Dezeen Awards judges share their advice on how to create a winning entry

With just three weeks left until entries close, Dezeen Awards judges architect Simon Allford and designers Tatjana von Stein, Giorgia Lupi and Benjamin Hubert offer advice on what a winning entry should look like.

Alongside their advice, for our 2025 edition we've created a series of short videos outlining key information about this year's awards programme. The third one, below, highlights our three main judging criteria, which are beautiful, innovative and beneficial.

The video highlights the judging criteria for Dezeen Awards

Pentagram designer Lupi, who specialises in data-driven print, digital and environmental graphics, advised applicants to "focus on the concept and the story behind your design."

"I am looking for designs that challenge conventional perspectives and offer new insights into subjects, products, or ideas," said Lupi. "Projects that combine aesthetic appeal and resonate on a human level stand out."

"I’m looking for designs that challenge the status quo"

Industrial designer Hubert agreed, saying he's "looking for designs that challenge the status quo – projects that push boundaries and move us forward in meaningful ways, benefiting both people and the planet."

"Innovation is key, but so is freshness and originality – something that surprises me, feels genuinely new, and has been crafted with care, intention, and deep attention to detail," he added.

Hubert advised entrants "to communicate [their ideas] with absolute clarity – ensure that your submission clearly defines the problem you’re solving and the core benefit your design delivers."

"Judges are looking for projects that demonstrate a real purpose, so articulate the impact of your work concisely and compellingly," he continued.

"Beyond functionality, a strong entry should also showcase craftsmanship, originality, and a distinct creative voice."

"I naturally look at aesthetics"

Meanwhile, interior designer Von Stein, whose work spans luxury hospitality and retail projects, said she's searching for beautiful projects where "thoughtfulness and intention stand out."

"Taste is subjective, of course, but I naturally look at aesthetics – how elements come together in harmony," explained Von Stein. "Beyond that, I’m drawn to the narrative and how creativity shines through form, materiality, and a sustainable approach."

In contrast, architect and former RIBA president Allford said "looks are not enough," and advised entrants to be "clear as to what your project has achieved and how it has added something to better the human condition."

Three weeks left to enter!

There are just three weeks left to enter Dezeen Awards. Enter your projects by 23:59 London time on 29 May, for a chance to win the ultimate prize!

All the information about how to enter can be found here, which includes details about our categories, prices and dates, and terms and conditions.

Need help with your entry? Drop us a line at awards@dezeen.com, where a member of the team will be on hand to troubleshoot.

Dezeen Awards 2025 in partnership with Bentley

Dezeen Awards is the ultimate accolade for architects and designers across the globe. The eighth edition of the annual awards programme is in partnership with Bentley as part of a wider collaboration to inspire, support and champion design excellence and showcase innovation that creates a better and more sustainable world. This ambition complements Bentley's architecture and design business initiatives, including the Bentley Home range of furnishings and real estate projects around the world.

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