Meet the Judges

Learn more about our expert panel of Judges

Barbara Chandler
Photographer. Specialist design writer. Founder/curator GREEN GRADS.
GREEN GRADS

Barbara Chandler has been writing about design and decoration for around 50 years, latterly as the design writer for the London Evening Standard (for 25 years). She is an exhibiting photographer, has written many books, and amidst many Awards, three are for Lifetime Achievement. In 2021, she founded GREEN GRADS, a unique platform for recent UK graduates whose final projects in some way relate to the environment/sustainability. GREEN GRADS holds many shows, seminars and salons, hosts a YouTube channel and currently has over 150 graduates with full biographies listed on their website.

Max McMurdo
Dr of sustainable design, author, TV presenter and creator of campervans

Max McMurdo, Dr of sustainable design and maker of fun stuff lives in an upcycled Floating shipping container, designs and builds campers at @outlandishcampers and writes books and presents TV shows about upcycling, design and small spaces.

Eva Sonaike
Founder & Creative Director
Eva Sonaike

Eva Sonaike, a London-based interior company, is renowned for its luxury home textiles and furnishings infused with a vibrant West-African aesthetic. Founded by Eva Sonaike, the visionary Creative Director, the brand epitomises "Bringing Colour to Life" through meticulously curated collections, blending African traditions with European elegance. With products available in prestigious stores worldwide and collaborations with top design firms, Eva Sonaike continues to redefine luxury interiors, seamlessly integrating rich African colours and aesthetics into contemporary living.

Deborah Arthurs
Editor-in-Chief
Metro

Deborah is editor-in-chief of Metro, the UK’s highest circulating newspaper with a digital audience of 5m+ and a growing social video audience that generates 1bn views a month. She started her career at the Daily Mail's Femail and, with a passion for women’s and consumer journalism, went on to write and edit features sections for the next 15 years. Passionate about homes and interiors, at Metro she has overseen the launch of the popular What I Rent and What I Own property series, while in her personal life, her interiors obsession and love of period properties has been put to the test with an Edwardian rental makeover, a shoestring renovation of a Victorian cottage in Richmond and, more recently, a Georgian townhouse in Mortlake.

Jayne Dowle
Freelance homes, gardens, interiors and property journalist

Jayne Dowle is an award-winning journalist and author, writing about homes, gardens, interiors and property for more than two decades. Her areas of expertise include interior hacks, upcycling, decluttering and renovation. Having made several major house moves - including from London to Yorkshire with a baby in tow - she has renovated two Edwardian properties in Yorkshire, turning them into happy homes without spending a fortune. Her work is published in newspapers and magazines including Sunday Times Home, Times Bricks & Mortar, House Beautiful, Ideal Home and Grand Designs. She’s co-author of The Repair Shop: Life in the Barn (Kyle Books, 2022) and The Repair Shop: Crafts in the Barn (Kyle Books, 2023) celebrating the popular BBC restoration series.

Nicki Bamford-Bowes
Interior designer & stylist
And Then They Went Wild

Nicki Bamford-Bowes is a renowned interior designer known for her influential and bold approach to transforming homes. She gained widespread recognition as a designer on BBC's "Interior Design Master” where she showcased her talent and innovative ideas. Nicki has an unwavering eye for detail and a passion for crafting unique spaces that inspire and make you go wild. Her work often incorporates influences from graphic design, blending contemporary styles with creative touches, making captivating and memorable spaces that stand out in any feed

Roddy Clarke
Design Journalist and Presenter

A graduate of Cambridge University’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Roddy Clarke is a design writer looking at the social and environmental impacts of design. With a background in restoration, Roddy covers topics such as circularity, responsible design and the presence of traditional craft in a contemporary society. Contributing to titles such as The Financial Times and Forbes, Roddy hosts and speaks across various industry events while consulting with brands to help them navigate their way to a greener future through transparent and honest communication. Roddy also works as an interior stylist for a variety of brand-related projects.

Deirdre Mc Gettrick
CEO & Founder
ufurnish.com

Deirdre McGettrick is the founder and CEO of ufurnish.com, the UK's #1 search and comparison website for furniture. She is also the founder of the ufurnish.com Home Awards. Deirdre is passionate about home interiors and believes it should be simple for everyone to create their dream home which is why she created ufurnish.com, the platform that brings together 100+ furniture retailers all onto one website.