The DAIKIN Designer Awards 2025 is approaching its climax. This follows DAIKIN’s recent completion of the Live Judging stage. Finalists selected from each category were given the opportunity to present their design works throughout this direct judging period from October 2 to 30, 2025.
The evaluation focus extends beyond mere aesthetics. It equally emphasizes spatial functionality, air distribution efficiency, narrative strength in design, material sustainability, and long-term user comfort.
This broad scope of evaluation aligns with the spirit of this year’s DAIKIN Designer Awards, which aims to set a benchmark for ideal residential and commercial building design competitions. It places special emphasis on seamlessly integrating aesthetic appeal with efficient air distribution systems, not only across Indonesia and Malaysia but throughout the ASEAN region.
These high expectations align with the evolution of the DAIKIN Designer Awards. For the first time since its inaugural edition in 2020, this annual competition for architecture and interior design professionals and students has expanded to include cross-border collaboration between Indonesia and Malaysia. This partnership marks a new milestone in reaching the broader Southeast Asian design community.
This cross-border involvement is also reflected in the jury composition. Malaysian judges include Adjunct Prof. Dr. Joe W.H. Chan, Dr. Wong Pei San, and Ar. Mun Inn Chan. Meanwhile, Indonesian judges feature architect Tan Tik Lam, interior designer Alex Bayusaputro, and architect Cosmas Gozali. Public figure Daniel Mananta also serves on the panel. During this hybrid judging process, the Indonesian jury members convened together at DAIKIN’s headquarters in Jakarta.
This year’s edition attracted 1,755 applicants from both countries. The selected finalists represent the Finished Project, Conceptual Professional, and Conceptual Student categories, encompassing architectural and interior designs ranging from residential spaces to Food & Beverage establishments. The culmination of the DAIKIN Designer Awards 2025, featuring the grand winner announcement, will take place on November 27, 2025.
