The internationally acclaimed CODAawards recognize the best in public art and the creative forces behind it.
2026 CODAawards Jury
These distinguished thought leaders will review and select projects in ten design categories, shining a spotlight on successful collaborations between artists, design professionals, and other members of the project team.
Adam Rolston
Creative & Managing Director, INC. Architecture & Design
Adam Rolston, senior founding partner of INC Architecture & Design, has been shaping the built environment for over three decades. Raised in Los Angeles and educated in Connecticut, New York, and Florence, he has lived and worked across Asia, Europe, and the United States, bringing a global perspective to his practice. As INC’s creative and managing director, Rolston has led the design of objects, interiors, and buildings totaling over one million square feet, spanning scales from intimate environments to large urban developments. Guided by the belief that beauty is a fundamental human entitlement, his work encompasses residential, hospitality, retail, and commercial projects across three continents. His approach is defined by a commitment to social well-being, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to guide complex projects from concept through execution. Rolston is a registered architect in New York and a member of AIA New York and the USGBC. He also serves on the executive board of Open House New York.
Allison Hays-Lane
Executive Curator, University Health
Allison Hays Lane serves as Executive Curator at University Health, where she leads the integration of art into healthcare environments through strategic planning, curation, and public art commissioning. Since joining the organization in 2008, she has played a central role in shaping large-scale capital projects, collaborating with architects, designers, and artists to create spaces that support healing and community engagement. In 2010, she co-founded the SaludArte: Art of Healing program, establishing a nationally recognized model for arts in healthcare. Her expertise spans art procurement, site-specific installations, and design enhancement across complex medical facilities, including major hospitals and specialty centers completed between 2013 and 2024. She currently oversees art initiatives for multiple projects scheduled through 2027. Her work has earned national recognition from CODAworx and NOAH, reflecting her leadership in advancing innovative, human-centered approaches to integrating art within public health systems.
André Zhang Sonera
Deputy Directory & Chief of Staff Indiana Arts Commission
André Zhang Sonera serves as the Deputy Director & Chief of Staff for the Indiana Arts Commission, a State Arts Agency. Originally from San Sebastián, Puerto Rico, André received his Master’s of Public Affairs in Policy Analysis from Indiana University. His experience spans federal, state, and local government, where he has championed initiatives that integrate arts and culture into public health, community development, and economic recovery efforts. In his spare time, André is also an emerging photographer. His work navigates the intersections of identity and place, reframing the unnoticed with a fresh perspective. As a Puerto Rican & Chinese creative, his artistic process is deeply rooted in the duality of his heritage – balancing past and present, personal narratives and collective histories, and the environments that shape them.
Daniel Iregui
Founder, Iregular Studio
Daniel Iregui is a Montréal-based digital artist and founder of Iregular, an art studio dedicated to creating interactive sculptures, immersive environments, and architectural interventions where technology functions as both medium and aesthetic. His work explores the infinite and unpredictable possibilities generated by interactive systems. At the core of his practice is an ongoing investigation into the relationship between humans and technology, a focus that has defined his work from the very beginning while continually evolving through experimentation collaboration and new media approaches that challenge perception and engagement across diverse audiences and contexts worldwide today in increasingly complex and responsive landscapes
Deirdre MacWilliams
Head of Cultural Affairs, Arlington County
Deirdre Ehlen MacWilliams is a Washington, D.C. based public art leader and cultural planner with more than two decades of experience advancing creative placemaking and large-scale public art initiatives. She recently led public art and creative activation efforts for the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District, developing immersive installations and cultural programming that animate downtown Washington. Over the course of her career, she has worked with organizations including Arlington Arts and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, helping deliver major public art commissions and sculpture exhibitions that bring ambitious artwork into civic spaces.She is now the head of Cultural Affairs for Arlington County. Deirdre also serves as Co-Chair of the Board of Washington Project for the Arts, where she helps guide the organization’s strategy in supporting artists and contemporary art in the region.
