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.
Liz Sims
Director of Interior Design
Michael Graves
Liz Sims is a seasoned interior design leader with 28 years of experience, including three years as Partner and Director of Interior Design at Michael Graves. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Georgia Southern University and is NCIDQ certified and a Registered Interior Designer in North Carolina.
Liz Sims is a seasoned interior design leader with 28 years of experience, including three years as Partner and Director of Interior Design at Michael Graves. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Georgia Southern University and is NCIDQ certified and a Registered Interior Designer in North Carolina.
Liz specializes in corporate space planning, facilities operations, and change management, bringing a unique perspective from her prior role in facilities design for a financial services company. Her expertise spans all phases of design projects, from programming and concept development to FF&E procurement, selection, and installation.
Throughout her career, Liz has successfully led diverse projects across higher education, healthcare, senior living, hospitality, and commercial sectors. Her portfolio includes major renovations and new construction for universities, athletic facilities, corporate offices, assisted living communities, and boutique retail spaces. She is recognized for her ability to translate client visions into creative, functional environments that enhance user experience.
Liz is an active member of IIDA, NAIOP, and IFMA, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and industry engagement.
Caleb Salomons
Director of Design, Interiors
HOK
Caleb is the Director of Design, Interiors at HOK, where he leads high-profile, large-scale workplace design projects for local and international clients. He champions forward-looking design solutions grounded in work-behavior research and corporate real estate best practices.
Caleb is the Director of Design, Interiors at HOK, where he leads high-profile, large-scale workplace design projects for local and international clients. He champions forward-looking design solutions grounded in work-behaviour research and corporate real estate best practices.
With expertise blending progressive design and practicality, Caleb advocates for thoughtful design. Design that is particular, responsive, and strategic. Design that is technically well-crafted and future-ready. Design that is rich, layered and bold. His work has been recognized with regional and international design awards.
Caleb is member of HOK’s Diversity Advisory Council, MRU’s Advisory Council, and the Interior Designer of Alberta Council. He is a contributor to HOK’s Thought Leadership team and a regular public speaker on topics related to Workplace Design.
Brent Otsuka
Manager of Interior Design
Fentress Studios
Brent Otsuka is an interior designer, at Fentress Studios, known for conceptually driven spaces that seamlessly translate innovative ideas into built environments. With a natural ability to create dynamic interiors, Brent designs spaces that not only enhance their surroundings but also immerse users in a cohesive, story-driven experience. His approach is rooted in collaboration—engaging clients and stakeholders to uncover the vision for each space and guiding it from concept to realization.
Brent Otsuka is an interior designer, at Fentress Studios, known for conceptually driven spaces that seamlessly translate innovative ideas into built environments. With a natural ability to create dynamic interiors, Brent designs spaces that not only enhance their surroundings but also immerse users in a cohesive, story-driven experience. His approach is rooted in collaboration—engaging clients and stakeholders to uncover the vision for each space and guiding it from concept to realization.
Through the thoughtful integration of materials, architectural form, technology, lighting, and furnishings, Brent brings concepts to life with clarity and intention. His nuanced use of color, form, texture, and pattern establishes harmony throughout the interior while reinforcing the narrative at the heart of each design.
Brent brings more than a decade of professional experience to his practice. As Manager of the Interior Design Department at Fentress Studios, he has played a key role on design teams for numerous award-winning projects, including the Miami Beach Convention Center, The Expo at the World Market Center, and Concourse D at Nashville International Airport.
Beyond his professional work, Brent is deeply committed to the interior design community. He is actively involved with the International Interior Design Association, Rocky Mountain Chapter, where he currently serves as Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. In 2022, the chapter launched an Education Fund to support local BIPOC students pursuing careers in the built environment—an initiative made possible entirely through community-funded silent auction contributions and aimed at creating a more inclusive future for the profession.
Unique Installation Challenge Judge
David Gross
Executive Director
INSTALL
David Gross serves as the Executive Director of INSTALL – the International Standards and Training Alliance – the flooring industry’s leading, manufacturer-endorsed program for installation training, standards, and certification. Since stepping into the role in 2022, he has led national initiatives focused on workforce development, contractor performance, and strengthening INSTALL’s partnerships across the commercial flooring ecosystem.
David Gross serves as the Executive Director of INSTALL – the International Standards and Training Alliance – the flooring industry’s leading, manufacturer-endorsed program for installation training, standards, and certification. Since stepping into the role in 2022, he has led national initiatives focused on workforce development, contractor performance, and strengthening INSTALL’s partnerships across the commercial flooring ecosystem.
Gross brings decades of field and instructional experience. He spent eight years as a full-time Level III flooring instructor at the Northeast Carpenters Apprenticeship Training Center in Hammonton, N.J., after an extensive career working as an installer, foreman, superintendent, estimator, and project manager on major commercial flooring projects.
He holds an MBA from Pittsburg State University, a bachelor’s degree in economics from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, advanced instructor credentials in Workforce Education from Pennsylvania State University, and is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
As a presenter for AIA, IIDA, IFMA, and CSI audiences, Gross is recognized for helping architects, designers, and facility managers better understand technical challenges, installation standards, and risk mitigation in commercial floorcovering.