As the KBDi Design Awards continue to set the standard for excellence in Australian kitchen and bathroom design, we are delighted to introduce our expert judging panel for 2025. These accomplished professionals bring a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience, design innovation, and industry leadership. Their collective knowledge will ensure a rigorous, fair, and insightful judging process, recognising Australia’s finest design talent and inspiring the next generation of designers.
Lucy Sutherland
Director of Insights & Trends, Temple & Webster
With over two decades of experience in trend forecasting, colour strategy, and design education, Lucy Sutherland is a respected leader in the Australian design and interiors industry. Her career includes leadership roles at Porter’s Paints, Wattyl, Colourways, and the International School of Colour & Design. Now Director of Insights & Trends at Temple & Webster, Lucy is renowned for her deep knowledge of colour psychology, materials, and spatial trends. A frequent speaker and global trend forecaster, she brings unparalleled expertise in how Australians live and design their spaces, making her a valuable contributor to the KBDi Awards judging panel.
Christine McCoy
Colour & Design Consultant, BlueScope® Steel
Christine McCoy is a passionate and highly experienced colour and design consultant, currently shaping colour direction at COLORBOND® steel. With a background in boutique paint development and extensive industry collaboration, Christine’s expertise lies in creating innovative colour palettes that are both functional and inspiring. Her role at BlueScope involves work across residential, commercial, and sustainable building projects, collaborating with architects, designers, and media. Christine’s broad design lens – fuelled by global travel, art, and architecture – together with her presentation and judging experience, ensures she brings a creative yet practical eye to the KBDi Design Awards panel.
Nicola Manning
Director, Nicola Manning Design (New Zealand)
Nicola Manning is a multi-award-winning interior designer with over 20 years of experience in residential design, specialising in large-scale renovations and new builds. Based in New Zealand, she is a Professional Member of the Designers Institute of New Zealand (PDINZ), Vice-President of the NKBA Executive Board, and a frequent contributor to national design panels. Nicola’s extensive qualifications and design credentials—spanning interior decoration, kitchen design, and commerce—enable her to approach each project with creativity and rigour. Her practical knowledge of cabinetry, spatial planning, and client-focused design will be instrumental in evaluating this year’s entries.
Diverse Expertise, Shared Standards of Excellence
This year's judging panel reflects a rich tapestry of skills, from strategic trend forecasting and innovative product application to on-the-ground design experience and technical knowledge. Lucy brings deep consumer insights and global trend leadership, Christine offers a vibrant perspective on colour and materials in the built environment, and Nicola provides hands-on design execution and client-focused thinking.
Together, they embody the core values of the KBDi Design Awards: creativity, functionality, and innovation. With their expert eyes and diverse backgrounds, our judges will highlight Australia’s best design work and help define what’s next in kitchen and bathroom design.