2024 Design Awards Judges
It is our foundation to celebrate the optimism of design, and its ability to positively impact our communities and our planet.
Now in its 19th year, the Shaw Contract Design Awards program is our chance to look through the Design Optimist lens at spaces that inspire new ways of working, learning, healing, and thriving.
Meet the Judges from the Best of U.S. 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 four People Together, Planet Forever ambitions - Material Health, Circular Economy, Carbon Impact and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
Heather McEvoy Carlson
Associate Principal / Senior Interior Designer
TMPartners
Brentwood, TN
Heather Carlson is an Associate Principal and Senior Interior Designer at TMPartners in Brentwood, Tennessee. With 25 years of experience, her career has primarily focused on healthcare design. Over the lifecycle of a project, Heather is focused on all phases, from schematic design through construction administration.
Her expertise creates a healing and inviting atmosphere for both caregivers and patients in healthcare environments. She has a vested interest in lighting design and how it can impact a space in terms of comfort and communication, as well as cost for clients. Some of her most notable projects include Martha’s Vineyard Hospital in Massachusetts, Emory Johns Creek Hospital in Georgia, Doctors Hospital of Augusta in Georgia, and St. Lucie Hospital in Florida.
Heather is a member of the Nashville Chapters of International Interior Design Association and Women in Healthcare.
Rae Cook
Design Manager
IHG ® Hotels & Resorts
Atlanta, GA
Rae Cook brings over 14 years of dynamic interior design experience, rooted in a passion for creating inviting spaces while keeping budget-consciousness at the forefront. Beginning her journey at IKEA, she embraced the ethos of "Creating a better everyday life for the many people," specializing in kitchen design and collaborating on innovative retail design presentations. Transitioning to hospitality, Rae led pioneering efforts at Home Grown Industries, revamping franchise properties nationwide.
Currently, as Design Manager at IHG Hotels & Resorts, Rae shapes the essence of Essentials and Suites Brands, crafting beloved guest experiences and delivering exceptional value to owners. Notably, in 2023, she spearheaded the design launch of IHG's 19th Brand, Garner. Rae holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, graduating Cum Laude from Georgia Southern University, and is a licensed interior designer in Georgia. Beyond her professional pursuits, she indulges her passion for vintage glassware by scouring Goodwill and mixes cocktails to perfection.
Residing in Smyrna, GA, Rae shares her vibrant life with her stylish husband, Brandon, and their lovable terrier-blend, Chips.
Rebecca Hopkins
Senior Project Designer
CPG Architects
New York, NY
Rebecca Hopkins, NCIDQ, is a graduate of Pratt Institute with over 19 years of experience in corporate interiors and branding. Previously a business owner, she developed a lot of relationships within her community, but in 2023 decided to hang up her entrepreneurial hat and join the team at CPG Architects in Stamford, CT, as a senior designer. Rebecca’s design ethos draws inspiration from nature as well as each client’s distinct brand so that every project remains authentic and aligned with her clients' values.
Beyond work, she makes it a priority to continue sharing her insights and advocating for women in business in her capacity as Vice Board Member of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce/Women in Networking, showcasing her unwavering dedication to fostering women's entrepreneurship and empowerment.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her rescue pup Coco Jean taking in what nature has to offer.
Lisbeth Jimenez
Creative Director
MKDA
New York, NY
Lisbeth Jimenez is a NCIDQ certified and WELL AP accredited Creative Director for MKDA with extensive commercial and residential design experience. She values mentorship and is currently a part time adjunct instructor at her alma mater, FIT. Lisbeth is a firm believer in human-centric design and a leading proponent for utilizing the latest immersive digital technologies in order to best enhance the built environment.
Her design philosophy is embracing the art of making a difference. She values giving back through the broader design community and is currently a member of the communications committee at ASID – writing for its quarterly DESIGN magazine – and co-chairs the IIDA committee Design Camp, an educational program for underrepresented, pre-college students. Lisbeth also dedicates time for pro bono projects for a number of non-profit organizations.
Charran James Peck
Project Manager, Registered Interior Designer
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
Charran James Peck is a project manager coordinating projects for The Office of Facilities Planning and Management at Southern Methodist University (SMU) since 2015. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Interior Design from The University of North Texas and a Master’s Degree in Sustainability and Development from SMU Lyle School of Engineering.
A Dallas native with over 17 years’ experience in the industry, Charran worked as an interior designer on higher education projects at an architecture and interior design firm for 9 years prior to joining staff at SMU. Her resume and familiarity with institutional clients enhances her ability to serve campus stakeholders. Now, as a project manager with a background in interior design, she manages renovation and construction projects, procures furniture, and advises design firms on large capital projects to ensure the SMU brand values and vision are incorporated in design solutions. Charran brings a unique perspective to her role, combining her interior materials knowledge with practical lessons learned as the “owner” on projects which allows her department to mitigate challenging maintenance issues and helps support the University goal of effective fiscal stewardship.
In her leisure time, you will find her exploring pizzerias in search of the best slice of pizza or antiquing on the hunt for unique treasures or furniture.
View all judges from each Best of Region panel around the globe!
Best of Asia
Cheng Chung Design PTE Ltd.
Senior Vice President
Singapore
M Moser Associates
Senior Associate, Design
Singapore
Interior Architecture 103 Co., Ltd.
Chairwoman
Thailand
designFreak Co.Ltd.
Founder, CEO & Design Director
Japan
Space Matrix Design Consultants Pte Ltd.
Director, Business Operations
Singapore
Best of Australia & New Zealand
Architectus
Senior Associate
Sydney, Australia
fjcstudio
Principal
Melbourne, Australia
Bates Smart
Associate Director
Sydney, Australia
Woods Bagot
Senior Associate
Perth, Australia
Monk Mackenzie
Associate
Auckland, New Zealand
Best Of Canada
Shearer Interior Design Inc
Principal, Workplace Specialist
Calgary
Zeidler Architecture
Creative Director, Interior Design
Calgary
Holland Licensed Interior Design
Founding Partner
Calgary
Arcadis
Associate Principal, Studio Manager
Edmonton
Best of India
Ultra Confidentiel
Chief Design Officer
Delhi
Vestian
Vice President Design Services Global Workplace Services
Bangalore
M Moser
Director
Bangalore
RC Architecture
Design Director
Bangalore
DSP Design Associates
Director -CRE
Mumbai
Best of Greater China
ZZT Industrial Buildings
Founder
Shanghai, China
Gensler
-
Beijing, China
ADM Design Co., Ltd.
Creative Director
Shanghai, China
Foster and Partners
Co-chair
Shenzhen, China
AnyScale
-
Beijing, China
Best of Latin America
Perkins&Will
Principal
Monterrey, México
Athié Wohnrath
Concept Designer
São Paulo, Brasil
Garnier Arquitectos
Senior Interior Designer
San José, Costa Rica
OARQUITECTOS
Principal
Santiago, Chile
Contract Workplaces
Design Director
Bogotá, Colombia
Best of Middle East & Africa
Gensler
Associate/Senior Interior Designer
UAE
THE Architects
Architect
Istanbul
Best of UK & Continental Europe
Morgan Lovell
Lead Designer
United Kingdom
Massive Design
Design Director
Poland
Habit Action
Creative Director
United Kingdom
The Fresh Perspective
Interior Architect
Nederland
Best of USA
Southern Methodist University
Project Manager, Registered Interior Designer
Dallas, TX
TMPartners
Associate Principal / Senior Interior Designer
Brentwood, TN
MKDA
Creative Director
New York, NY
CPG Architects
Senior Project Designer
New York, NY