Following the launch of nominations for the 2026 Emerging Talent Award, Dutch Design Awards (DDA) officially announced the jury for its new edition last night at Milan Design Week. 

“Dutch design has been a reference point for decades. This jury brings together voices that show its power today—pioneers who have disrupted the industry, who champion new formats, and who recognize the need to regain a shared momentum.

Not only to recognise talent, but to create the conditions for a new generation to grow, connect, and redefine what design can be,” says Borre Akkersdijk, jury chair Dutch Design Awards 2026.

The jury of 2026 consists of:

Imruh Asha – Fashion Director at Dazed Magazine.

Gabriele Chiave – Creative Director at Controvento; former Global VP Creative Direction at Estée Lauder Companies.

Karin van Gilst – Director FOAM Museum Amsterdam.

Afaina de Jong – Architect and Researcher (AFARAI).

Christian Luiten – Co-founder of Avant Arte.

Nalden – Founder and Investor (WeTransfer, Nternet Company).

Hussein Suleiman – Co-founder Daily Paper.

Assembled by Jury Chair Borre Akkersdijk, the internationally oriented jury brings together leading voices from across disciplines. Together, they will select designers who contribute to a more connected and forward-looking design field.

“Emerging talent is where the future of design lives. I’m joining the jury not just to give something back, but because I know I’ll leave inspired. Every new generation reshapes what’s possible, and I’m genuinely excited to witness that up close,” says Hussein Suleiman on joining the jury. 

Borre Akkersdijk outlined the responsibility for the established generation of Dutch designers to open up space again earlier this month. As the previous jury passes the baton, this new cohort continues the work of rebuilding a shared context for design today – strengthening connections across the field and creating the conditions for emerging designers to grow beyond a purely national platform and into a global dialogue. 

The design community is invited to nominate emerging talent with a clear voice and a critical perspective – designers who challenge what came before and create the conditions for what comes next.

Designers may apply or be nominated by Friday, 15 May (23:59 CEST). Nominations are open via dutchdesignawards.nl.

Finalists will be announced as the Dutch Design Awards Class of 2026 this summer. During Dutch Design Week 2026 (17-25 October), the cohort will come together in Eindhoven for a shared framework for recognition, exchange, and collective growth. Each year, €30,000 in grants are awarded between three winners supporting the further development of their practice, made possible by Keep an Eye Foundation – which supports emerging and creative talent.