We are delighted to introduce the judging panel for the 2026 Corian® Design Awards. With Edition 2 open for submissions until 31 October, it’s the perfect time to highlight the outstanding industry leaders who will be reviewing and recognising this year’s most innovative designs. Bringing together a wealth of expertise and creative vision, our judges represent a diverse cross-section of the design industry — each united by a commitment to excellence and a passion for pushing the boundaries of design.
The 2026 panel proudly features Andrea van der Zande, Darcy Miller, May Fong, John Herniman, and Tarryn Hogan.
Andrea van der Zande
Founder
De Zande Studio • SA
Andrea van der Zande is an interior designer and founder of De Zande Studio, a Barossa Valley-based practice working across residential, hospitality and commercial interiors. With more than 15 years’ experience in the design and construction industry, Andrea’s career has spanned interior design within architectural practices, as well as project management roles. She has worked across residential, hospitality, education and commercial sectors, guiding projects from initial briefing and concept design through to documentation, contract administration and delivery.
This broad experience gives her a practical understanding of how strong design ideas are translated into thoughtfully resolved spaces. Andrea’s approach is grounded in an understanding of people, place and materiality. She values design that extends beyond aesthetics to demonstrate clear intent, intelligent material selection, technical resolution and enduring functionality. As a judge, she brings an appreciation for work that is both creatively ambitious and carefully considered.
“Back yourself and put your work forward. A project doesn’t need to be grand or complex to have something meaningful to say. Often, it’s a single thoughtful idea or beautifully resolved detail that gives a space its character. If you’re proud of what you’ve created, let it be seen.” – Andrea van der Zande
Darcy Miller
Interior Designer
Perfect Practice • WA
Darcy Miller is an award-winning Interior Designer at Perfect Practice, recognised for his considered approach to healthcare design and his commitment to enhancing the patient experience. A natural problem-solver, he brings clarity, empathy and purpose to each project, creating environments that support improved outcomes for patients, clients and the wider community.
Through strong communication and a deep understanding of the relationship between environment and wellbeing, Darcy helps clients recognise the significant role design can play during moments of care and healing. His experience includes working with leading healthcare providers such as Linear Clinical, Headspace National, Aegis Health and Perth Day Hospital, alongside bespoke health projects challenging the status quo like SmileHaus, Azure Dental and more than eight specialist suites within the new Murdoch Square development in Perth, WA.
“Designers entering the Corian Design Awards should focus on creating work that is both imaginative and intelligent. I’ll be looking for creative use of the material, forms that are sculptural yet purposeful, and designs where function is strengthened by restraint. Corian offers incredible flexibility, but the most compelling entries will be those that use the material thoughtfully, with a clear sense of proportion, efficiency and intent. Sometimes, less really is more.” – Darcy Miller
May Fong
Interior Design Lead
Studio STH • NSW
May Fong leads Studio STH’s interior design team, bringing expertise across the hospitality, commercial, residential and healthcare sectors. With a unique background in Industrial Design and Marketing, she combines creative thinking with a deep understanding of client and market needs to deliver thoughtful, innovative design solutions.
A strong advocate for collaboration, May believes the best design emerges through creative problem-solving and a willingness to challenge convention. She takes a holistic approach, seamlessly integrating architecture and interior design to create environments that are innovative, functional and enduring. By combining strategic thinking with design excellence, May delivers spaces that respond to complex challenges while creating meaningful, lasting impact.
“The most compelling entries do more than showcase great design – they communicate bold thinking, creative problem-solving, and innovation that challenges expectations and leaves a lasting impact. Share what you created, and why it matters.” – May Fong
John Herniman
Founder
Herniman Group • VIC
John Herniman is a registered practising architect with over 40 years of experience in architecture, interior design, property development, and strategic property advisory Australia-wide. He founded the award-winning Herniman Group at the age of 23, building a practice recognised nationally and internationally for creating innovative and commercially successful architectural and interior design outcomes.
In addition to his design expertise, John has been actively involved in property investment and development since the age of 26, delivering projects nationally for himself and advising developers, investors, and business owners on how to maximise the potential of their property assets. John was also the founding director of Archicentre and served as its chairman for 25 years. Known for his strategic thinking, professionalism, and ethical approach, he is a respected voice in both the design and property industries and regularly shares insights through public speaking and industry publications.
“The Corian® Design Awards are highly prestigious and widely recognised across the design industry, offering valuable exposure among your peers. I encourage you to submit your strongest projects and support them with outstanding imagery to maximise their impact with the judging panel.” – John Herniman
Tarryn Hogan
Interior Designer
CA Architects • QLD
Tarryn Hogan has over 10 years’ experience as an interior designer, delivering projects across a diverse range of sectors throughout Queensland. Her experience spans health, workplace office fitouts, hospitality, education and commercial projects, with involvement in both large and small-scale refurbishments, as well as new-build developments.
Tarryn brings a strong passion for interior design and a considered, practical approach to every project. Her design process is creative and intuitive, balanced with a strong understanding of functionality, project requirements and the needs of each client. She is particularly focused on developing tailored design solutions that respond to the existing environment, enhance the user experience and achieve a cohesive and considered outcome.
“Don’t underestimate your work. If you’ve created something you believe in, have the confidence to put it forward. Awards are an opportunity to celebrate your ideas; your process and the difference good design can make.” – Tarryn Hogan
