Starnet Design Awards Jury
The Starnet Design Awards Jury is composed of highly respected and experienced professionals from the architect and design community. Each bring category expertise and share their time, professionalism, and knowledge to recognize the outstanding commercial interiors with focus on the flooring elements. Each year the judges play a pivotal role in the overall success of the Starnet Design Awards. It is through their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication upholding the highest standards of excellence that make the awards possible.
Sarah Joubert AIA, LEED AP
Principal | Managing Director
Gensler
Sarah is Principal and Managing Director of Gensler’s Tampa office where she leads client relationships, talent development, office strategy, operations, and business development. Driven by a determined optimism, she advocates for the transformative power of design to foster positive change and create a future that promotes equity, resilience, and wellbeing for all.
Sarah is Principal and Managing Director of Gensler’s Tampa office where she leads client relationships, talent development, office strategy, operations, and business development. Driven by a determined optimism, she advocates for the transformative power of design to foster positive change and create a future that promotes equity, resilience, and wellbeing for all. Her expertise combines exceptional technical skills with a deep commitment to building and nurturing client relationships. Her dedication to providing personal attention and delivering creative, business-focused solutions has earned her the trust of her clients. She approaches each design challenge as an opportunity to innovate, leading to continuous evolution of smarter and more integrated design solutions.
With over 13 years at Gensler, Sarah has led a diverse portfolio of architecture and interior design projects across various sectors, including Developer Office Buildings, Build-to-Suit, Corporate Workplace, Sciences, Financial Services, Retail, and Master Planning. Her broad experience spans managing her own design firm prior to joining Gensler to working across multiple industries, performing construction administration, and estimating construction projects. Sarah plays a vital role in mentoring her colleagues and has been instrumental in the growth and market expansion of Gensler’s Tampa office.
She currently serves on the board of REIC and is a member of the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Special Services District committee. Previously, she served on a committee for CREW’s annual Excellence Awards event and as East Director for the American Institute of Architects. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Architecture from the University of Florida. Sarah is a Licensed Architect and Interior Designer in the State of Florida and a LEED Accredited Professional.
Megan Skaalen, CID, IIDA
Senior Principal | Studio Lead
Smith Group
With a background in art and a passion for people, Megan brings a creative eye and a growth mindset to every challenge and opportunity.
With a background in art and a passion for people, Megan brings a creative eye and a growth mindset to every challenge and opportunity. She is passionate about building authentic relationships, creating compelling narratives, and facilitating creative partnerships with clients, stakeholders, and team members. Her mission is to support and guide her team as they create amazing spaces that inspire, empower, and delight, while staying true to her values of excellence, intention, and humor.
Caitlin Turner, BAAID MDesign, ARIDO, NCIDQ, LEED GA
Senior Principal | Director of Design, Interiors
HOK
As the Director of Interiors, Caitlin’s experience is often leveraged and referenced when clients request avant-garde and creative design solutions. Her knowledge of all facets of the interior design process is highly appreciated and sought after by clients, and she enjoys the collaboration that comes from productive client interface and relationship management.
As the Director of Interiors, Caitlin’s experience is often leveraged and referenced when clients request avant-garde and creative design solutions. Her knowledge of all facets of the interior design process is highly appreciated and sought after by clients, and she enjoys the collaboration that comes from productive client interface and relationship management. Caitlin’s passion for design extends beyond the workplace and is apparent in her enthusiasm for researching trends, products, and materials, as well as in her commitment to fostering the growth of the design industry.
Caitlin’s focus on thought leadership has recently included insights and questions about the future of work. She has been examining the human experience and how workplace design can positively contribute to that experience. As the problems within the traditional paradigm of work are being exposed, Caitlin is exploring how to create more rewarding and healthier spaces for all users.
Unique Installation Challenge Judge
Robert Varden
President, CEO
UNITE
Robert Varden, a passionate advocate for flooring installers, has dedicated his life to perfecting the craft and art of flooring installation. Born in Alabama and raised in Arizona, he began laying carpet at 14, bought his first house at 18, and became a floor covering entrepreneur at 21.
Robert Varden, a passionate advocate for flooring installers, has dedicated his life to perfecting the craft and art of flooring installation. Born in Alabama and raised in Arizona, he began laying carpet at 14, bought his first house at 18, and became a floor covering entrepreneur at 21. Varden’s career includes significant commercial installations, such as San Francisco International Airport and Apple Computers, and he has been sought after globally for his expertise. Despite his success, he acknowledges the challenges installers face, often being undervalued. Varden emphasizes the importance of recognizing installers as professionals and ensuring they are aware of and can seize opportunities. His commitment to the industry is evident in his roles as a consultant, inspector, trainer, expert witness, columnist, and speaker.
