The Dezeen Awards 2026 has unveiled its esteemed panel of judges, featuring prominent figures from the fields of architecture, interior design, and product design. Ma Yansong, Omar Degan, Miminat Shodeinde, and Jo Barnard bring a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to this year's competition, which celebrates excellence in global design. Organized in collaboration with Trimble, the awards program has already attracted submissions from 75 nations, underscoring its broad international appeal. Aspiring entrants still have an opportunity to submit their innovative projects before the late entry deadline on May 27th.

Among the distinguished individuals joining the architectural jury is Ma Yansong, the visionary founder of MAD Architects. Hailing from Beijing, Ma is celebrated for his unique design philosophy that seeks to harmonize human existence with the natural world, fostering environments that promote well-being and inspire creativity. His portfolio includes several iconic projects, such as an airport design inspired by misty landscapes, the impressive twin staircases for Rotterdam's Fenix Museum of Migration, and an inventive canopy for the Venice Architecture Biennale that reinterprets traditional Chinese paper umbrellas. Ma Yansong's significant contributions to the field have earned him numerous accolades, including the Dezeen Awards 2025 Architect of the Year, and he was recently recognized by Time magazine as one of the world's most influential architects.

Joining Ma Yansong on the architecture panel is Omar Degan, a Somali-Italian architect and curator. As the founder of DO Architecture Group and the Pan-African Biennale, Degan is based in Mogadishu, Somalia, where his practice focuses on navigating the complexities of fragile contexts. His work encompasses post-conflict reconstruction, environmentally conscious design, and community-driven urban planning initiatives. Degan has articulated his ambition as the lead curator for the inaugural Pan-African Biennale, envisioning it as the premier continental platform for architecture, the built environment, and future spatial concepts originating from Africa.

The design panel will welcome Jo Barnard, the creative force behind Morrama, a London-based product and packaging design agency. Morrama is renowned for its user-centric approach, with recent notable projects including headphones crafted from agricultural waste and a sustainable packaging redesign for Kankan's soap pump. Barnard's unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship is evident in her work and her role as co-founder of the non-profit organization Design Declares. Her commitment to sustainable practices was further acknowledged when she received the Bentley Lighthouse Award 2025.

Miminat Shodeinde, a British-Nigerian artist and designer, and the founder of Miminat Designs, will contribute her expertise to the interiors panel. Her studio undertakes a wide range of design projects, from private residences, hospitality, and retail spaces to custom-designed sculptural furniture, lighting, and art objects. Shodeinde's distinctive blend of functional art and effortlessly elegant interiors has garnered international acclaim. In 2021, her work was featured in architect Jane Hall's book 'Woman Made,' which showcased the achievements of over 200 women designers throughout history.

The Dezeen Awards 2026, supported by Trimble, serves as a significant recognition platform for global architects and designers. The competition's ninth iteration continues to highlight excellence and innovation. Trimble, a global technology leader, collaborates with the Dezeen Awards to champion creativity and productivity in shaping spaces and structures, reflecting their dedication to fostering design brilliance worldwide.