Judges

Ashwin Raman, ARIDO

Ashwin Raman is a Canadian Registered Interior Designer and Retail Design Strategist with over 23 years in the AEC industry. An internationally trained architect with an MBA, he integrates operational insight with design excellence to deliver value-driven solutions. He leads Ramans Design Services Inc., an interdisciplinary studio specializing in retail design, commercial interiors, luxury residences, branding, and experiential graphic design.
Ashwin has held senior leadership roles at Walmart Canada, Target Corporation, and Reliance Retail, and has also consulted on large-scale projects with leading firms in Canada and internationally.
He serves on design committees, is an educator, and mentors emerging professionals through ARIDO. A strong advocate for accessible, inclusive, and affordable design, he regularly contributes to critiques and case studies. Outside of work, Ashwin enjoys travel, cultural exploration, and time with loved ones – experiences that inform his human-centered approach. He also supports charitable causes like The Ride to Conquer Cancer.

Erin Jenner, ARIDO

A visionary interior designer, educator, and advocate with over two decades of transformative impact in interior design, Erin embodies the intersection of professional excellence and educational innovation. Her professional practice spans corporate, government, healthcare, and residential projects.
Erin’s academic journey culminated in her graduate research focused on design activism and social justice in design education – principles that now form the foundation of inspirED learning lab. As founder and CEO of inspirED learning lab, Erin has created a groundbreaking virtual space where design professionals cultivate curiosity and collective growth.
Her approach to education – centered on social justice, inclusivity, and challenging traditional pedagogy – inspired countless students across Ontario’s institutions. Erin’s leadership as ARIDO Education Director and as Project Advisor for RIDA, reflect her commitment to evolving the profession. Through inspirED, she continues to foster environments where diverse perspectives thrive, and future designers discover their opportunity to transform communities through thoughtful design.

Nadia Cannataro, ARIDO

Principal and co-founder of large [medium] design office, Nadia Cannataro is a registered member of ARIDO, a LEED Accredited Professional and member of the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC). Nadia holds a Bachelor of Interior Design from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and an MFA in Criticism and Curatorial Practice from OCAD University.
With experience across corporate, institutional, retail, and residential interiors, Nadia is a versatile designer who has led and contributed to projects of varying scales both across Canada and internationally. Her approach to design is rooted in creating dynamic, narrative-driven environments that respond to client needs, brand identity, and site specificity.
Nadia is especially interested in the role of interior design as a meaningful cultural practice, one that creates spaces that are not only functional but also emotionally resonant. She sees art and design as storytelling tools integral to designing compelling environments that enrich everyday life.

Vera Gisarov, ARIDO

With over 25 years in Interior Design and Architecture, Vera Gisarov is a distinguished design leader based in Toronto, specializing in complex commercial interiors. She has extensive experience in North America and globally, delivering workplace headquarters and retail flagships that seamlessly blend functionality and design.
Vera is a published author and speaker, contributing insightful articles on wellness and design to notable publications such as The Globe and Mail, National Post, and Canadian Facility Management. Her thought leadership reflects her commitment to integrating wellness into design, promoting environments that foster productivity and well-being.
An active leader in the Toronto real estate community, Vera has held significant roles in organizations including NAIOP, CoreNet, ARIDO and CREW, the Commercial Real Estate Women’s Toronto Chapter, where she is currently President Elect. Her dedication to advancing women to positions of leadership and influence, continues to strengthen and expand diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout Toronto’s design, architecture and real estate communities.