, Aesthetice of space design Co., Ltd.

Peng Hsu Chen is the design director of Aesthetice of space design Co., Ltd.

As the Design Director at Aesthetics of Space Design Co., Ltd., an interior design studio, Chen plays a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic and conceptual direction of the company's projects. He oversees the creative process, ensuring that each design reflects both innovation and functionality, tailored to the unique needs of each space. Chen's expertise in blending contemporary trends with timeless design principles has significantly contributed to the studio's reputation for creating engaging and harmonious interiors. The team consistently delivers designs that not only meet but often exceed client expectations, reinforcing the studio's standing in the interior design industry.

Chen's commitment to the field of interior design is unwavering, demonstrated through his meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of spatial aesthetics. His tenacity is evident in his relentless pursuit of design excellence, constantly exploring to elevate each project.

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.