Meet the Experts: The Jury of the Starnet Design Awards
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The Starnet Design Awards represent a pinnacle of achievement in the commercial flooring industry, celebrating world-class interiors created through the partnership of architects, designers, and Starnet members. At the heart of this celebration is the Starnet Design Awards Jury, a group of highly respected professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to recognize excellence in commercial design with a specific focus on flooring elements. We are immensely grateful for their dedication, as their hard work and enthusiasm are what uphold the high standards of excellence that make these awards possible. This year, we are honored to introduce the four industry leaders who are lending their vision and knowledge to the judging process.
Liz Sims
With 28 years of experience in the industry, Liz Sims serves as the Director of Interior Design at Michael Graves. Liz brings a unique and invaluable perspective to the jury, having previously worked in facilities design for a financial services company. Her expertise spans the entire lifecycle of a project—from programming and concept development to installation—and she has led diverse projects across the healthcare, hospitality, and corporate sectors. An active member of IIDA, NAIOP, and IFMA, Liz is celebrated for her ability to translate complex client visions into functional, creative environments that enhance the user experience.
Caleb Salomons
As the Director of Design, Interiors at HOK, Caleb Salomons leads large-scale, high-profile workplace projects for a global clientele. Caleb’s approach is “awesome” because it is deeply grounded in work-behavior research and corporate real estate best practices, ensuring that his designs are as strategic as they are beautiful. He is a prominent voice in the industry, contributing to HOK’s Thought Leadership team and speaking regularly on the future of workplace design. Beyond his design work, Caleb serves on HOK’s Diversity Advisory Council and the Interior Designer of Alberta Council, reflecting his commitment to a more inclusive and forward-looking profession.
Brent Otsuka
Brent Otsuka, Manager of Interior Design at Fentress Studios, is renowned for creating conceptually driven, story-driven experiences. With over a decade of experience, Brent has been a key player in award-winning projects such as the Miami Beach Convention Center and the Nashville International Airport. He is a master of integrating materials, lighting, and texture to establish harmony while reinforcing a project’s core narrative. Brent’s dedication extends to the future of the craft; as the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the IIDA Rocky Mountain Chapter, he helped launch an Education Fund to support BIPOC students pursuing careers in design.
David Gross
Serving as the Unique Installation Challenge Judge, David Gross brings decades of hands-on field experience to the panel. As the Executive Director of INSTALL (the International Standards and Training Alliance), David is a leading authority on installation standards, workforce development, and risk mitigation. His background is remarkably comprehensive, having worked as an installer, foreman, and project manager before becoming a full-time flooring instructor. Holding an MBA and advanced credentials in Workforce Education, David provides the jury with the technical insight necessary to evaluate the most complex and demanding flooring installations.
The Starnet partnership is proud to be the most influential force in the contract flooring industry, and it is the contribution of professionals like Liz, Caleb, Brent, and David that continues to shape our industry and drive the success of our members. We thank them for their pivotal role in making the Starnet Design Awards a symbol of true professional excellence.