Meet the Powerhouse Judges Behind the 2025 ICONIC Design Awards

Photo by Kate Osborne.

Step into a magical night of florals, flair and fierce design as the 2025 ICONIC Design Awards crowned Arizona’s best in architecture, interiors, product and landscape design—judged by the most influential names in the industry.

The 2025 ICONIC Design Awards celebrated the very best in design, architecture, landscape design and product innovation, bringing together the brightest creative minds across Arizona for an unforgettable evening. This year’s event was inspired by a whimsical garden theme, a concept that also inspired the cover and pages of our ICONIC Design Awards‘ magazine issue. The venue bloomed with lush florals, dreamy lighting and elegant details that echoed the beauty and imagination behind the winning works. From breathtaking architectural feats to thoughtfully crafted products and landscapes, the night was a tribute to excellence, creativity and the transformative power of design. Selecting the winners was no easy task and our esteemed panel of judges, each a respected leader in their field, thoughtfully reviewed every submission to recognize the most outstanding work.

Barclay Butera, Interior Design Judge

Barclay Butera has been the creative force behind his prestigious design firm and flagship showroom in Newport Beach, California, since 1994. Renowned for his approachable elegance and glamorous, chic interiors, Butera draws inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including high-fashion runways, his extensive world travels, grand European architecture and the timeless allure of The Golden Age of Hollywood.

Photo by Kate Osborne.

Butera’s design signature seamlessly integrates traditional, transitional and contemporary styles. His artful inclusion of heritage pieces blends effortlessly with distinctive furnishings, pattern-on-pattern fabrics and bold textures—all hallmarks of his ICONIC all-American style.

In addition to his thriving interior design business, Butera’s venture into licensing has landed him an unprecedented number of the industry’s most respected partners, including Lexington Home Brands furniture, Kravet indoor and outdoor textiles and carpets, Leftbank Art, Eastern Accents bedding and luxury down, Jaipur Living rugs, Bradburn lighting, Mirror Home decorative mirrors, Napa Home & Garden accessories, Castelle outdoor furniture, Winfield Thybony wallcoverings and YORK/MDC Interior Solutions commercial wallcoverings.

Expanding his licensing empire, Butera launched a collection of luxury chandeliers and sconces with Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting, as well as hand-painted porcelain with Legend Accents, for his new Barclay Butera Couture brand.

Most recently, Butera introduced his eighth furniture collection, Montecito, with industry powerhouse Lexington Home Brands. A designer for the ages, Butera’s spectacular projects, extensive licensing collections, and luxury rental properties are regularly featured in global consumer publications, as well as shelter and lifestyle magazines.

Photo by John Woodcock.

Christopher Kennedy, Interior Design Judge

Christopher Kennedy is a renowned interior designer, product developer, author, and philanthropist. Combining jet-set nostalgia with California modernism, Kennedy’s work has been featured in the press and television around the globe, earning him the reputation as one of the most influential designers in the United States. Based in Palm Springs, Kennedy’s work is also seen in Newport Beach, New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver.

His design philosophy is rooted in the notion that design should be joyous, inspirational and personal. His mission is to solve clients’ design problems in an organized and stress-free manner. Kennedy is the author of two design books: 2015’s California Modern and 2017’s Making Midcentury Modern. In 2025, he was named to the “Power List 50” by Designers Today.

His philanthropic contributions to Palm Springs are best known for The Christopher Kennedy Compound, a designer showhouse for Modernism Week that ran for six years, cumulatively raising more than $500,000 for local charities. He continues to use his platform to support architectural preservation, animal shelters and LGBT causes.

Kennedy’s thoughtfully designed and visually interesting projects are a testament to his passion for bringing long-term joy to his clients through beautiful and unique interiors.

Hill Rondero, Interior Design Judge

Hill Rondero is the creative individual behind Ro House Studio, a versatile, multi-faceted interior design studio based in Charlotte, North Carolina. While a native of Virginia Beach, Rondero spent several inspiring years in Los Angeles before relocating to Charlotte in 2005, where she ultimately launched her interior design business in 2010.

Photo by Laura Sumrak.

Ro House offers two design options for its clients: full-service design and architectural consultation. The studio is renowned for seamlessly blending history and modernity with imagination and discipline in projects of every scale. A mix of old and new creates a unique space for each client, which they can continue to layer and enrich over time.

Rondero believes a design should feel alive and constantly evolving to achieve balance and create a desired mood. Rondero loves it when opposites attract, and she is inspired by contrast and juxtaposition.

