Spanning diverse disciplines and geographies, this month’s jury panel consists of 20 creatives with a range of strong design experience. Meet the experts who will decide August’s FRAME Awards winner and honourable mentions.

Anna Gitelman, associate professor at Suffolk University

Having graduated from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University, Anna Gitelman is a professor of interior architecture and a design consultant. Her academic work and area of teaching at Suffolk University focuses on analytical representation and drawing. Gitelman aims to integrate lighting design and sustainable principles into graduate and undergraduate interior architecture curricula. As a founder and director of the Elemental Design Lab, she conducts design research and acts as a consultant for innovative design practices. Her work investigates how the human experience can be enriched through physical space and explores how materials and social forms influence spatial conditions and inform design solutions.

Mark Eric Magno, principal at Aedas Interiors

With a robust background in architecture and interior design, Mark Eric Magno has contributed to a variety of high-profile projects across commercial, hospitality, residential and corporate sectors. He earned his bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of the Philippines, building a strong foundation in design principles, project management, and innovative design solutions. With over 24 years of experience, Magno currently serves as principal at Aedas Interiors Pte Ltd, where he leads a team of 30 designers, and oversees the development of cutting-edge design concepts while ensuring that each project aligns with the client’s vision.

GS Mahaboob Basha, cofounder and principal designer at Taliesyn - Design & Architecture

Bangalore-based architect GS Mahaboob Basha has over 17 years of experience in the field. He completed his studies in Architecture in Karnataka, India, and has since built a diverse portfolio with projects across hospitality, institutional, commercial and residential design. He cofounded Taliesyn - Design & Architecture in 2010, shaping a distinctive design identity with projects spanning across Southern India. The studio’s approach is rooted in vernacular design and committed to the exploration of locally sourced materials. Basha’s attention to detail and effective design strategies have significantly influenced the firm’s architectural and spatial approach.

Xuechen Chen, founder and lead designer at X.C Studio

Xuechen Chen is an architecture and product designer based in New York. She holds a bachelor's of architecture with a minor in psychology from Pratt Institute and a master's in advanced architectural design from the University of Pennsylvania. In her past years working as an architectural designer in multiple international architecture companies, she has been involved in diverse projects, particularly mixed-use and high-rise developments. She also founded her own design practice, X.C Studio, which specializes in civic and cultural projects. Her work is profoundly influenced by the urban environment and social experiences. 

Harkaran Singh Boparai, founder and principal architect at Space 5 by Harkaran Boparai

An Indian architect, product designer, fashion enthusiast and entrepreneur, Harkaran Singh Boparai leads the principal design team at Space 5 by Harkaran Boparai. He graduated from Guru Nanak Dev University and has since gained extensive knowledge and experience in residential projects. With a dedicated focus on creating spaces that improve the user's overall experience of a space, Harkaran’s expertise lies in seamlessly blending aesthetics and functionality, resulting in designs characterized by elegant and sophisticated elements. Under his leadership Space 5 is expanding into new realms, including furniture and product design.

Jessica Adkins, brand experience design lead Europe at M Moser Associates

Over the past 12 years, Jessica Adkins has crafted holistic identities and immersive physical and digital experiences for globally renowned luxury hospitality, retail and creative brands. Her background in high-end hospitality events management gave her insight into experiential design from the client’s perspective. After completing a degree in visual communication at the University of Brighton, she gained experience as a freelance design consultant within some of London’s top branding and experiential design practices. Adkins recently assumed the role of brand experience design lead for Europe at M Moser Associates, where she applies her strategic and creative approach to immerse users in the essence of the organization while forging connections between brands and their local communities.

Pooja Shah-Mulani, partner and design director at LW Design Group

An integral part of LW Design Group since 2012,  Pooja Shah-Mulani has developed her design talent and leadership qualities, guiding the studio’s future vision. While working with esteemed brands and companies, Shah-Mulani's genuine connections with the client are an essential part of her work and a key to understanding the real needs and requirements for each project. Carrying her Indian heritage along with her journeys in Africa, the UK, Italy and the Middle East, she blends a unique philosophy evident in her designs. With a deep understanding of the interior design industry, she has developed a personal style that she describes as contemporary and fun, a reflection of her personality.

Jianan Shan, cofounder at Say Architects

In 2017, Jianan Shan cofounded Say Architects, a studio specializing in architecture, interior and landscape design. His experience in branding and commercial projects has supplied Shan with a diverse skillset of spatial solutions. Through his practice, he aims to create possibilities for connecting people to space. Establishing their studio in Hangzhou, Shan and Yan Zhang craft narratives through design. They approach each project through various mediums and develop it with close collaboration with the client.

Serhii Makhno, founder of Makhno Studio

Born in 1981 in Kyiv, Serhii Makhno is a renowned Ukrainian artist, ceramicist-sculptor, architect, designer and art collector. He graduated from the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture with a degree in architectural environment design and, in 2003, he founded Makhno Studio, a multidisciplinary firm specializing in architecture, interior and product design. Blending Ukrainian design with contemporary art, nature and futurism, his distinctive and innovative approach has been recognized with multiple awards. Makhno's work extends to ceramics, furniture, lighting, tiles and decorations inspired by the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic.

Josse Popma, architect and partner at Popma ter Steege Architects

Josse Popma, an architect based in the Netherlands, cofounded the Popma Ter Steege Architects (PTSA) in 2011. After studying architecture at TU Delft, Popma continued his commitment to the circular transition through his design endeavours. In the last years, the studio has been involved in projects that set new examples by reusing building materials and rethinking construction needs, methods and aesthetics. Through recent works, PTSA has demonstrated the feasibility of large-scale reuse and embracing no-waste design by strictly avoiding the use of any new material.

