Meet the 2026 Best in Design Awards Jury
Get to know the judges behind our second annual competition!
Carefully selected from across Toronto’s dynamic design community, the 2026 Best in Design Awards (BDAs) jury brings a sharp eye and unmatched expertise to the table. With diverse backgrounds in architecture, interior design, development and beyond, this year’s jurors are poised to recognize and celebrate the city’s most inspiring, boundary-pushing projects.
Drew Mandel, Principal, Drew Mandel Architects
Drew is the founding principal of Drew Mandel Architects, a Toronto-based studio recognized for its thoughtful, well-crafted work. Since launching in 2004, the practice has completed a range of private homes, multi-residential buildings, retail interiors, and landscape designs. Drew’s work has been widely published and honoured by the OAA, City of Toronto Urban Design Awards, AZ Awards, and Best in Design Awards, among others.
Danny Chartier, Visual Director, Montauk Sofa
Danny Chartier is the longtime design lead at Montauk Sofa, where he has spent over 30 years shaping the brand’s sculptural, deeply considered furniture collections and distinctive showrooms across North America. After serving in the military, he pursued his passion for design, quickly forging a creative partnership with Montauk founder Tim Zyto that continues to this day. Danny’s work is defined by a quiet insistence on comfort, depth and intentionality—creating pieces meant to be truly lived in rather than simply looked at.
Safoura Zahedi, Founder, SZS
Safoura Zahedi is an artist, architect and educator. Her interdisciplinary practice blends art and architecture, craft and technology, spirituality and materiality, using geometry as a spiritual design tool to create spatial experiences that inspire connection. After a decade shaping award-winning projects at renowned Canadian firms, she launched her studio SZS in 2024—focused on creating spaces, installations, and public art that reimagine geometry’s role in contemporary placemaking through innovative digital craft techniques. She teaches at Toronto Metropolitan University and the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts (UK) and serves on the Executive Board of Building Equality in Architecture Toronto (BEAT).
Stanley Sun, Co-Founder | Creative Director, Mason Studio
Stanley Sun is the co-founder and creative director of Mason Studio, a globally recognized and award-winning interior design and art consultancy. With a multidisciplinary background in interior design, fine arts and biological sciences, Stanley brings a unique perspective to his work, envisioning spaces that influence how people feel, think and connect. His leadership has shaped transformative projects worldwide, combining a critical approach to design with a full-sensory sensitivity to space. A champion of Canadian design and sessional instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University (RSID), Stanley’s work reflects his commitment to creating environments that leave a lasting impact.
Eric Mutrie, Senior Editor, AZURE
Eric is a senior editor at Azure magazine. After studying architecture at university, he developed a lasting enthusiasm for telling stories about design. Over the course of his media career, he has interviewed industry titans like Frank Gehry, identified new talents and trends at international trade fairs and cast a spotlight on the social and sustainable changemakers moving the world forward. He has over 10 years of editorial experience, including a previous position as associate editor of Designlines.
Kendra Jackson, Deputy Editor, AZURE
Kendra Jackson is the deputy editor of Azure magazine, Canada’s leading publication that celebrates the very best in international architecture and design and the vanguard practitioners who are contributing to the betterment of the built world and beyond. Working in the magazine publishing industry for more than 20 years, Kendra has successfully combined her passions for journalism and contemporary design, and is continuously inspired by the people and projects she encounters through her position at the magazine, on both a national and global scale.
Jessica Nakanishi, No-Founder, MSDS Studio
Jessica Nakanishi is the co-founder of MSDS Studio, a multidisciplinary practice known for interiors, furniture, and lighting design that thoughtfully engages contemporary culture and craftsmanship. At MSDS, she synthesizes material, form, and space into resolved, innovative works that act as a meaningful interface between people and the built environment. Her work reflects a balance of resourcefulness, technical understanding, and a commitment to good design.
Jeff Hull, President, Hullmark
Jeff Hull is the President of Hullmark, an award-winning real estate investment, development and management company focused on urban intensification. Under his leadership, Hullmark has grown into a vertically integrated firm with a diversified portfolio valued at over $1 billion, including stabilized income-producing properties and developments. Jeff oversees all aspects of the business—from corporate strategy and acquisitions to design and partner relations—driving Hullmark’s continued growth and industry leadership.
Joseph Cicerone, Editor-in-Chief, Designlines
As editor-in-chief of Designlines, Joseph drives the editorial vision of Toronto’s leading voice in contemporary design. With a sharp focus on modern aesthetics, he explores the intersection of innovation, style and urban living. Under his leadership, Designlines continues to champion the city’s most creative minds in interior design and architecture, driving conversations around design excellence and celebrating the most bold and influential work shaping Toronto today.
Ali McQuaid Mitchell, Founder, Futurestudio
Ali McQuaid Mitchell is the founder of Toronto design firm Futurestudio. Her and her team provide a forward-thinking approach, deeply committed to creating spaces that anticipate and respond to changing lifestyles and environmental needs. Ali’s dedication to creating spaces that reflect her clients’ personalities and lifestyles has earned her a reputation as one of Toronto’s most sought-after designers. Through Futurestudio, she explores innovative materials and technologies, continuously pushing the boundaries of design to create environments that resonate beyond the present.
Francis Guindon, VP, Global Marketing, Quartz Co | WANT Les Essentiels
Francis is a seasoned brand strategist with over 15 years of experience shaping global luxury, fashion and design brands. Based in Montreal, the vice president of global marketing for both WANT Les Essentiels and Quartz Co. previously led award-winning campaigns and PR strategies at Birks Group— managing partnerships with world-renowned names such as Rolex, Cartier, Dior, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Beyond his professional work, Francis is committed to supporting the arts. He currently sits on the board of the Fondation du Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MAC).
Neil James, Managing Partner, Stylegarage
Neil James is the managing partner at Stylegarage, a Toronto-based furniture institution celebrating 25 years of design excellence. In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations, Neil leads the design and production of the store’s in-house custom furniture line, SG Originals. Collaborating closely with his in-house team, his work reflects a relaxed Canadian Modern aesthetic. With a focus on both residential and commercial spaces, Neil is dedicated to creating timeless, well-crafted pieces that resonate with clients for years to come.
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