That balance is apparent throughout Rondero’s work, where she often blends modern elements with antiques and sleek, metallic finishes with organic, natural materials.

Her transitional aesthetic and simple, sophisticated sensibility extend beyond the coupling of opposites in her designs. Rondero also loves to layer natural materials, such as plants, branches and textural woods, with at least one piece of edgy or humorous decor in her projects.

The firm’s unique, casual-glam interiors embody an intentional balance of six elements: texture, depth, lightness, comfort, history and whimsy. The studio’s projects span North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, New York and Connecticut.

Photo by Shade Degges.

Huma Sulaiman, Interior Design Judge

Huma Sulaiman is a Bangladeshi-American interior and product designer and principal of Huma Sulaiman Design–an award-winning studio offering interior architecture and design solutions.

Based in Southern California, the studio operates from offices in Laguna Beach and West Hollywood. Having traveled extensively throughout her life, Sulaiman’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in her fascination with culture, history and architecture.

Photo by Shade Degges.

Since its inception in 2011, Huma Sulaiman Design has completed numerous projects nationwide. Sulaiman’s projects have been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, Vogue, Luxe, CA Home + Design and Interiors Design Magazine.

Sulaiman’s recent accolades include recognitions from the California Home + Design Awards in 2022 and 2023, as well as Interior Design Magazine’s ‘Women in Design’ award in 2021 and the 2024 Luxe RED Award for Residential Excellence.

Sulaiman is a proud member of the Leaders of Design Council. Beyond her expertise in interior design, Sulaiman’s contribution has recently been extended to the realm of furniture design, with her new line recently introduced in the Fred Segal Home storefront.

The studio participated in the prestigious Kips Bay Showhouse in both New York City in 2024 and Dallas, Texas, in 2022, showcasing her innovative design work. In 2025, Sulaiman will unveil Thus Huma — an experiential design space in West Hollywood.

Christine Vroom, Interior Design Judge

Christine Vroom is a dynamic interior and exterior designer based in Los Angeles, known for crafting elevated, artfully composed spaces with a distinctly modern spirit. Her journey in the design world began at sixteen when an early passion for interiors evolved into a lifelong calling. After formally honing her skills and earning a degree in interior design, Vroom transformed her creative vision into a thriving career, meticulously building her reputation one project at a time.

Courtesy of Christine Vroom.

Today, she is the founder and principal designer of Christine Vroom Interiors, a full-service design firm celebrated for its refined, approachable interiors that seamlessly blend timeless sophistication with a fresh, contemporary edge. Through thoughtful personalization, every design is tailored to reflect the client’s unique story, lifestyle, and aspirations.

With a deep understanding of architectural form, an intuitive mastery of materiality and a distinctive ability to layer warmth and luxury, Vroom’s work is as much about the feeling it evokes as the function it serves. Her spirited energy, discerning eye, and effortless sense of sass bring vibrancy and character to every project, making the design experience as memorable as the final result.

Each space she touches is thoughtfully conceived to be lived in, loved and lasting.

Her portfolio spans discerning homeowners, premier builders and esteemed developers throughout California and beyond, with projects that reflect a rare balance of polish, personality and purpose.

Richard Landry, AIA Architecture Judge

Richard Landry, AIA, is the president and founder of Landry Design Group, Inc., an architectural and planning firm that has created some of the world’s finest private residences. A native of Québec, Canada, Landry graduated at the top of his class with a Bachelor of Architecture from the Université de Montréal and holds a Diploma in Architecture & Urban Design from København’s Universitet.

Photo by Roger Davies.

Since establishing his firm in Los Angeles in 1987, Landry has developed a versatile design approach that skillfully balances classical and contemporary styles. Landry Design Group’s portfolio features meticulously crafted homes inspired by a range of historical genres, reflecting his dedication to architectural integrity and research. The firm’s diverse portfolio includes projects in 17 countries. Landry’s designs are responsive to their environmental and cultural contexts while being sensitive to each client’s distinct lifestyles and preferences.

Landry has consistently earned recognition for his distinguished achievements in the field of architecture, including multiple appearances on Architectural Digest’s AD100 list, Robb Report’s recommended list of top architects, and Ocean Home’s Top 50 Coastal Architects. He received the Star of Design award from the Pacific Design Center in 2004, was named a Leader in Luxury by Robb Report in 2013, and was honored with the Legacy Award from The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art in 2022.

