Giving your time to be a judge for any Awards program is sometimes a daunting task but, for the three judges of the KBDi Design2013 Awards it was also a very challenging experience. With a record number of entries this year, the three judges spent hours – both individually then as a judging team – pouring over entries from all across Australia. We thought it would be a nice opportunity to introduce them all to you and let you get to know them a bit better – we asked them all the same three questions and, as you can see, their answers are very interesting and quite varied.
John Spiteri – Brindabella Bathrooms/Brindabella Home Improvements
Why did you decide to take on the challenge of judging?
I have been fortunate enough to have won a number of awards over the years and I appreciate how much it can affect your business and your own pride in the job you do. This year, I felt it was time to give something back to an industry I am so passionate about and to support KBDi, an association which plays a very important role in our industry.
What did you enjoy most about the process?
It was so interesting to speak with the other judges and fascinating to hear their views and experiences. It goes to show you can always learn something new in this business. We all got on very well during the judging process.
Why should people get involved in awards programs?
Every time you enter an award it is a learning experience and I don’t believe we’re ever too old to learn. If you win or are nominated as a finalist, that is very self-gratifying and it’s rewarding both in a business sense as well as personal. It’s really just a great way to get involved in the industry.
Ros Hemley – The Interior Space
Why did you decide to take on the challenge of judging?
I have a strong belief that it is important to give back and I very much enjoy any opportunity to contribute to the enhancement of the profession of design. I had previously been involved with national forecasting of the Australian Colour Forecast palette through Colourways Australia. Then I was invited to become a judge and decided it would be very worthwhile. It seems a good fit as I not only a design, but have an education background. I think it something I have within me that makes me enjoy helping others, critiquing their work and in some instances being inspired by the entrant’s inventiveness.
What did you enjoy most about the process?
Many things, I would think mostly it was an opportunity to assist in giving recognition to designers who had achieved a very high standard of both creativity and professionalism. I also enjoy the face to face work with the judging panel as I find I learn a lot from the others who have usually come from entirely different backgrounds in relation to career.
Why should people get involved in awards programs?
I believe it is important for a couple of reasons. The first is that it allows entrants an opportunity to be reminded of what is involved to give a professional presentation, the whole process from design concept, documentation and then on to preparing for the project to come into fruition. I think by taking the step to enter and reading through the requirements for the entry presentation, designers will be encouraged to be constantly prepared and working at this higher level to make the process easier. I believe taking this step will make them want to attain higher standards continually and this will reflect well on the industry at a whole. Even if people do not actually win, by entering and being part of the design community at that higher level, it will undoubtedly result in a wave effect of enthusiasm and inspiration for all.
Robert Hutton – Elite Kitchen & Bathroom Designs
Why did you decide to take on the challenge of judging?
The judging for this year’s awards involved a total of 81 kitchen and 43 bathroom designs, submitted from all over Australia. I felt honoured to have been asked to participate in this prestigious event and, as I have been involved in the judging process for other organisations over the past few years, I was hoping I could make a valuable contribution.
What did you enjoy most about the process?
It was the opportunity to immerse myself in all the various design processes which had been submitted by so many talented designers that I found both humbling as well as most enjoyable. In the final stages, set over 2 days at KBDi headquarters in Brisbane, it was the vigorous discussion between myself and my co-judges that I found equally rewarding. We were given the rarest of opportunities to discuss each other’s varying points of view and which ultimately highlighted just how close each of these entries were to achieving the top awards.
What did you enjoy most about the process?
In my opinion, the KBDi Awards program has now become the benchmark for all kitchen and bathroom designers to aspire towards. Designers now have the opportunity to undertake industry refined training within the Designer Training program and this, when combined with the very clear ‘on-line’ Award Judging Criteria, offers all designers the opportunity to enter their project. The awards program offers a very fair and totally “blind” judging process which would help even the newest of designers achieve one of the most prestigious awards, whether they are involved in small or large projects.
Have you been involved on a judging panel? Tell us about your experiences – good and bad!