Dieter Janssen
Senior Associate, Diamond Schmitt
Dieter joined Diamond Schmitt in 2015 and has contributed to several award-winning projects, including the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa and the University of Guelph’s MacKinnon Building renovation. With over twenty years of experience, he brings a thoughtful, well-rounded approach grounded in material, structure, and spatial experience. His portfolio spans cultural, institutional, residential, and urban projects. A defining aspect of Dieter’s practice is his commitment to collaboration. He has developed meaningful relationships with artists, craftspeople, performers, engineers, and designers across disciplines—from media, textile, and glass artists to theatre groups and landscape architects. These relationships continually inform and expand his design approach, fostering a deeper sensitivity to context, craft, and human experience. Dieter is also a published photographer, with work featured in exhibitions, books, and major architecture platforms. He is a member of the OAA and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.
Elaine Dillard
Programming Director, Discovery Green
Elaine Dillard is a fourth-generation Houstonian whose work centers on connecting art, community, and public space through dynamic programming and partnerships. As Programming Director at Discovery Green Conservancy, she leads the development of a year-round calendar of events that highlights Houston’s cultural diversity, supports local artists, and fosters inclusive community engagement. Her expertise spans large-scale event planning, sponsorship strategy, and collaborative program design, with a strong emphasis on creating accessible experiences that promote wellness, creativity, and social connection.
With over 15 years of experience, Elaine is known for building meaningful relationships across civic, corporate, and creative sectors to bring ambitious projects to life. She co-founded The Butcher’s Ball, a successful, mission-driven festival that championed sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and Texas music. Across her work, she has consistently created platforms where art and culture thrive, shaping vibrant public spaces that inspire connection, participation, and lasting community impact.
Harriet Lumby
Artist, This is Loop
Harriet Lumby is one half of the public art studio This Is Loop based in Somerset, England. The studio conceives, fabricates and tours large-scale audio-visual light installations internationally. Often drawing on scientific and mathematical principles, their work explores themes of time, space, astronomy and particle physics, translating complex ideas into immersive, sensory experiences.
Harriet studied Fine Art Painting at the University of Manchester before working as a scenic artist and set dresser in live events, film and television. With a background in stage and set design and extensive expertise in fabrication and technical production she has a hands on approach to all projects. Alongside her partner and creative collaborator, she oversees all aspects of the studio’s work in-house from concept and design through to build, installation and touring.
Jaime Castillo
Managing Director, City of Austin’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) Program
Jaime Castillo is the Manager of the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) program. His experience in artist advocacy, navigating bureaucratic processes, and Agile project management helps address the challenges of stewarding a 40-year-old public art collection. Under his leadership, AIPP continues to support artists and strengthen the public art policies in Austin’s evolving landscape. As a committed arts professional, Jaime has volunteered for both the AIPP Panel and the Arts Commission, shaping the city’s approach to public art and cultural investment. As well as served on the board of directors for multiple arts non-profit organizations. He also continues his curatorial practice as a member of Los Outsiders, a curatorial collective. Jaime is passionate about promoting creative expression, critical thinking and experiential learning at the intersection of art, community, and civic engagement. His is a deep commitment to fostering meaningful public art experiences.
Jennifer Brener Seay
Founder & CEO, Art + Artisans
Jennifer Brener Seay has been involved in transforming environments through strategic art placement for over two decades. Under her leadership, Art + Artisans has curated art for twenty million square ft. of commercial real estate. As a relationship builder, she bridges the gap between artistic vision and business objectives, helping clients leverage art to achieve economic and cultural goals. Her mission is to revolutionize the CRE industry by demonstrating the measurable impact of art on property value, tenant retention, and engagement. The work she does at Art + Artisans lifts communities, transforming spaces into inspiring environments fostering connection, creativity, and economic growth.
Justin Brookhart
Executive Director of Public Art and Placemaking, AGAR
Justin Brookhart is the Executive Director of Public Art and Placemaking at AGAR, where he leads a national portfolio of large-scale, immersive public art initiatives that merge cultural storytelling, design, and community engagement. He oversees projects from concept through execution, including artist curation, fabrication, installation, and programming, ensuring each experience resonates with diverse audiences. Known for his ability to build strong public-private partnerships, Justin manages complex, multi-million-dollar projects that transform civic spaces into dynamic cultural destinations. Prior to AGAR, he served as Executive Director of BLINK, the nation’s largest public art festival, drawing over 2.2 million attendees and earning widespread recognition for its impact on urban revitalization and creative placemaking. His leadership has been recognized with honors including the Ohio Arts Council’s Irma Lazarus Award,nand contributions to Cincinnati being named Best City for Street Art. Through his work, Justin shapes meaningful, lasting connections between people, place, and culture.