Recognized for its attention to form, proportion and detail, Landry Design Group has been honored with numerous national and international design awards. Among these are 19 Best in American Living Awards from the NAHB, the national Builder’s Choice Award, three Luxe RED Awards, the International Property Award and 94 Gold Nugget Awards from the PCBC. The firm’s work is regularly showcased in leading publications, and in addition to numerous television appearances, Landry has served as a keynote speaker at various industry events worldwide. His work is a prime example of the incredible results that can be achieved when passion, precision, creativity and dedication come together.

Photo by Mike Kelley.

Paul McClean, Architecture Judge

McClean Design is one of today’s leading contemporary architectural firms, whose residential work is synonymous with the quintessential California lifestyle, characterized by programmatic consciousness, clean architectural lines and a sophisticated material aesthetic. The leader behind this ICONIC firm is Paul McClean.

McClean is a Member of the American Institute of Architects and a licensed architect in several states. He grew up in Ireland and attended the Dublin Institute of Technology, graduating with honors in architecture in 1994. After graduation, McClean arrived in Southern California and worked for various local architectural firms before establishing McClean Design in 2000.

Photo by Mike Kelley.

Light and air, water, and dissolving the delineation between indoors and outdoors are instruments of the firm’s architectural approach. McClean strives for excellence in design with every project, pushing the boundaries of residential design with unique spaces that are connected to their environment and provide clients and their families a dwelling of composure within a bustling modern society.

Beyond California, McClean Design has several projects nationwide, including Nevada, Hawaii, Texas and Florida, as well as projects abroad in Canada, the Caribbean, Thailand, Hong Kong and the UAE.

With a reputation for flawless execution and innovative design, McClean is forming a legacy of excellence.

Photo by Lucy Call.

Ryan McDaniel, Architecture Judge

Partner and Director of Design of Brandon Architects, Ryan McDaniel, has devoted himself to the precision and design of quality architecture in Costa Mesa. Through his outstanding architectural design of residential and non residential buildings, McDaniel has established himself as a professional dedicated to creating spaces that will be cherished for decades.

Earning his Bachelors Degree in Architecture from University of Oregon, McDaniel was hired to Brandon Architects in 2012. For the last 13 years he has worked alongside Principal Architect Christopher Brandon on numerous outstanding projects reflective of the sleek, modern and opulent design that their firm has become renowned for.

With an emphasis on sustainable development and design, McDaniel continues to be at the forefront of innovative architectural movements in California, creating projects that are reflective of luxury and modernity.

Scott Specht, Architecture Judge

Scott Specht is the founding partner of Specht Novak, an architecture practice known for its innovative built works and experimental projects. The firm has received extensive recognition, including features in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and Architectural Digest.

Specht’s firm was named a “Top 200” residential architect firm in the U.S. by Forbes and one of the “100 Best Architecture and Design Firms” by Architizer. Their Preston Hollow Residence was honored as an Architectural Record “Record House” in 2020.

Photo by Casey Dunn.

Specht is a recognized thought leader in residential design, frequently appearing on TEDx stages, podcasts and television. Before founding Specht Novak, he served as a senior designer for Studio Libeskind, contributing to the master plan for the World Trade Center in New York. He also held positions at TenBerke and Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF).

A graduate of Yale University with a Master of Architecture, Specht received the George Nelson and Franklin W. Gregory Scholarships for his outstanding critical thinking and demonstration of critical design skills.

He recently completed the innovative “Stealth House” prototype in Austin, Texas, where he currently resides. This windowless design serves as a scalable model for single-family housing in the United States and was recently announced as the winner of a 2025 National AIA Award.

Lauren Thomsen, Architecture Judge

Lauren Thomsen Design is a Philadelphia-based architectural design firm specializing in craft-driven renovations and high-performance new construction. Rooted in technical expertise, material integrity and a modern ethos, the firm creates spaces that are both timeless and highly functional.

Photo by Archetype Photo.

Founded and led by Lauren Thomsen, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, the firm strikes a balance between innovation, deep respect for sustainability, historic preservation and urban redevelopment. Thomsen’s work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including the AIA Philadelphia Emerging Architect (PEAPrize), which reflects her contributions to sustainable and contextually sensitive urban design.

Beyond her practice, Thomsen has taught at Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she earned her Master of Architecture degree. She is also an active member of the Carpenters’ Company of the City, County of Philadelphia and AIA Philadelphia.

As a nationally certified woman-owned business (WBENC) and a designated Local Business Entity in Philadelphia, Lauren Thomsen Design works on residential, commercial and institutional projects, always prioritizing efficiency, resilience, and thoughtful material use and expression. Notable projects include the Northern Liberties Passive Rowhouse, Penn Valley’s Mid-Century Modern Renovation, and the Mt. Airy Historic Renovation.