Zizhao Li, cofounder and chief designer of DSC Design

Combining traditional Eastern aesthetics with innovative elements and modern design, Zizhao Li creates both culturally rich and visually pleasing living spaces. As the cofounder and chief designer of DSC Design, he uses his profound understanding of design and detail-oriented approach to enhance his projects that span a wide range of typologies, from residential to commercial. The Beijing-based studio is built on innovative and creative thinking, aiming to provide effective design solutions for its wide range of clients.

Katie Mitchell, managing director at Seen Studios

Katie Mitchell has built a career in the creative retail industry, with extensive experience in supporting global brand values through digital and physical visual design. She holds a degree in textile design from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, and she has worked as a display coordinator and senior creative at renowned fashion retailers. Since joining Seen Studios in 2016, she has held pivotal roles, leading the studio to numerous recognitions. Mitchell delivers human-centric and future-focused experiences while collaborating with brands to enhance their consumer journey. Her career has included collaborations with leading brands such as Nike, Converse, Selfridges and Jimmy Choo. Her projects span diverse global markets, from store launches in the United States to events in the Middle East.

Mariana Schmidt, founder of MNMA

Since founding her studio MNMA in 2016, Mariana Schmidt has formed a diverse portfolio that spans a broad range of scales and typologies, including private houses, galleries, buildings, restaurants and furniture. The studio’s name derives from an abbreviation of the Portuguese word for ‘minimum’,  reflecting Mariana’s values and approach to design, by making simple, yet sensory-rich, architecture. She aims to craft spaces where people experience the environment and evoke a sense of home.

Arthur Guimarães, CEO at Arthur Guimarães Architects

Operating at the intersection of innovation, sustainability and technology, Arthur Guimarães’ work has received recognition and showcased in various international exhibitions. He has developed a diverse background of expertise and a multifaceted approach to architecture and design. Apart from his studies in architecture and urbanism, Guimarães has gained specializations in digital architecture and parametricism, management in creative economy and real estate economics and finance. In his architectural office, Guimarãescreates tailored luxury properties, aircraft, yachts and products for high-income clients.

Suvi Saloniemi, head of exhibitions at the Museum of Finnish Architecture and Design Museum 

Suvi Saloniemi is a specialist in contemporary design, crafts and visual arts. After completing a bachelor in art history at the University of Helsinki and a master’s in curating at the Aalto University of Art, Design and Architecture, she has built her expertise in curating, Nordic design, collectable design, critical practices, museums and global design networks. With 25 years of expertise in the museum field, she started her curatorial career at the Kiasma Museum for Contemporary Art in 2003 and has since organized dozens of exhibitions of contemporary art, craft and design internationally. She currently holds the position as the head of exhibitions at the newly established Museum of Finnish Architecture and Design Museum, set to open in 2030, aiming to build the world’s leading museum of architecture and design in Finland.

Burton Baldridge, founder and principal at Baldridge Architects

Based in Austin, Texas Burton Baldridge is a designer and lecturer recognized for his work in the field. He founded his firm Baldridge Architects, and developed a detail-oriented approach. With a focus on the quality of execution, Burton recognizes the importance of the construction phase and visits the field frequently to ensure quality.  He has overseen all projects at the firm, spanning residential, hospitality, institutional, restaurant, higher-education, and K-12 projects in New York, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Wyoming, and Texas. Burton has lectured in Texas, Ohio, North Dakota, and Mexico.

Wenqing Zhou, founder of Add Culture & Creative Development

Wenqing Zhou is the founder of Add Culture & Creative Developmentand Ceres Ceres Culture & Creative and has been involved in the renovation and urban renewal projects in China's cities for 20 years. His work includes hotels, creative offices, long-term rental apartments, co-living and co-working spaces and serviced apartments. Working within contemporary innovation, sustainability and exhibition design, Zhou operates in commercial, residential and industrial building industries. He has also founded DAFU, a design company providing residential services and advocating a green and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Yan Zhang, cofounder of Say Architects

With multiple years of practicing design for commercial and cultural projects, Yan Zhang has gained concrete experience in crafting spatial narratives. As a cofounder of Say Architects, he brings his expertise in transforming physical spaces into artistic and cultural expressions. His creative process is greatly influenced by his experiments across exhibition and product design. Within the Hangzhou-based studio, Zhang operates in the fields of architecture, interior and landscape design.

Maura Fernández Abernethy, principal at studio VARA

Maura Fernández Abernethy received her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of California Polytechnic at San Luis Obispo. With over three decades dedicated to residential and interior architecture, Maura has honed her design expertise across a wide range of scales. From intimate residential interiors to expansive commercial spaces. Maura cofounded Studio VARA with Chris Roach, sharing their mutual passion for excellence in design, service and execution. Having practiced in Los Angeles, Boston, New York, Barcelona, and San Francisco, Maura has cultivated a versatile design approach and a hands-on experience.

Mike McGirr, managing partner and design principal at Red Design Shanghai

Born in the United Kingdom and based in Shanghai, Mike McGirr has extensive design experience in the hotel and catering industry. He started his career as an interior architect in London before moving to Japan for six years of studies and work. In 2008 he settled in Shanghai and became an integral part of Red Design. Mike brings his diverse cultural experiences into his design by blending Eastern and Western aesthetics and drawing inspiration from various eras and regions. At Red Design he leads a multicultural design team, and crafts original designs for all projects, each tailored to the client's needs.