The SIT Furniture Design Award, a prestigious platform celebrating excellence in furniture design, is thrilled to announce the addition of three acclaimed design leaders to its distinguished jury: Fereshteh Haji Gholami, Richie Moalosi and Javier Palomares. Their expertise and global perspectives further strengthen the award’s mission to champion creativity, innovation, and accessibility within the international furniture design community.
Fereshteh Haji Gholami is an award-winning architect, interior designer, and university lecturer with an impressive track record of 13 international design awards. She holds a degree in Architecture and Sustainable Design from UPM University in Malaysia and is the founder of KIOSKedia International Academy and KIOSK International Magazine. Her design expertise spans architecture, interior design, furniture, and lighting product design. A passionate advocate for sustainable design, Fereshteh conducts research on energy efficiency and environmentally responsible architecture and industrial design. She also leads international workshops, seminars, and exhibitions, promoting design excellence worldwide.
Richie Moalosi is a Professor of Industrial Design and the founding Director of the Innovation Centre at the University of Botswana. With over 20 years of teaching experience and a PhD in Industrial Design from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia, Moalosi brings deep expertise in design and cultural innovation. Moalosi collaborates with small businesses, creative industries, and start-ups, helping them develop products, brands, and innovative services – key drivers of the creative economy in Africa and beyond. An accomplished author and speaker, Moalosi has published extensively in international peer-reviewed journals and presented at leading design conferences. He is a fellow of the Pan Afrikan Design Institute and serves as an advisor to the Don Norman Design Awards.
Javier Palomares, based in Pasadena, is the Principal of Curve Ahead Design and a Professor of Product Design at ArtCenter College of Design. A graduate of ArtCenter, he blends craftsmanship with innovation in his work, which has been showcased at events such as High Point Market and Dwell on Design. His conference table design earned Gold at NEOCON, one of the industry’s most prestigious honors. Javier is also passionate about incorporating Artificial Intelligence into design, exploring its potential in prototyping and material visualization. Alongside his practice, he mentors graduate students at ArtCenter, encouraging a human-centered approach to design.
They are joining an already stellar jury featuring Alain Gilles, Founder and Lead Designer at Alain Gilles The Studio, Christina Chen-Chiao Kuo, Creative Director and Founder of Kuuo Living Limited, Bo Zhang, Artist and Chief Designer at Desz Office, Niko Kapa, Design Director of Studio Niko Kapa, Steven Yeung, Founder of Kar, Zhou Yi, Chief Designer at Dayi Design, Lilian González-González, Industrial Design Academic Coordinator at Anáhuac University and Board Member at the World Design Organization, Jing Ju, Design Director at JUJU Studio, Nima Bavardi, Head of Industrial Design Department at KIOSKedia International Academy and Magazine, Stella Hernandez, Assistant Professor in the Environmental Design Department at ArtCenter College of Design, Robyn Self, Founder and Director of Plan-IT Design and IID – The African Institute of the Interior Design Professions, Christoph Guenther, Product and Interior Designer at Dutch East Design, and Sébastien Maleville, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Essential Studio. A full list of the distinguished jury can also be viewed on the website.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Fereshteh, Richie and Javier to the jury,” says Astrid Hebert, Program Director of the SIT Furniture Design Award. “Their global outlook and design expertise will be invaluable in recognizing the most creative and innovative furniture designs. This year’s competition is shaping up to be truly remarkable!”
The SIT Furniture Design Award is now accepting submissions for its annual competition – but time is running out. Furniture designers at every stage of their career are encouraged to submit their work by April 20, 2025. Don’t miss this chance to gain global recognition – visit the sitaward.com to learn more and apply today.
