Damian is the CEO and Design Lead at German Kitchens Limited, based in Wellington, New Zealand with 33 years of experience creating individual bespoke spaces, specialising in German manufacturers.

Since 1991, Damian has led his Design Team to win over 50 National and International Design Awards, and together they have judged over 20 different Design Award competitions both in New Zealand and internationally.

Damian has just returned from Melbourne judging the Australian KBDi Kitchen and Bathroom Design Awards. Additionally, he holds a National Diploma in Kitchen Design and also the highest membership tier with the NKBA as an Elite Designer.

Damian was recently selected to design the amazing ‘Unserhaus’ showroom for Gaggenau, Neff and Bosch in Auckland, New Zealand. He went on to win a prestigious German Design Award for his efforts.

We are thrilled to have Damian return to Judging after last being a Judge for the inaugural Gaggenau Kitchen of the year back in 2021.

Eva-Marie Prineas founded Studio Prineas in 2004. Over the past 20 years, Studio Prineas has steadily been building a portfolio of homes that embody quiet luxury with strong focus on environmental responsibility and Country. Studio Prineas is a committed B Corp and is proudly 100% female led.

Eva-Marie’s background and passion for heritage conservation and sustainable design forms the basis of the Studio Prineas philosophy of understanding and adapting places that are already special. Her award-winning approach to design stems from an intuitive understanding of what to keep and what to cleverly adapt in her projects.

Eva-Marie has been actively involved in the Australian Architecture community for decades. She was a co-founder of DARCH – the Australian Institute of Architects group for emerging architects, and regularly contributes as guest critic at the University of Sydney, the University of NSW and UTS Architecture Faculties. Eva-Marie is an examiner for architects’ registration at the NSW Board of Architects. In 2007 and again in 2020, Eva-Marie was elected onto the NSW Chapter Council for the Australian Institute of Architects and has continued to contribute to numerous architectural and interiors juries and panels.

Martin Cooper is a distinguished figure in the property development industry, known for his role as the director of Development Management firm, Cooper & Associates, and his success with the luxury residential brand Experiences by Coopers. His notable developments stand among the best in New Zealand and include Outlook Mission Bay, Elm Remuera, and most recently One Saint Stephens, which are testaments to his expertise in luxury property development.

As the Chair of the Auckland Executive Committee of the Property Council New Zealand, Martin's influence extends to significant industry leadership positions. His insights into real estate market activity, luxury residential apartment design, and international property trends are highly sought after.

Martin's comprehensive understanding of the property market and his forward-thinking approach to apartment design make him an ideal candidate to judge the Gaggenau Kitchen of the Year Design Contest. What’s more, Martin has continued to be an advocate for Gaggenau appliances throughout all of his developments and is proud to consider Gaggenau as his appliance of choice.

With over 20 years experience as an Interior designer, Miriam has built a strong reputation in the design industry. Miriam has been involved in many types of design projects ranging from residential both individual and multi, through to hospitality, hotel, retail and large scale retail.

Miriam, the founding director of Mim Design, believes in continually being inspired by surrounding environments and seeks a strong sense of design and rational use of purpose for each individual project. Her ability to nurture and meld client relationships ensures the studio is an approachable environment for both clients and the team at Mim Design. Miriam’s passion for visually exploring and achieving high quality standards ensures each project is well considered, crafted and designed for a reason.

Carr is a studio that has championed and cemented the power of design in Australia for 50 years – and behind it is Sue Carr – a passionate designer who continues to diligently push the industry forward with her fastidious approach to design.

Sue’s design philosophy permeates every project that the studio creates. These guiding principles have been founded on a deep understanding of the value that design can impart on the human experience. Whether a timeless home, a large-scale residential development, a future-facing workplace or a ground-breaking hotel, every Carr project considers its context, light and shadow, and form and function to create work that leaves an impact.

Since first starting an interior design studio in 1971, Sue has continued to drive the importance of design and this courageous commitment has been recognised by several key accolades. In 2006 Sue was inducted in the Design Institute of Australia’s Hall of Fame, an award that celebrates the work of design visionaries. She has also been recognised in the AFR Westpac ‘100 Women of Influence’ awards, and in 2010 she received the Gold Medal for Interior Design at the Interior Design Excellence Awards.

Richard Archer is the design director of the Sydney based, international award winning architecture and interior design studio: Archer Design. As a registered architect with many years of experience in the architecture and interior design industries, Richard is renowned for his unique skills in the seamless integration of interior and architectural planning, bespoke detailing, and overall design excellence.

Archer Design has secured a strong reputation for producing a wide range of quality design solutions for an extensive list of clients in the corporate, retail and apartment development sectors, as well as numerous high end private residential commissions. Richard’s passion for architecture and interior design began in early childhood, further developing throughout his work with industry leaders such as Cox and Geyer and since establishing his own firm in 1998.

This breadth of expertise is aligned with his experience as a media commentator and design educator at tertiary level institutions in both Australia and New Zealand. Richard is actively involved in the design of all projects in Archer Design’s timeless, elegant yet highly functional portfolio of projects. With his dedicated design team, Richard’s oversight and expertise ensures that all Archer Design clients are provided with thoroughly resolved and innovative design solutions from initial planning and detailed design documentation through to the expert curation of fine artworks and luxury furnishings.