2025 Design Awards Judges

In 2025, we celebrate a milestone that reflects two decades of creativity, innovation, and impact: the 20th anniversary of the Shaw Contract Design Awards. 

This global program is guided by an esteemed panel of judges — world-renowned designers, thought leaders, and innovators who shape the future of the industry.

Meet the Judges from the Best of Canada Panel

These judges will be looking through the Design Optimist lens at spaces that represent the best of design from their region, along with those that consider our People Together, Planet Forever ambitions - Material Health, Circular Economy, Carbon Impact, Diversity & Inclusion.

We honour not only what’s beautiful, but what’s meaningful. 

 

Amber Bauman

GREY PEARL Interior Design
Professional Interior Design + Owner
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Amber Bauman is the founder and principal of GREY PEARL Interior Design, a boutique firm known for its refined, timeless approach to residential and commercial interiors. Amber launched the firm in 2019, building on more than a decade of industry experience at a Winnipeg-based design firm and formal training from the Art Institute of Vancouver, where she earned her diploma in Interior Design with honours.

Amber’s career has been defined by a deep commitment to both the art and the science of design. With over 15 years of experience, she has developed a reputation for delivering thoughtful, detail-oriented spaces that prioritize function, longevity, and aesthetics. Her portfolio spans a diverse range of project types — from high-end residential homes and custom new builds to corporate office interiors and healthcare environments — each reflecting her strong design sensibility and client-first philosophy.

Dedicated to the highest professional standards, Amber earned her NCIDQ Certification and is a professional member of the Professional Interior Designers Institute of Manitoba (PIDIM). These designations represent the gold standard in the industry and reflect her commitment to health and safety, accessibility, building code compliance, and sustainable design practices.

Outside of work, Amber is a wife and mother to two young daughters, aged 7 and 3. She cherishes time spent at the lake with her family, where she recharges, creates memories, and embraces the slower pace of summer. Amber is also deeply involved in her community and currently serves as the Chair of her local daycare board — a role that reflects her commitment to supporting families and early childhood development.

Julie Shields

Mode Licensed Interior Design Studio
Principal, LID-AAA, WELL AP, LEED Green Assoc.
Calgary, Alberta

Julie Shields is a Principal at Mode Licensed Interior Design Studio Inc, in Calgary Alberta. Mode’s mission is to enrich people’s lives by design. We plan and fashion the interior environment skillfully and artistically, to transcend the everyday human experience of comfort, convenience, productivity and delight. Julie is a Licensed Interior Designer by the Alberta Association of Architects, WELL AP and LEED consultant.

She aligns with Mode and crafts spaces that consider the humans who use them above all else, and encourages designs with wellness, sustainability and thought leadership in mind.

Julie Shields is a resourceful designer, developer & curator of the built environment with a long-standing career in both interior design and leadership. Working over the past 25 years with large international brands to small local entrepreneurs, Julie has been a positive contributor to the design industry in Calgary

Keri Koch

Design 360 Inc.
Principal
Halifax Nova Scotia

Keri Koch is a co-founder and co-owner of Design 360 Inc., an award-winning Halifax-based interior design firm specializing in corporate, hospitality, retail, and health and wellness spaces. Since its 2006 inception, Design 360 has become the largest firm of interior designers in Atlantic Canada with work extending across Canada.

Keri's leadership abilities and strategic mind inspires our clients to abandon the obvious, resulting in exceptional interior spaces that elevate their businesses. Known for her quick mind and witty personality, she excels in communication and listening, and transforming complex challenges into innovative design strategies.

Keri has also been a dedicated volunteer for the interior design profession for over two decades, advocating for legislative standards and serving in a variety of leadership roles, including president of the Interior Designers of Nova Scotia and student mentor. Her passion lies in understanding what drives businesses and creating insightful interior spaces.

Mei Wu

Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd
Licensed Interior Designer, Senior Associate
Edmonton, Alberta

Mei Wu is a Licensed Interior Designer (LID, AAA) and Senior Associate at Kasian Architecture, bringing over 20 years of experience in interior design. She holds a Master of Interior Design from the University of Manitoba, along with both Master and Bachelor of Architecture from Hunan University.

Certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) since 2012, Mei is a trusted leader known for her commitment to excellence, innovation, and meaningful collaboration.

Inspired by global travels and her love of photography, Mei has cultivated a diverse design portfolio with cultural richness and meticulous attention to detail. Her strengths lie in strategic problem-solving, efficient design coordination, and creating immersive environments that consistently merge functionality with visual storytelling. She excels at creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also aligned with her clients’ values, cultures, and aspirations.

At Kasian, Mei leads projects with clarity, empathy, and a solutions-focused mindset. Her ability to coordinate complex projects, navigate challenges, and inspire teams has been instrumental in delivering high-impact and thoughtful designs across the commercial and hospitality sectors. With a relentless passion in elevating the building environment, Mei continues to shape the future of design, and enhance life quality for people ultimately.

Robert Weleschuck

GKC Architecture & Design
Senior interior designer / Project lead
Montreal, Quebec

With over 30 years of experience, Robert is an accomplished designer who has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate and embrace diversity and change within the design industry.
 
He is passionate about creating transformative environments that foster meaningful connections between people and the spaces they inhabit. His innovative thinking pushes boundaries and guides clients through thoughtful, transformative journeys.
 
Robert has led complex workplace strategy-based projects for major organizations, bringing strategic insight and creativity to environments that elevate culture, adaptability, and employee experience.
 
As Project Lead at GKC, he champions a collaborative and immersive approach. He invests deeply in understanding each client’s culture and aspirations, ensuring every project is uniquely tailored and impactful.
 
His leadership continues to shape spaces that inspire, engage, and endure.

Modern workplace interior with commercial carpet tile flooring, featuring a playful "Let's Play!" sign, seating areas with blue and red chairs, and a dog sitting beside a woman in a booth.

2024 Design Awards Winners

View our 2024 Design Awards Winners here.

With almost 700 entries from 36 countries around the world, our 2024 competition was fierce and produced an extraordinary group of winners.

VIEW THE 2024 WINNERS