Designers of the Year 2020: Introducing the Architecture Judges

The benefits of entering the Western Living Designers of the Year awards is two-fold: yes, winning the top prize can be a game-changer for the designer who takes the title of Designer of the Year in their category. But just as importantly, every one who enters has the opportunity to put their work in front of the top architects and designers in the world€”and our 2020 Architecture Panel is prime example of that.

Patricia Patkau, Patkau Architects

Patricia founded Patkau Architects with her husband, John, in 1978. Together, they are responsible for providing design leadership throughout each project from inception to completion.

As one of North America's foremost designers, Patricia has made important contributions to the field of architecture in both practice and education. She is a Professor Emerita at the University of British Columbia, where she taught advanced design for over 20 years. Her significant commitment to architectural education was recognized in 2009 with the Tau Sigma Delta Gold Medal for exemplary commitment to architectural education and the practice of architecture.

Patricia's contributions to the practice of architecture have been recognized by numerous awards including the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Gold Medal for lifetime achievement and Membership in the Order of Canada for significant contribution to Canadian culture. She has also been recognized internationally as Honorary Fellow of both the American Institute of Architects and the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Rachael Gray, Gray Partnership

Located in New York City, Gray Partnership was established by Rachael Gray who earned her graduate degree in architecture from Princeton University. With over 20 years of experience, Rachael previously served at the helm of Work Architecture & Design and Gray, Watt & Partners respectively.

Rachael Gray brings to the firm an aesthetic sensibility that permeates the portfolio. Her ability to master the strategy of a design and carry it through from the big picture to the smallest detail ensures the coherence and integrity of projects. Her critical eye adds value to every project and has contributed to her reputation as a innovator in the field of architecture.

Rachael has served as an Advisory Board Member of the Parsons School of Design and an assistant instructor at Princeton School of Architecture. Her designs have been reviewed in Interior Design, Elle Decor, Dwell and Interni Magazines as well as the Wall Street Journal. The Garmet District Loft has been published in various Loft-themed books.

Michael Green, MGA

Michael Green is an award-winning architect, speaker and author known internationally for his research, leadership, and advocacy in promoting the use of wood, new technology and innovation in the built environment. Michael is the founder of MGA | Michael Green Architecture, an architecture and design firm creating ambitious, innovative modern timber buildings, DBR | Design Build Research and TOE | Timber Online Education, a non-profit school and research platform. A Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, Michael is the author of several international publications on mass timber and tall wood.

Wanna show these all-star judges your stuff? Enter our 2020 Designers of the Year now! Deadline April 1, 2020.