As the Shaw Contract Design Awards get closer and closer, we’ve been delighted in seeing Shaw expand the judging panel with name after name of design talent. Last month we had a chat with Tanner Kibble Denton’s Mel Mackenzie, and this month we’re thrilled to present this Q&A with Architectus’ Andrew Schunke!

Andrew joined Architectus as Group Workplace Leader and Adelaide Managing Principal in early 2016. Prior roles within the Design Industry and University teaching positions have ensured his experience has been wide and varied, and Andrew will be the perfect candidate to represent Australian design on the global stage. Andrew’s appointment to the global judging panel will see his experienced eye looking over the market award winners who have advanced to the global award stage; their detailed design stories will be under the microscope, as well as the Shaw Contract flooring’s contribution to design objectives.

Ahead of the 2017 awards, we’re happy to present this Q&A with Andrew…

What design trends are you hoping to see in the project entries?

Andrew: I am looking forward to seeing the evolution of co-working and activity based workplaces in the submitted entries. The specific regional approaches and different typologies of projects is always exciting to see and understand. How designers conceive spaces, furniture, and finishes that evolve and reflect their location and cultural influences is fascinating. I will also be intrigued to see if projects continue to blur the boundaries across retail, workplace, hospitality and education sectors.

What does being a part of the international judging panel mean to you?

Andrew: To be part of the panel allows the exchange of ideas and opinions between design leaders from across the world. It also recognises the quality and influence that Australian design has on the international stage. Australia is at the forefront, continually evolving and implementing new thinking in teaching and learning environments and agile and incubator workspaces.

What excites you most about the global judging location in NYC?

Andrew: NYC has always been a centre of innovation. The city is continually evolving, embracing both its rich history and cultural diversity to create a melting pot of ideas and design. The newest city landmarks by some of the world’s luminaries of design – Santiago Calatrava, Bjark Ingles, Herzog & De Meuron celebrate NYC and maintain its position as a global design destination.

Global Award judging for the Shaw Contract Design Awards will take place in NYC on the 10th-12th May, 2017. To read more about the Shaw Contract Design Awards click here.