With only one week left until we announce the Dezeen Awards 2022 longlists, judges including Arianna Lelli Mami and Chiara Di Pinto, Willo Perron, Mary Katrantzou and Stefano Boeri have explained what it means to be a Dezeen Awards judge.

"To be part of the jury this year is a great honour for our studio, but also a great responsibility," said Mami and Di Pinto from Studiopepe, who are judging this year's design categories.

Boeri of Italian studio Stefano Boeri Architetti agrees being a Dezeen Awards judge carries considerable weight.

"The selected projects must demonstrate that change is already underway and that young people, in particular, are driving it forward, for a more sustainable, inclusive and accessible future," said Boeri.

"Dezeen Awards can have a profound effect on the shortlisted brands"

According to London-based fashion designer Katrantzou, being a judge is more than just scoring entries.

"For me, it is an incredible opportunity to be able to support designers from all over the world and feel inspired by their work and creative process," said Katrantzou.

"I really respect Dezeen as a platform and believe the Dezeen Awards can have a profound effect on the shortlisted brands," she added.

"Being recognised in your industry by your peers and people you respect builds your confidence and allows you to have the strength of your own conviction when defining your work."

"I admire those who have the courage to stand in their own universe"

Canadian creative director and designer Perron told Dezeen why he joined the architecture panel for this year's programme.

"It's always exciting to be able to see everyone's work and see into other's minds," said Perron, co-founder of Los Angeles-based design studio Perron-Roettinger.

"The thing that always really attracts me to people's work is a strong sense of identity and world-building," he explained. "I admire those who have the courage to stand in their own universe."

The longlists will be announced on Dezeen between 8 and 12 August. Please subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with all Dezeen Awards 2022 related news!