A panel of six independent judges is comprised of home industry experts, each of whom bring their specific expertise and perspective to the ARTS awards. Five judges come from various industry backgrounds and a sixth judge represents the Sustainable Furnishings Council, who determines the Green Award winner.
Judges begin by convening in November for an intensive review of finalists’ submissions. The judges independently review and score each submission on category-specific criteria established by the ARTS Awards Committee. They review both digital submissions as well as physical product examples.
Current ART members are invited to participate in a peer vote, which is combined with the judges' scores. After judges submit their scores and ART members vote, the results are tabulated by an independent accounting firm and the list of winners is kept confidential until the ARTS Awards gala.
The winners of each category and the Academy of Achievement and HEARTS Award honorees are announced in January during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market.
Anastasia Casey, Founder,
The Interior Collective, IDCO Studio, Kwin Made, & Design Camp
Anastasia Casey is the founder of The Interior Collective, IDCO Studio, Kwin Made, and Design Camp—four powerhouse brands shaping the future of the interior design industry. With a career dedicated to elevating designers through strategic branding, editorial storytelling, and digital infrastructure, Anastasia has become a trusted partner to top names like Amber Interiors, Marie Flanigan, Nate Berkus, and dozens of the most influential studios across the country.
What began as a niche design blog has grown into a multifaceted platform at the forefront of the design business—encompassing a chart-topping podcast, editorial publication, renowned luxury business retreats, and a best-in-class creative agency serving the interior design community. Her work continues to propel the industry forward—with clarity, community, and impact.
Susan Jones, Group Publisher, Home News Now
Susan Jones, a well-respected executive in the home furnishings industry, was most recently Vice President of Business Development, Steinreich Communications Group and former Publisher of Scranton-Gillette’s Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine.
In her almost seven years at the helm of the brand, Susan was integral to elevating Furniture, Lighting & Decor to one of the top trade brands in the home furnishings industry, serving a diverse audience of retailers and interior design professionals. Prior to her role at Steinreich Communications and Furniture, Lighting & Decor, which was sold at the end of 2024, Susan held various sales roles at Furniture Today magazine, rising to the position of Associate Publisher.
Lorele Lesoing, Founder, President, and Lead Interior Designer, Lee Douglas Interiors
Lorele Lesoing is the Founder, President, and Lead Interior Designer of Lee Douglas Interiors, a full-service design firm and home décor retailer based in Nebraska. With over 35 years of industry experience, she has grown the company into one of the Midwest’s premier design destinations, known for its curated furniture collections, personalized client service, and timeless design.
Since launching Lee Douglas Interiors in 1989, Lorele has expanded the business to three retail locations, including a 30,000 sq. ft. flagship in Omaha. Her leadership blends business acumen with creative vision, shaping the company’s reputation for design excellence and innovation. Lorele remains deeply involved in every aspect of the firm—from mentoring her design team to product development—ensuring every project reflects the Lee Douglas Interiors signature: elevated, functional, and unforgettable.
Kenneth Ludwig, Interior Designer & Owner,
Kenneth Ludwig Chicago
Kenneth Ludwig is a well-known interior designer and owner of Kenneth Ludwig Chicago, a high-end home furnishings and interior design store located in Chicago, Illinois. He has gained recognition for his distinctive and luxurious interior design style. Kenneth Ludwig Chicago offers a wide range of furniture, lighting, and home furnishings, catering to clients looking for upscale & unique pieces to enhance their living spaces. Kenneth Ludwig's designs often incorporate a mix of classic and contemporary elements, and his work is known for its attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. He is also a past ARTS Awards Winner and current ART Board Member.
Colleen Visage, COO, Alteck LLC
Colleen Visage is the Chief Operating Officer of Alteck LLC, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience across brand strategy, new product development, design, product management, marketing, sourcing, operations, and channel management within the consumer products, specialty retail, design, lighting, and home décor industries – including both soft and hard goods. Throughout her career, Colleen has focused on building strong customer relationships, driving collaborations, and fostering strategic partnerships to deliver successful global product launches. Known for leading with integrity, mentoring teams, and nurturing creative talent, Colleen cultivates collaborative environments that drive innovation, elevate design excellence, optimize sourcing and operational efficiency, and create meaningful value for customers and organizations alike.
GREEN JUDGE:
Michela O'Connor Abrams, Board Chair, Sustainable Furnishings Council and Sustainable Furnishings Educational Fund.
Michela exclusively serves as the Green Award judge and reviews only the manufacturing finalists’ submissions. Michela is the Founder of MOCA+, which focuses on integrating design thinking and leadership into business strategy. Former CEO of Dwell Media, she grew the brand from a startup to an international name. With experience at IDG, Softbank, McGrawHill, Ziff Davis, and Future Media, she has led companies through growth and turnaround phases. Michela serves on the board of Arcbazar and advises several companies, including Turkel Design and Nebia. She is a sought-after speaker on leadership, design, and media.
See the ARTS Committee
See the ARTS Nominations Panel