For Thomsen, architecture is more than aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that meaningfully shape daily life. Every project begins with an understanding of its site, light, and spatial potential, leading to designs that feel effortless yet deeply intentional. With a hands-on, technical approach and a commitment to collaboration, Thomsen not only envisions what’s possible but also navigates the complexities of construction to bring each project to life with precision and care.

Courtesy of John D. Faerber.

John D Faerber, Landscape Architecture Judge

John D. Faerber has more than 35 years of experience in horticulture, creative design, landscaping and floral design. Faerber is currently the Director of Horticulture, Landscape and Floral at the prestigious Lake House on Canandaigua. His prior background includes experience at the Reserve on the Erie Canal, the Country Club of Rochester, Mohonk Mountain House, Vassar College and the Omega Institute, as well as the design of multiple home gardens in the New York area. Creative design is at the heart of Faerber’s passion, and it is evident in the numerous clients who seek his artistic input and designs for their gardens and properties.

Faerber has hosted many tours of his gardens and landscaping at the properties he has designed, receiving accolades from those in the surrounding areas. He has also been a keynote speaker at the Rochester Garden Club and Chatterbox Club, speaking on artistic design aspects throughout the years.

Faerber has been featured in multiple publications, including Better Homes and Gardens, ICONIC LIFE, and Martha Stewart’s “Seven Ways to Compost.” Faerber loves to read and is constantly honing his craft and skill level to optimize his design technique and cultivate organic, chemical-free landscaped gardens.

Courtesy of Foxterra Design.

Justin Fox, Landscape Architecture Judge

Justin Fox is the founder of the luxury landscape design firm Foxterra Design, renowned for creating resort-style yards that impress clients. With a mission of bringing creativity and imagination to a home’s exterior, Fox and his team work diligently to design a space that is both transformative and aesthetically pleasing.

Courtesy of Foxterra Design.

Fox worked as a licensed contractor, building luxury yards and pools for more than 15 years. Over time, he began to question whether the design/build approach was truly delivering the best results for his clients.

Fox has established his business as a luxurious landscape design firm, working with celebrity clients such as NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and international pop artist Jason Derulo.

Watching residential architects and interior designers create beautiful, custom homes with thoughtful, detailed plans that were handed over to the contractor to build. Fox decided to apply the same approach to luxury yard design.

Fox’s luxury design firm has experienced significant growth since its inception in 2019. Today, Foxterra Design has a team of 25 experts creating dream landscapes for clients globally.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: INSIDE THE LUXE WORLD OF CELEBRITY BACKYARDS: HOW JUSTIN FOX IS REVOLUTIONIZING OUTDOOR LIVING

Chris Johansen, Landscape Architecture Judge

Chris Johannsen, the Principal Designer of Creativescapes, is a leading landscape architect providing clients with quality and elevated landscapes. For over a decade, Johannsen’s emphasis on supporting each client’s vision and creating a landscape that is both visually appealing and realistically functional, has established him and his projects as exceptional and award-winning.

Photo by Aqua Tree Designs.

After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, majoring in sculpture and minoring in crafts, with an emphasis on metalsmithing, Johannsen worked for two multi-million dollar firms designing landscape projects before starting his own business.

Today, as the designer behind Creativescapes, Johannsen designs breathtaking pools, spectacular water features, functional outdoor kitchens, luxe fire features and lush greenery defined by modernity and reflective of his clients’ personal styles. With an eye for precision, he thoughtfully considers every detail of the landscape, leading to a cohesive blend of the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and the tamed luxury of outdoor living.

Photo by Aqua Tree Designs.

Photo by Manolo Langis.

With over 25 years of experience in landscape architecture, construction management and estate design, Ospina leads each project from concept through completion, ensuring that artistic vision is seamlessly translated into buildable reality.

His work ranges from expansive estate grounds to refined micro-gardens, each crafted with clarity, detail, and purpose. From breathtaking gardens reminiscent of the Italian countryside, to lush Hawaiian escapes that pay homage to the natural beauty of the island, Ospina has established himself as an acclaimed landscape architect bringing elevated garden living to his clients homes and estates.

Beyond his professional practice, Ospina remains grounded and committed to community engagement, from teaching art and martial arts to underserved youth, to mentoring the next generation of designers.

Photo courtesy of Alfonso Marina.

