JURY

I focus on high-rise and large-scale architecture, working at the intersection of design, performance, and urban systems.At Bjarke Ingels Group, I was exposed to concept-driven tower design, mixed-use stacking, and volumetric strategies that treat tall buildings as extensions of urban infrastructure.At Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, I engaged with the technical rigor behind high-rise delivery, including structural logic, façade performance, and BIM-based coordination for complex towers.Together, these experiences shaped my approach to tall buildings as resilient, low-carbon systems that respond to zoning, climate, and real market constraints.

Been an Architect with a vision to keep and transform in a sustainable and resilient way the world of design.

-Architectural representation, modeling, digital media, and information design with a particular interest in digital humanities projects addressing architectural practices.-Drawings, prints and illustrated books from 1400 to present.-Architectural and urban history and theory, 1400 to present.-The experience and recording of place with a particular interest in the topography and history of Rome.

Cultural Projects:Museums, Libraries, Music Venues, Universities, Recreation Centers, Galleries, Community Centers, etc.Addtl. special interest in residences, especially contemporary renovations of historic structures

I am an Environmental Designer at Atelier Ten in San Francisco and a Master of Architecture and Building Sciences graduate from Carnegie Mellon University. My professional expertise lies at the intersection of architectural design and climate advocacy, with a specific focus on:Sustainability Certification & Compliance: Leading certification efforts for LEED, ILFI Zero Carbon, and Fitwel for diverse project types.Decarbonization Research: Executing Whole Building Life Cycle Assessments (WBLCA) and researching federal policies to support large-scale decarbonization strategies.Building Performance Simulation: Performing advanced computational analysis for daylighting, thermal comfort, and PV assessments to drive data-informed design.Having worked across international contexts—from Bangalore to Pittsburgh and San Francisco—I bring a global perspective on how the built environment can address the climate crisis through both technical rigor and design excellence.

Better lives, by design: Doing rational (not excessive) architecture that serves directly people's needs. Efficient planning is key to sustainability and equity of resources across the board. another focus: raising the leadership role of the architect, lost in today's world; giving more women a chance to have meaningful role in the profession.

Marani Architects s.r.o. Founder Professional settings

Yinzhu Yao is a dynamic architectural designer whose expertise is shaped by a rich background spanning multiple countries and design disciplines. She holds a Master of Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, and her experiences at renowned firms like Sou Fujimoto Atelier in Tokyo and Kengo Kuma & Associates have given her deep insights into innovative design philosophies, reinforcing her belief in blending functionality with aesthetic beauty. Now based in Washington, D.C., one of the headquarters for the global biggest architectural firm, Gensler, Yinzhu is a key member contributing to high-stakes projects that demand both creative ingenuity and technical precision. Throughout her career, Yinzhu has earned numerous prestigious awards personally, including Gold Awards at the International Design Awards and Global Future Design Awards. She has also been recognized by international competitions and prizes such as the BLT Built Design Awards, A’ Design Awards, MUSE Design Awards. She’s also a Jury member of AMP, K Design Award and Rome Design Awards. These accolades highlight her commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional design and her dedication to consistently refining her craft.

Yundi Wendy Zhang is an experiential designer working at the intersection of architectural design, storytelling and emerging tech. Based in LA with an architecture background, Wendy designs spaces and experiences that shape how people move, gather, and connect.Currently a Senior Design Lead, Wendy guides multidisciplinary teams in translating brand and cultural narratives into built and immersive spaces, using human-centric and context-aware design to create lasting impact. Her work includes shaping the experiential launch of LEGO’s biggest innovation since 1978; leading Uber’s first experiential campaign in Canada; directing the global live unveiling of Rabbit’s world-first personal AI device, R1; and revealing Netflix’s inaugural real-world story experiences, transforming digital narratives into spatial encounters.Throughout her career, Wendy has contributed to the broader design discourse through speaking engagements, jury participation for the Campaign US BIG Awards and UCLA Architecture, and exhibitions at major design platforms including the Venice Biennale. She has also mentored emerging designers at Woodbury University and the Southern California Institute of Architecture. Her work has been described by ELLE as “creation without boundaries,” by Forbes as representing “art creative pioneers,” and by LA Weekly as pushing “the boundaries of what’s possible when technology, design, and imagination collide.”

As the CEO of Yelicca LLC, an innovative architectural firm based in the United States, I lead a specialized team dedicated to B2B partnerships.

I am a Registered Architect in New York focusing on adaptive reuse existing structure into public projects that centers human, art, and cultivating community culture with a sustainable approach.

Brian Foster Architects is a collaborative global design practice whose work expands the context of built and natural landscapes.

Currently, I am involved in a wide range of architectural project types in Austria and Central Europe. The projects vary in scope, but our specialties lie in architectural management, consulting, design and construction document planning for mobility architecture (rail, bus, automobile, bike and pedestrian interchanges), especially the spaces of interface, which are of architectural significance.

As upcoming AIA Europe president I am excited to respresent an engaged group of international planning professionals with the common goal of promoting educational programs and conferences for practicing architects, emerging professionals, and students alike.

Zi Zhuo is an architectural designer at NAC Architecture in Seattle, WA. Before joining NAC, Zi contributed to the field of architecture at Ayers Saint Gross in Washington, D.C. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Chongqing University and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Virginia.As a core team member, Zi has played a significant role in numerous planning and design projects, delivering exceptional services to dozens of communities and positively impacting thousands of people living. Known for his outstanding teamwork and professional knowledge, Zi is highly regarded by colleagues and clients alike.Zi’s work has earned multiple global awards, with his projects receiving international recognition and media attention. His diverse portfolio—ranging from intricate exhibitions to iconic skyscrapers—demonstrates his ability to translate visionary concepts into functional, innovative structures. Combining design, research, and analysis, Zi is dedicated to crafting architectural solutions that address real-world challenges with precision and artistry.

Hospitality