The Head of Design at David Chipperfield Architects, the Director of ZHA, and Gucci’s former Creative Director join the jury for the 11th edition of the Archiproducts Design Awards
The jury for the 11th edition of the Archiproducts Design Awards 2026is beginning to take shape with the announcement of its first international members: Paolo Dell’Elce, Associate Director and Head of Design at David Chipperfield Architects; Melodie Leung, Director at ZHA (formerly Zaha Hadid Architects); and Sabato De Sarno, designer, curator, and former Creative Director of the fashion house Gucci.
Now in their eleventh edition, the Archiproducts Design Awards observe contemporary design through an international and multidisciplinary lens, recognising projects that go beyond function to become expressions of research, culture, and innovation.
Over the years, the ADA have established itself as one of the industry’s leading events, dedicated to celebrating excellence in design on a global scale. Each year, the jury brings together some of the most authoritative voices from the contemporary design scene, spanning design, architecture, and visual culture.
This year, once again, companies from around the world will have the opportunity to submit their proposals for the title of “Winner”, awarded by a jury tasked with selecting the very best in contemporary design.
Paolo Dell’Elce, Head of Design at David Chipperfield Architects
Paolo Dell’Elce joined David Chipperfield Architects Milano in 2015 and became Associate Director in 2025.
Over nearly 11 years at the practice, Paolo has been responsible for developing bespoke furniture for fashion brands including Akris, Brioni, Charles & Keith, Furla, Persol, and Valentino, as well as for multi-brand retailers such as La Rinascente, KaDeWe, SSENSE, and LOTTE. He has also overseen office, residential, and cultural projects for both the Milan and Santiago offices, contributing to furniture development and interior design projects, including Casa RIA in Santiago de Compostela.
As Head of Design at David Chipperfield Design, Paolo currently leads the development of design products and furniture collections for companies including Alessi, e15, Kasthall, Unifor, Wästberg, Viabizzuno, and Zumtobel.
Melodie Leung, Director at ZHA
Melodie Leung is a Director at ZHA, where she plays a leadership role in creative direction, design, and communications. Over more than twenty years at the practice, she has contributed to the delivery of highly significant projects ranging from internationally acclaimed architecture and interiors to product design, as well as major exhibitions staged at some of the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries.
Alongside her professional practice, Melodie is actively engaged in promoting contemporary culture, organising conferences that highlight women’s contributions to architecture. She also continues her commitment to education and supporting the next generation of architects, sharing her expertise both through her previous experience as a design educator and through the community engagement initiatives promoted by the practice.
She is also the Director of the ZHA Gallery in London and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Chisenhale Gallery.
Sabato De Sarno, Designer and Creative Director
Sabato De Sarno is a creative director and curator whose work spans fashion, art, and editorial projects. Following more than twenty years of experience in the fashion industry, including roles at Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino, he served as Creative Director of Gucci until February 2025.
Today, his work focuses on themes of process, time, and human presence. His most recent projects include Napoli Infinita and INSIEME, presented during Milan Design Week 2026. He lives and works between Milan and Brussels and nurtures a passion for collecting contemporary art, as well as archival garments and documents related to fashion history.
Archiproducts Design Awards 2026: Call for Entries Open
Submissions for the Archiproducts Design Awards 2026 are officially open.
Brands may submit from one to five products across categories ranging from Furniture and Lighting to Contractand Building & Construction.
To compete for the ADA 2026 Winner Sustainability Award, applicants must indicate their intention during the submission process and provide the required supporting documentation.
> Submission deadline: 14 September 2026
> Longlist announcement: October 2026
> Winners announcement: November 2026