Isabel Marina, Product Design Judge

As the Creative Director of Alfonso Marina, Isabel Marina leads the brand’s artistic vision, overseeing the design of new collections and safeguarding the legacy of fine craftsmanship that has defined our name for generations. Growing up surrounded by art, furniture and the beauty of traditional techniques — a passion instilled in her by her father, who dedicated his life to high-end furniture making.

Marina studied Industrial Design, and since joining Alfonso Marina in 1998, she has been deeply involved in product development, taking full charge of their New Product Development division in 2009. Her focus has always been on reviving classic styles through a contemporary lens, creating timeless pieces that combine elegance, character and artisanal mastery.

In 2014, she began painting — a natural extension of her design work. Her artistic practice is contemporary and abstract, blending materials such as acrylic, oil, patinas, silver or gold leaf and textures. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including in High Point, North Carolina, and is available through Alfonso Marina’s showroom in Mexico City.

Both in furniture and in painting, she believes in honoring tradition while exploring new forms of expression — always with precision, emotion and a profound respect for the craft. Alfonso Marina luxury furniture and Isabel Marina Art and is represented at The Collector’s House Retail + Trade Showroom.

Courtesy of Royal Botania.

Kris Van Puyvelde, Product Design Judge

Kris Van Puyvelde is the co-founder, CEO, and Head of Design at Royal Botania, a globally acclaimed brand known for their luxury outdoor furniture. Blending his background in industrial engineering and his passion for refined design, Kris launched the company in 1992 with a mission to redefine outdoor living through a unique combination of aesthetics, durability and innovation.

What began with a single teak collection has grown into a globally recognized design house, known for its sculptural furniture, impeccable materials and a meticulous attention to detail. Kris’s vision has always been to elevate outdoor spaces to the same level of comfort and sophistication as interior environments. His collections blend architectural precision with natural elegance and have been featured in high-end residences, boutique hotels and ICONIC resorts across the world.

Courtesy of Royal Botania.

Throughout his career, Kris has remained closely involved in every aspect of design, from initial concept and material innovation to the final form. Many of his creations have become industry benchmarks, earning accolades including 5 prestigious Red Dot Design Awards. His design philosophy is rooted in timelessness and sustainability, ensuring that each piece not only pleases aesthetically, but is built to last.

Today, Kris continues to push the boundaries of outdoor design, developing pieces that marry cutting-edge technology with artisanal craftsmanship.

Under his leadership, Royal Botania has grown into a brand that stands for elegance, quality and authenticity, always with a deep respect for nature and the people who enjoy it. Royal Botania is now available at The Collector’s House Retail + Trade Showroom.

John Sheppard, Product Design Judge

Drawing inspiration from the blend between the natural world and the urban environment, John Sheppard has built a multidisciplinary design practice encompassing lighting, furniture, sculpture and interiors.

Courtesy of John Sheppard.

Sheppard spent more than 15 years as an art director in the magazine industry, working for a number of publications including New York magazine, Travel + Leisure and the Wall Street Journal. After several years of ceramics classes, learning the skills of creating art reflective of his style, he established the studio in 2016 with a focus on handmade ceramics for the home.

Today, his work explores tension between geometric precision and handmade imperfection, and the balance between sculpture and function. From tabletop candelabras that balance harsh lines of the avant-garde to curved ceramic pieces with soft edges and oval dimensions, Sheppard continues to create art that is reflective of the ornate beauty of handmade craftsmanship. Sheppard’s collection can be purchased at The Collector’s House Retail + Trade Showroom.

Sandra Vila, Product Design Judge

Sandra Vila is the founder and creative force behind Sandra Vila Design House, a Southern California-based studio known for crafting modern yet timeless interiors. With a rich background spanning design, marketing, luxury real estate and fashion, Vila seamlessly blends her love for travel, the arts and historical architecture into a design philosophy centered on elevated, beautiful living.

Photo by Lance Gerber.

Prioritizing personalization over trends, Vila creates spaces that are deeply reflective of her clients’ identities and stories. She embraces the avant-garde aesthetic, infusing each project with originality and soul.

As an active member of ICAA, ASID, and IIDA, Vila remains closely connected to the design community, drawing from both classical influences and contemporary innovation to create refined, functional and highly personal spaces.

Beyond design, she finds inspiration in construction sites, family moments, outdoor adventures and global travels, shaping an ever-evolving creative vision. Vila’s work is a testament to her attention to detail, deep knowledge of design principles, her clients’ preferences and her passion for her craft.

link