The Brit List Awards 2025: judging panel reveal!

Get ready to be inspired – The Brit List Awards 2025 is turning up the excitement with the official reveal of this year’s powerhouse judging panel! Handpicked for their innovation, influence, and deep industry insight, these esteemed professionals represent the pinnacle of excellence in interior design, architecture, and hospitality. Their combined expertise promises to spotlight the most creative and game-changing talent across the UK design scene. This is your moment to shine – because when the best in the business are watching, every detail counts.

Your 2025 judging panel, from top left to bottom right: Emma King, Sophie Borel, Jess Morrison, Jane Simpson, Jacu Strauss, Sophie Harper, Danny Pecorelli

In April, the Hotel Designs team revealed a WILD theme ‘Take a Walk on the Wild Side’ at MEET UP London, and announced the official opening of applications to enter the awards. With last year’s awards a sell-out success with the largest numbers in attendance in the event’s history at the new ceremony location, Ministry of Sound, we’ve decided to make a return to the famous music venue for 2025, but with some unique and extravagant activations (but we’re not revealing those just yet!).

We are however, incredibly excited to reveal our exceptional judging panel for this year’s awards, taking place on 5th November:

Emma King, Head of Premium, Luxury, and Lifestyle Design – Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts

Leading InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Design team in Europe, Emma King is responsible for the design, development and product quality of all new openings and refurbishments. Having been instrumental in developing new brand standards and design handbooks for IHG and taking a closer look at the products and materials used within their projects, Emma is at the forefront of shaping the look and feel of IHG projects, as well as being a well-known authority in the industry.

Prior to joining IHG Emma was Director of International Interior Design at Marriott International and focussed on providing specialist guidance for submitted designs across the Marriott Brand family.

Danny Pecorelli, Managing Director, Exclusive Collection

Last year’s Brit List Awards Outstanding Contribution winner, Danny Pecorelli is Managing Director of Exclusive Collection. Founded in 1981, the hospitality brand is a family-run independent group of seven country house properties, two spas, a golf club, cookery school, inn and award-winning restaurants.

Danny is actively involved in the wider hospitality industry and has a passion for developing the talent of the future. Such passion has also resulted in the launch of the Exclusive Chefs’ Academy, Graduate Manager’s Programme, Food and Beverage Academy, and strong learning paths in all areas.

Danny values and invests in his people with over 900 employees in the group, has an annual turnover of £65m and has secured the coveted title of being one of the ‘Best Places to Work in Hospitality’, with Acorn award winners, St Julian Scholars, MasterChef and Great British Menu winners, and just a great team of talented people.

Exclusive Collection became the first hotel group in the UK to become an accredited B Corp leading the way in sustainability for the hospitality sector, redefining sustainable luxury.

Jessica Morrison, Senior Associate, GA Group

Jessica Morrison brings over a decade of experience in high-end hospitality design as a Senior Associate at GA Group, one of the world’s leading interior design studios. Her portfolio spans luxury hotels, resorts, and bespoke residential projects across international markets.

Known for her thoughtful storytelling through design, Jessica combines creativity with strategic insight to deliver compelling spatial experiences.

Sophie Borel, Project Planning and Design Manager, Cheval Collection

Sophie is an accomplished interior designer specialising in the luxury hospitality industry, with a fervent passion for creative design and the art of crafting memorable guest experiences.

Over the past 20 years, she has brought her expertise to a wide range of projects across Europe and Africa. Originally from France, Sophie also lived in Portugal before settling in London a decade ago.

Six years back, she joined Cheval Collection, a luxury serviced apartments operator, as Project & Design Manager. In this role, she leads new projects, oversees the design across the current portfolio of 14 properties globally, and conducts feasibility studies.

Jacu Strauss, Creative Director, Lore Group

Jacu Strauss is a London based architect, interior designer, furniture designer and artist as well as Founder of Lore Group. Born and raised in South Africa, Strauss came into his own in the design profession when he worked with British design icon Tom Dixon on London’s Sea Containers hotel, also owned by Lore Group.

He has since designed award winning hotels for his group like the Pultizer in Amsterdam, Riggs in Washington DC, One Hundred Shoreditch in London and more recently Hotel Park Ave in New York.

Jane Simpson, Architect and Managing Director, Jane Simpson Access

Jane is an Architect and an NRAC-registered Access Consultant with over two decades of experience in inclusive design. Her career spans local authority roles, private practice, and planning departments, giving her a well-rounded and practical understanding of accessibility in the built environment.

She offers expert guidance on a wide range of access-related issues, frequently demystifying complex aspects of the Equality Act 2010, the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001, and other relevant legislation. Her work includes developing policy and strategy, supporting operational planning, and collaborating closely with design and construction teams across all project stages – from infrastructure and concept design through to detailed development and handover.

Sophie Harper, Editor, Hotel Designs

Hotel Designs Editor Sophie Harper is an established travel and design journalist and has worked on some of the UK’s most reputable publications and award-winning media campaigns over the last 15 years. As both a writer and editor, Sophie has specialised in hospitality design over the last decade, and has interviewed and hosted events with some of the most influential personalities in the industry.

Sophie’s experience and knowledge have placed her in high demand as a consultant and speaker for a number of events. She currently sits on the Sustainable Design advisory board and regularly speaks at international events and exhibitions.

As well as taking every opportunity to discuss all aspects of hotel design with leading experts across the industry, Sophie is passionate about shedding light on topics concerning ESG, technology, and inclusivity – and actively shines the spotlight on new and upcoming design talent.

The application process for this year’s Brit List Awards is really simple, and better yet – is completely free to enter! Make sure you submit your application by the closing date, 1st August by entering The Brit List Awards 2025 here.