Luis Pons
Founder, Luis Pons Design Lab
Luis Pons is an award-winning designer and the founder of Luis Pons Design Lab (LPDL), a multidisciplinary architecture and design studio based in Miami, Florida. His work is driven by a belief that design should engage people in a dialogue—inviting interaction, interpretation, and sensory experience. For Pons, design is not static; it evolves through use, revealing its purpose through the individual who inhabits it. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Pons brings a holistic approach to design that spans architecture, interiors, landscape, furniture, lighting, jewelry, and object design. His work reflects a seamless integration across disciplines, where each element contributes to a cohesive and immersive environment. Luis Pons Design Lab has completed a wide range of projects, from private residences and hospitality environments to commercial spaces. His furniture collections—including Frame, Beach Collection, Illusion, and Panama Collection (created for the Guanahani Resort in St.Barth’s)—along with lighting and object series such as Mutables, Rain, and Uno, reflect his exploration of form, perception, and transformation.
Pascale Sablan
CEO, Adjaye Associates New York
Pascale serves as the dynamic CEO of Adjaye Associates New York, a globally acclaimed architecture and multidisciplinary design firm known for its innovative and culturally resonant work. In her leadership role, she oversees a wide range of operations, guiding the firm’s strategic vision while ensuring excellence across projects worldwide. Beyond her executive responsibilities, Pascale is also an accomplished author, contributing thoughtful perspectives on design, leadership, and global practice. She further extends her influence as Chairman of the Board of Directors for NYCxDESIGN, where she plays a key role in shaping and promoting New York City’s vibrant design community on an international stage.
Samantha Weston
Public Art and Exhibitions Manager, Denver International Airport
Samantha Weston is an arts advocate specializing in cultural programming within the aviation sector. She serves as the Public Art and Exhibitions Manager at Denver International Airport, where she oversees a permanent collection of more than 230 artworks as well as a rotating exhibitions program that highlights the creative community of the Rocky Mountain region. Weston leads strategic planning, placemaking, and design integration for capital improvement projects across the airport campus. Working closely with community stakeholders, she commissions site-specific public artworks by artists at both local and national levels. She prioritizes maintenance and sustainability in design, with the goal of making art an accessible part of everyday life for travelers, airport employees, and the Denver community.
Tiffany Thompson
Founding Director, Petrichor Projects
Tiffany Thompson is a leader in the global arts ecosystem, celebrated for spearheading transformative public art initiatives that enrich communities and amplify cultural narratives. She drives innovative approaches to cultural placemaking by integrating artists into the design team at the onset of a project to create monumental commissions that captivate diverse audiences. She champions new processes for public art development, collaborating with museums to curate beyond their gallery walls and reimagine their role in the public realm. Her mentorship programs empower artists with the tools and guidance to break into the public art world. Through her work, she fosters inclusive, by creating community-centered experiences that redefine how citizens connect with art in their everyday lives.
Tima Bell
Founding Principal, Bell Design Group
Tima Bell is the Founding Principal of Bell Design Group, a firm with locations in Los Angeles, Madrid, and Argentina. With over 30 years of practice experience, he brings guidance and leadership to the studio. Raised in both Venice Beach, California and Peaks Island, Maine, Tima’s artistic passion led him to architecture, exploring three-dimensional space through his paintings. He studied at Rice University and the Southern California Institute for Architecture. In addition to his American studies, Tima spent considerable time studying throughout Europe. He also completed a one-year artist-in-residency in Arad, Israel. Through Bell Design Group, Tima continues to explore the intersection of art and architecture through his work, designing across widely varying typologies ranging from studios and tech, to residential, hospitality, housing, commercial, civic, and institutional spaces.
The 2026 CODAawards are sponsored by:
